Apply, Audition, Enroll

The application process begins February 1st each year and continues until all spaces are filled. Note: The audition selection process may result in openings after application deadlines. Please inquire about openings after these deadlines.

"It was the most fun I've had at a music camp!"
  -- Chamber Music student, age 14, cello

"Summer Music West makes you want to come back every year for more!"
  -- Chamber Music student, age 16, piano

Application Procedure
Long Distance Applicants
Auditions/Interviews
Fees
Scholarship Consideration
Tuition Payments
Refunds


APPLICATION PROCEDURE
  · Complete application
  · Attach a list of your previous musical experience including
    youth orchestra/band, other summer camps, chamber music
    (list repertoire performed and studied) and the dates of your
    participation
  · Composers should send scores and available recordings of
    their most recent work
  · Enclose the non-refundable application fee (see Fees)
  · Return all application materials to Summer Music West
    by the date listed in the program description

Once we have received your application we will contact you to arrange an audition or interview as required.



LONG DISTANCE APPLICANTS
The San Francisco Conservatory has no on-campus housing or dormitory facilities. Summer Music West assumes no responsibility for securing housing for long distance applicants. We provide carpool information for applicants living within driving distance.

Helpful links:
  · local hotels
  · temporary housing options
  · map of public transportation and parking



AUDITIONS/INTERVIEWS
Auditions and/or interviews are required for all programs and will be arranged only upon receipt of a completed application form and payment of the application fee. Admission will be based on demonstrated ability as well as compatibility with other applicants.

Composition
Submit one previously composed work (with recording if available) with application. An interview with the composition instructor is required, during which you should be prepared to perform one short piece on your instrument. Long distance applicants may interview by phone.

Gilbert & Sullivan Scenes
Present two contrasting selections in English (one at a lively tempo), from the Gilbert & Sullivan, classic Broadway, light opera or operetta repertoire. Choose songs that show off your personality. Selections should be memorized. Accompanist provided.

Musicianship
An interview may be required on the basis of placement questionnaire. Please print the PDF questionnaire and submit it with your application.

String and Piano Academy, Piano Duo Academy, Chamber Music
Present two or more selections from contrasting style periods, demonstrating slow and fast tempi and two scales (one major, one minor) demonstrating a variety of articulation patterns in at least two octaves. Chamber Music applicants playing piano or string instruments should present three octave scales. Expect sight-reading. All new ensemble applicants who did not participate in Summer Music West last year should submit our music teacher questionnaire. String and Piano students under age 13 must also complete our musicianship questionnaire.

Video Recordings
Long-distance applicants may submit a video recording in lieu of a live audition. VHS or DVD recordings submitted should include the components listed above and meet with the approval of your teacher. List your name, instrument, composers, titles and program for which you are applying on the video label. If applying to the ensemble programs, please have your teacher select a sight reading excerpt for you to include on the video. Audition recordings will not be returned and must be received by listed application deadlines. MP3s and CDs will not be accepted. International students should ensure their video is appropriately formatted for North America.



FEES
A non refundable application fee of $50 payable to SFCM must accompany your application. Only one fee per applicant is required.



SCHOLARSHIP CONSIDERATION
Partial Scholarships are awarded to a limited number of students who show a high level of musical proficiency and demonstrate a clear financial need. To apply for scholarship consideration, complete the scholarship consideration section of the Application Form (pdf) and submit it prior to the application deadline. You must also submit a recommendation letter from the applicant's private teacher and page one of parent's most recent Federal Income Tax return. If no tax return is filed, you must submit adequate proof of income such as a Form W-2, a 1099, a year-end pay stub or the foreign equivalent. All information will be held in strict confidence. An incomplete application will not be considered.



TUITION PAYMENTS
Do not send a tuition payment until you have received a tuition statement from the Summer Music West office. Once you have received a tuition statement, a non-refundable deposit of $250.00 is due immediately to guarantee your place. A final balance payment is due three weeks prior to the start of class.



REFUNDS
All fees and deposits are non-refundable. Any intention to withdraw must be discussed with the Summer Programs Coordinator, then submitted in writing to the Conservatory Business Office. If withdrawal is made at least two weeks prior to the first day of class, the final tuition payment amount will be refunded (less a $25 handling fee). Further fines may apply to later withdrawals. No refunds will be made after the third day of class.