Performance Departments

Strings

The Conservatory's Department of Strings features a world-class faculty who are active performers in orchestras, chamber groups and festivals around the world. Small studio size and a close-knit faculty allow students to work closely with their studio teacher and other members of the string faculty as well. Opportunities to play music of many genres and eras, to perform in chamber groups and orchestras and to compete in competitions all complement private studies. The program's close inter-departmental collaborations and strong connections to the outside music scene prepare graduates for the music world beyond the Conservatory.
 
We invite you to visit our Press Page for news about the string department at SFCM. Be sure to also check out our Performance Calendar for upcoming string area concerts at SFCM.  Please visit our SFCM Strings Facebook page!

CELLO DEPARTMENT: AT A GLANCE
 
  • Two cello faculty
  • Small department of 20-25 students
  • Opportunities to play chamber music and receive coaching by chamber faculty
  • Weekly studio class
  • Annual String Concerto Competition - winner performs with the Conservatory Orchestra
  • Regular solo and chamber performance opportunities in our Concert Halls
  • Six or more Conservatory Orchestra concerts per year
  • Six or more Baroque Ensemble performances per year
  • Six or more New Music Ensemble performances per year
  • Recent master classes include Bonnie Hampton and Norman Fischer


FACULTY
Jennifer Culp
Jean-Michel Fonteneau

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

DOUBLE BASS DEPARTMENT: AT A GLANCE

  • Two double bass faculty, both members of the San Francisco Symphony
  • Small program of 10-12 students
  • Weekly repertoire classes
  • Opportunities to play chamber music and receive coaching by chamber faculty
  • Recent master classes include Timothy Cobb, Hal Robinson and Janne Saksala
  • Annual String Concerto Competition - winner performs with the Conservatory Orchestra
  • Regular solo and chamber performance opportunities in our Concert Halls
  • Six or more Conservatory Orchestra concerts per year
  • Six or more Baroque Ensemble performances per year
  • Six or more New Music Ensemble performances per year


FACULTY
Scott Pingel
Stephen Tramontozzi

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


HARP DEPARTMENT: AT A GLANCE

  • Small program of three to four students
  • Weekly harp class
  • Biannual Harp Concerto Competition - winner performs with the Conservatory Orchestra
  • Regular solo and chamber performance opportunities in our Concert Halls
  • Six or more Conservatory Orchestra concerts per year
  • Six or more Baroque Ensemble performances per year
  • Six or more New Music Ensemble performances per year


FACULTY
Douglas Rioth

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

 
VIOLA DEPARTMENT: AT A GLANCE
  • Five viola faculty
  • Small program of under 20 students
  • Weekly studio class
  • Opportunities to play chamber music and receive coaching by chamber faculty
  • Annual String Concerto Competition - winner performs with the Conservatory Orchestra
  • Regular solo and chamber performance opportunities in our Concert Halls
  • Six or more Conservatory Orchestra concerts per year
  • Six or more Baroque Ensemble performances per year
  • Six or more New Music Ensemble performances per year
  • Master classes with artists such as Kim Kashkashian and Roberto Diaz


FACULTY
Don Ehrlich
Paul Hersh
Katie Kadarauch orchestral excerpts
Jodi Levitz chair, string department
Madeline Prager

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


VIOLIN DEPARTMENT: AT A GLANCE

  • Five violin faculty
  • Small program of around 45 students
  • Weekly studio class
  • Opportunities to play chamber music and receive coaching by chamber faculty
  • Annual String Concerto Competition - winner performs with the Conservatory Orchestra
  • Regular solo and chamber performance opportunities in our Concert Halls
  • Six or more Conservatory Orchestra concerts per year
  • Six or more Baroque Ensemble performances per year
  • Six or more New Music Ensemble performances per year
  • Recent master classes include Gil Shaham and Robert Mann


FACULTY
Alexander Barantschik
Wei He
Li Lin
 Bettina Mussumeli
Ian Swensen
Catherine Van Hoesen orchestral excerpts for violin

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


CLASSES TO VISIT

Orchestra
New Music Ensemble
Baroque Ensemble
Chamber Music
Violin Studio Class*
Viola Class*
Cello Class*
Double Bass Class*
Harp Class*
 
*Please contact the appropriate faculty member to inquire about attending this class