A new documentary delves deep into SFCM's Pre-College guitar program, strumming the highlights of young guitar talent and the department's uniqueness.  

A collaboration between the Virtual Guitar Orchestra (VGO), Uros Baric, and the Augustine Foundation, “Teaching the Next Generation: The SFCM Pre-College Guitar Program” debuted on YouTube in December. It has earned critical acclaim from the San Francisco Classical Voice, and has thousands of views online.

The documentary begins with Pre-College Guitar Department Chair Scott Cmiel highlighting what makes the program: “It’s a very special place, because of the people involved,” Cmiel said, emphasizing that the school centers chamber music, but also “students playing together.” He added that young artists can master their instruments alone, but playing with others is what makes you a musician. 

Filmed in part at SFCM last spring, the hour-long documentary features other guitar faculty and SFCM President David H. Stull. “The real goal of the program is to allow students to find this space where they have fallen in love with an instrument, [and] they can pursue that craft at the highest level,” Stull said, before continuing, “more than that, [it's a space where] they can find each other.”  

SFCM’s Pre-College Academy is an immersive program that instills the value of music in youth 18 and under, providing an artistic framework and tailored instruction for the next generation of musicians. The curriculum integrates private lessons with musicianship courses, small and large ensemble experiences, masterclasses, jury assessments, and performance opportunities, making music a core part of students' lives. 

The Pre-College Academy has earned a national reputation for providing superior training to young musicians throughout their course of study. Alumni have excelled, entering top-level collegiate music schools and conservatories, and distinguishing themselves professionally as performers, composers, teachers, and scholars.

The Pre-College Academy will be holding open classroom days on Saturday, January 31, 2026 and Saturday, February 7, 2026. Open Classroom Days are a great opportunity for prospective students to experience what a typical Pre-College Academy day is like at SFCM. 

Students and parents will be invited to observe classes and rehearsals, attend special Pre-College performances, and speak with current faculty, staff, students and parents about what it's like to be a member of the Pre-College community.

Learn more about SFCM’s Pre-College program.