The SFCM Piano Department is an inspiring environment, offering exceptional mentoring and numerous performance opportunities within the program and around the Bay Area.

A world-class faculty creates an atmosphere both intense and collaborative, tailored to prepare one for a professional career. Made up of fewer than 50 students, the SFCM Piano Department prides itself on individualized attention for each student-pianist, extraordinary instruments including New York and Hamburg Steinway Ds in every concert hall, and unique interdepartmental collaborations.

Our undergraduate and graduate programs include a weekly departmental performance class, an annual concerto competition leading to performance with orchestra, department recitals, classes on historical performance practices, Chamber music, and professional development.

SFCM pianists benefit from numerous guest-artist residencies and masterclasses which have included Yuja Wang, Leon Fleisher, Sergei Babayan, Stephen Hough, Richard Goode, Menahem Pressler, Emanuel Ax, Jean-Yves Thibaudet and Daniil Trifonov.