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Voice
Voice
Degrees and Programs
Undergraduate
Graduate
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SFCM's Voice Department builds on a deep commitment to operatic voice training, one that has produced industry stars like Elza van den Heever, Amina Edris, and Efraín Solís. From there, SFCM makes sure our Voice students are able to use that foundation to explore wherever their voice wants to go, whether that's musical theatre, pop and contemporary vocals, or improvisation.
SFCM offers a wide range of vocal performance experiences, from fully staged operas with the SFCM Orchestra to Historical Performance and Baroque productions with chamber ensembles, as well as workshops, scene showcases, and a dedicated undergraduate opera each winter term.
SFCM's largest venue, the Caroline H. Hume Concert Hall, boasts cutting-edge projection technology that allows for an immersive experience for both performers and audiences.
Many of our faculty members maintain active performance careers and have ties to not only the San Francisco Opera, but companies across the Bay Area and beyond. And SFCM singers—like all Conservatory students—benefit from SFCM's Global Creative Network with arts management companies Askonas Holt and Opus 3 Artists, with industry luminaries from their rosters like Joyce DiDonato, Meow Meow, Patricia Racette, and Craig Terry visiting the Conservatory for performances and masterclasses.
Prospective students can request a sample lesson with Voice faculty here.
View Opera and Musical Theatre for more information on the program.
Faculty
Faculty
Margaret Halbig
Principal Vocal Coach, Instrumental Collaborative Pianist
Voice
Vocal Studies
Learn more about
Margaret Halbig
Catherine Cook
Frederica Von Stade Distinguished Professor of Voice
Voice
Learn more about
Catherine Cook
Vocal Coaches and Pianists
Vocal students are coached, guided, and supported by the Conservatory's dedicated staff of vocal coaches and collaborative pianists, helmed by Associate Chair and Vocal Coach Managing Supervisor Margaret Halbig and Principal Vocal Coach John Wilson.
View All Vocal Studies Faculty >
Margaret Halbig
Associate Chair
Vocal Coach Managing Supervisor
John Wilson
Principal Vocal Coach
"At SFCM we ground things in classical vocal technique. With the non-technical side, the artistry, we continue to develop that from whichever genre it has grown."—Richard Cox, Executive Chair and Professor of Voice.
Joyce DiDonato (represented by SFCM Global Creative Alliance member Askonas Holt) sings at SFCM's commencement following a week of activities at the Conservatory, including a masterclass for students.
Opera and Musical Theatre Department Chair and SFCM time alumna Heather Mathews guides students to finding the true essence of their characters while delving into music and text.
Each year, SFCM produces seven fully-staged opera and musical theatre productions: Three Opera productions (two mainstage, one chamber), two Musical Theatre productions, an undergraduate opera, and a semi-staged Historical Performance opera.
SFCM voice students perform in rehearsals and opera performances throughout the year, including Voice Department recitals, masterclasses, and residencies.
Students learn alongside professional vocalists in an audition workshop for singers.
Opus 3-represented operatic soprano Patricia Racette directed SFCM's production of The Consul, conducted by California Symphony Music Director Donato Cabrera.
SFCM alumna Esther Tonea performs at an on-campus workshop with Jake Heggie.
Beyond Your Major
Customize your degree with minors that deepen your musical interests or expand your skills across disciplines.
Explore music theory, history, humanities, and interdisciplinary coursework that broadens your perspective as both a musician and a scholar.
Perform in recitals, ensembles, orchestras, opera productions, chamber music, and more than 500 concerts each year.
Develop skills in entrepreneurship, finance, marketing, contracts, and career planning.
Live, learn, rehearse, and connect in a residence designed to bring artists together in one creative community.
Find community through student organizations, wellness resources, campus traditions, and life in the heart of San Francisco.
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![A scene from Mozart’s "Idomeneo".](/sites/default/files/2025-06/idomeneojpg.jpg "A scene from Mozart’s "Idomeneo".")
Mozart Decoded: SFCM Faculty Help SF Opera Explain Ideas Behind 'Idomeneo'
SFCM’s Rebecca Plack gave six 90-minute presentations on the layered context that makes up Mozart’s ‘Idomeneo’ for the San Francisco Opera.
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