SFCM draws on the bold creativity of San Francisco to offer unparalleled training for the 21 st century musician. We support students in developing the skills and vision to chart successful careers and advance the human experience through music.
We believe a musical education must extend far beyond technical and performance skills. Our commitment to music of enduring quality and importance is the foundation of our innovative curriculum, cultivating critical thinking and business acumen alongside artistic practice, and creating a transformative environment of inquiry, collaboration, and entrepreneurship. Our DNA combines a global perspective with the unstoppable energy and imagination of San Francisco. Our pioneering programs and partnerships with leading institutions and businesses prepare students to seize opportunities in music and a wide array of the fastest developing sectors today. SFCM is a magnet for exceptional faculty whose ongoing professional experience benefits our students. As the only conservatory partnered with two leading artist management companies and an iconic record label, we are able to provide our students unique insight and access to the music industry.
SFCM’s Bowes Center dramatically amplifies the scale of opportunity we can provide students and transforms the way we engage with the public. A bespoke, signature building with state-of-the-art facilities in downtown San Francisco, the Center encourages our students to contribute more actively to the life of the city - living on-site, performing, recording, broadcasting, and engaging with our neighboring arts organizations and local communities. The expansion of our campus enhances the possibilities of our training, fuels the potential of our students, and nurtures the music of tomorrow.
Four Pillars
Our core mission is to transform our students: artistically, intellectually, professionally, and individually.
Artist—Our students study music at the highest level among esteemed faculty.
Intellectual—SFCM students expand their curiosity and understanding of the world through a dynamic curriculum that develops the skills of inquiry, analysis, and communication necessary to pursue any endeavor.
Professional—Students are pushed to reframe challenges as opportunity and understand the nature of excellence.
Individual—No matter their path, our students learn to pursue dreams with vigor and determination.
During these challenging times, SFCM has continued to provide students with a first-class education, consistently adapting with a creative, Bay Area spirit.
SFCM is committed to raising underrepresented voices in everything that we do by bringing human experiences from different genders, sexual orientations, and races into the curriculum and performances, creating a thriving community.
Success at SFCM is measured in many ways. Through program review, retention and graduation rates, and student achievement data, SFCM ensures that we are supporting student learning, engagement, and success.
Alliances
In recent years, SFCM acquired two leading artist management companies and an iconic record label. Together, we are reimaging how the music industry works—in service of the success of students, artists, and the public.
The Emerging Black Composers Project is a ten-year commitment to spotlight early-career Black American composers and their music.
Rubin Institute for Music Criticism
The Rubin Institute for Music Criticism brings together leading music journalists, renowned musicians and aspiring young writers, combining the wisdom and insight of today's...
Music, Creativity, And Brain Science
SFCM, GBHI and the UCSF Memory and Aging Center joined forces in 2019 to explore the intersection of music, creativity, and brain science. Through this innovative...