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Graduate and postgraduate programs at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music offer several advanced areas of study that serve to develop the professional musician. Emphasis is placed on performance opportunities, in conjunction with private lessons, master classes, academic course work and graduate seminars.

 

Master of Music  

The Master of Music degree is offered in chamber music, guitar, composition, conducting, keyboard instruments, orchestral instruments, piano accompanying and voice. The Conservatory also offers the Artist Certificate in Chamber Music, the Postgraduate Diploma in Vocal Performance and the Professional Studies Diploma in Instrumental Performance.

 

Two years of residence are required for master’s degree candidates.  An accelerated schedule requires approval of the academic advisor, the major professor and the Academic Affairs Committee. Students in need of review study may be required to extend their programs beyond two years. A maximum of three years is allowed between the time of entrance and completion of the Master of Music degree.  Students who major in either performance or composition typically receive weekly 50-minute lessons. Students are allowed 14 lessons in the fall semester and 15 lessons in the spring semester. Private

instruction must be taken with a member of the Conservatory collegiate faculty.

 

At the conclusion of each academic year, students will be required to perform before faculty jurors. Students who enter in January will play their jury examinations in December of that calendar year.

 

These examinations determine whether the student has satisfactorily completed yearly requirements in the major instrument and influence continuing eligibility for scholarship assistance.  Jury examination and recital requirements vary according to the major field. No required recitals or juries can be given unless the student is registered for PVL 600R at the time of the recital or jury. No required recitals or juries can be given outside of the regular collegiate sessions. Exceptions to this policy are only given in extreme cases. Students must petition the Academic Affairs Committee to request such an exception.

Students must participate in ensembles to which they are assigned.  All brass majors are also required to participate in Brass Choir every semester.

 

 The Postgraduate Diploma in Vocal Performance is a one-year program that provides exceptionally talented students who have already completed a master’s degree, or the equivalent, the opportunity to continue their professional studies. All ensemble classes are available by audition, but placement is not guaranteed.

 

Postgraduate students, at the discretion of the voice faculty, may be required to perform a piece chosen by the voice faculty at the end of the first semester for evaluation. During the second semester the postgraduate student must perform a recital, the requirements forwhich are the same as for the Master of Music degree but at a more advanced level appropriate to postgraduate studies. Evaluation and jury requirements are also the same as the Master of Music degree.

 

The Professional Studies Diploma is a one-year non-degree program designed to provide focused studies for young artists in the preprofessional stages of their careers. It is intended for students who wish to study on an advanced level and to assist them in preparing for major competitions, auditions and performance careers by emphasizing individual instruction and performance opportunities.  With the exception of private lessons, the curriculum is designed by the student in consultation with his/her major teacher, in accordance with the student’s specific career goals. This affords time for intense personal study and the freedom to choose electives, ensembles and independent study projects directly related to professional goals.  Students who major in either performance or composition typically receive weekly 50-minute lessons. Private instruction must be taken with a member of the Conservatory Collegiate faculty.

 

Students are required to complete one jury as well as any midterm evaluations required by their individual departments.  Jury requirements are determined by department in accordance with the student’s specific career plans. A recital is required in all departments except for brass and percussion.