The halls of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music are once again filled with the sounds of students! Classes for the fall semester started Monday, bringing hundreds of students back to the Bowes Center and Ann Getty Center for Education. 

SFCM security guard Jorge Cardenas and Sam Nedel.

For incoming freshmen, this marks the start of a new era in their music education. "I'm  living in the Bowes Center. I really like it so far: Everything has been great so far at SFCM and I am excited for the semester," said Thomas Valle. Originally from New York, Valle has been playing the trombone since 5th grade and is studying with Timothy Higgins at SFCM. 

Thomas Valle.

While not a freshman, it's first-year master's student Syona Ayyankeril's first time living in the Bay Area and experiencing its famous weather. "I am from North Carolina so it has been an adjustment, but I really like it and the weather here in San Francisco is absolutely perfect," Ayyankeril said. 

Syona Ayyankeril.

School staff are also excited for the start of class, "The halls have been quiet for too long!" said Dean and Chief Academic Officer Jonas Wright. "I'm excited to welcome back returning students and so happy to see our new students and the energy and excitement they bring with them, I'm looking forward to a great year!" he added. 

From left: Shane Stewart, Vidyuth Guruvayurappan, and Nate Berry.

At the Bluebird cafe in the Getty Center trombone students Shane Stewart, Vidyuth Guruvayurappan, and Nate Berry met for lunch on the first day of classes. "I am really excited to get the semester started—I already found a practice room this morning! This is a great place to be," Berry said. 

On the 6th floor outdoor terrace of the Getty Center, a popular meet-up spot for students, voice students Hyesoo Kim and Chea Kang visited between classes. "So far so good! I am really enjoying it and getting settled in," Kim said. Both students are working with César Ulloa.

Hyesoo Kim and Chea Kang.

Meanwhile the Bowes Center was bustling with the activity as students met for lunch on the first day. In addition to the building's 24/7 practice rooms and performance halls, the building has a dining area and designated lounge area which is a popular hang out for students. 

Students in the Bowes Center cafe.

While practicing your instrument is important, as the school year starts, school staff advise students to ease back into the swing of things and take time for yourself, "The first few weeks of any new year feel like drinking water from a fire hose," Dean Wright continued, "Sure, you'll be hydrated, but boy is it a lot of water! Be prudent, know yourself and your boundaries. Push them, but don't overdo it. With patience and planning you can accomplish everything you set out to do!"

Learn more about life on campus at SFCM.