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Technology and Applied Composition

Degrees and Programs

Undergraduate

TAC Bachelor of Music

A versatile, hands-on program to compose, design, and engineer.

Forging a new identity for the 21st-century composer
— The New York Times

a student in studio A

SFCM’s TAC program offers students a direct path to careers in film, television and media scoring, sound design, and audio engineering. More than 90% of alumni are employed in the field of their choice—one of the highest job placement rates anywhere.

Our intentionally small class sizes enable every student to receive significant faculty attention and participate in projects projects like our collaborations with Sony and other nearby technology and music institutions. Our signature facility, Studio H, is outfitted with Dolby Atmos spatial audio and Meyer Sound, and has been used by representatives of the GRAMMY Awards for listening sessions.

Graduates of SFCM's Technology and Applied Composition (TAC) program have composed music for Super Bowl commercials, popular video games, and independent films, become successful recording artists, music producers, and are employed by companies like Sony, Spitfire Audio, Electronic Arts, and Ubisoft. This program is home to film and video game scoring, audio engineering, sound design, music production, electronic music, and custom instrument building. SFCM's TAC program provides artists a cutting-edge skillset ready to take on the music industry of today.

The Bowes Center is a versatile, state-of-the-art facility that combines the needs for education, music production, and live performance."

—Scott Hanau, Sony Interactive Manager of Music, credited with scoring more than 40 video games

See more media from the TAC department. 

TAC Faculty

Innovators and industry experts

Film and Video Game Scoring SFCM TAC

Film and Video Game Scoring

Visuals may draw you in, but sound completes the picture. Learn the ins and outs of scoring for movies, television, video games, and other media through our state-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and visiting artist masterclasses. Our wide-ranging courses train young composers in the art of storytelling through music and sound effects.

Audio Engineering

Develop an ear for audio excellence through SFCM's audio engineering classes. Learn how to record and mix music, how to use professional audio recording equipment, and state-of-the-art software including the latest versions of Pro Tools, Logic, and Ableton, standards in most professional studios, all working under the close instruction of Grammy-award winning engineers.

Music Production

Complete creative control. Craft the sounds you want from idea inception to finished product. In these courses you will learn to multitrack, record, overdub, edit, and mix music in a variety of styles using sophisticated digital audio systems. This program will give you the analytical and professional experience needed for a variety of music production-focused careers.

Sound Design

Sound design courses include everything from recording, to sampling, editing, scoring, and sound mixing. In sound design courses you will learn how to collect, edit, and create sound effects, ambient effects, for nearly every form of media.

SFCM Opera performance

Industry Alliances to Support Students and Artists

In recent years, SFCM acquired two leading artist management companies and an iconic record label to reimagine how elements of the music industry can better integrate to advance the human experience through music. For students, that means more opportunities to interact with touring artists and industry experts–including professional development workshops, side-by-side performances, and enhanced masterclasses.

SFCM 50 Oak inside

Visiting the Campus

We look forward to your visit! Contact the Office of Admissions to take a tour of our facilities. You can also contact the TAC faculty directly to arrange a consultative lesson.

MaryClare Brztywa and a student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music

Audit a Class

We've saved a seat for you. During your visit to SFCM, sit in on a class or two and see what it's like to be a student at the Conservatory.

TAC Soundboard

Studios

SFCM’s TAC studios are the best around. They feature the latest versions of all major digital audio workstations on the market, as well as top-of-the-line hardware to suit your every recording and mixing need.

Financial Aid and Affordability

At SFCM, we understand that college is a substantial investment. We're here to help, and we're committed to working with you to achieve the education you desire. 99% of our students receive financial aid at an average rate of 57% tuition discount.

Life on Campus

Learn about safe and secure, all-suite on-campus housing, where 24/7 practice rooms are just the beginning.

Performances

We put on more than 500 performances a year, including student recitals, masterclasses, and side-by-sides with exciting guest artists—most of them free to the public. Check out one today.

Newsroom

Get the inside scoop on everything going on at SFCM with stories of SFCM's students, alumni, faculty and leadership.

Alliances

SFCM leads an alliance across the music industry consisting of artist management companies Opus 3 Artists and Askonas Holt and recording label Pentatone. Together, their work creates opportunities for students, artists, presenters, and audiences to develop and experience new ideas.