The Conservatory's Composition Department is committed to developing the complete musician, with performance and musicianship supporting activities in composition. Visiting artists, frequent competitions and inter-departmental collaboration enhance a department directed by world-class faculty, situated in the artistic center of "the composer's city," San Francisco.

 

Please visit the SFCM Composition Facebook page to see what our students are up to!  You can find the page here. 

 

• Five composition faculty
• Small department of 30 composers enrolled at any one time
• Both undergraduate and graduate degrees offered
• Electronic Composition Studio allows student composers and performers access to the latest electronic instruments and equipment
• Scholarly courses in composition technique, style and theory offered at both the undergraduate and graduate level
• Close collaboration between faculty, students and visiting artists
• Annual collaboration between composition students and specific instrumental departments
• Extensive performance opportunities
• Three or more annual concerts of student composer works performed by the New Music Ensemble
• Annual Highsmith Competition for composition students, with winning piece performed by the Conservatory Orchestra in the season's final concert
• Annual Conservatory Choral Competition for composition students
• Annual Conservatory Art Song Competition for composition students and vocalists
• Annual Kris Getz Composition Competition awards a commission to compose a work for young musicians, to be premiered by students in the Preparatory Division
• San Francisco is described as a "composer's city," with many opportunities to be involved in premieres, work with visiting composers and shape the future of new music
• Recent guest composers in residence include John Adams (2007-08)
   

STUDIO FACULTY
Elinor Armer
Dan Becker chair, composition department
David Conte
David Garner
Conrad Susa

We encourage prospective students to contact the composition faculty to arrange a consultative lesson. The composition faculty and the Office of Music Admission are happy to answer any specific questions that you have about our program.

CLASSES TO VISIT