Chamber Music

At least four years private instruction required. Previous ensemble experience recommended.
Ages: 12-18
Audition required. See audition requirements for details.
When: July 19-30, Monday-Friday 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Tuition: $715
Application Deadline: April 15

Experienced musicians playing violin, viola, cello, piano, woodwinds or horn receive intense daily coaching in a wide range of repertoire. Curriculum also includes master classes, independent rehearsals and seminars. Most pianists will play in a piano duo; those with especially strong skill levels may also be invited to play in a mixed ensemble. Seminars include topics such as rehearsal technique, healthy playing and music history. Special events include collaboration with the Composition Intensive and a professional performance presented by the San Francisco Symphony Education Department. The program culminates with two concerts featuring performances from all ensembles.

"Summer Music West gave me confidence, motivation and inspiration."
  -- Chamber Music student, age 16, flute

Sample Daily Schedule

12:30 - 1:20	Seminar Period (sample topics: rehearsal techniques, healthy playing, breathing/cueing, listening)
1:20 - 1:30	BREAK
1:30 - 3:00	Independent Group Rehearsal (30 min) and Coaching (1 hr)
3:00 - 4:30	Independent Group Rehearsal (30 min) and Coaching (1 hr)

Additionally, there will be occasional sight reading sessions, master classes and faculty and guest artists recitals.



String and Piano Academy

At least three years private instruction recommended. No previous ensemble experience required.
Ages: 9-12
Audition required. See audition requirements for details.
When: July 5-16, Monday-Friday 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Tuition: $850
Application Deadline: April 15

Young string players and pianists grow immensely in this course which focuses on intense chamber ensemble instruction. Groups vary according to instrumentation and ability, although most pianists are traditionally given duo assignments. Students will also explore string orchestra or piano class, ear-training, sight-reading and music theory. Special events include master classes, assemblies and guest artist appearances, including a professional performance presented by the San Francisco Symphony Education Department. The program culminates with a special concert featuring performances from all ensembles.

"The String and Piano Academy was challenging, fun and exciting. I learned a lot!"
  -- String and Piano Academy student, age 11, cello

Sample Daily Schedule

9:00 – 10:30	Music Theory and Ear-training
10:30 – 10:40	Snack Break
10:40 –12:00	Piano Class or String Orchestra
12:00 – 12:40	Supervised Lunch
12:45 – 1:40	Small ensemble rehearsal 1
1:45 – 2:40	Small ensemble rehearsal 2
2:45 – 3:30	Special events  --  faculty and guest recitals, sight reading practice, master classes

Musicianship
Instrumental experience and ability to read music required.
No previous music theory or ear-training experience required. Also appropriate for current Preparatory Division musicianship students. Three class levels offered, grouped by age and experience.
Ages: 9-18
No audition required, though an interview may be required based on placement questionnaire.
When: July 5-16, Monday-Friday 9:00-10:30 a.m.
Tuition: $385
Application Deadline: June 1

Students will continue to improve general musicianship skills while attaining solid groundwork for exploring music in other programs.

"Summer Music West — I learned so much!"
  -- String and Piano Academy student, age 12, piano



Gilbert and Sullivan Scenes

Now in its 7th year-the perfect training program for the young stage performer!
Ages: 10-18
Audition required. See audition requirements for details.
When: June 21 - July 3, Monday-Friday 1-5 p.m.; Performance Saturday, July 3 2:00 p.m.
Tuition: $715
Application Deadline: April 15

Explore the "Topsy-Turvy" world of rollicking pirates, damsels in distress, and modern major generals! Daily classes and rehearsals will emphasize singing, acting, and stage movement. The program culminates in a fully staged and costumed performance of scenes from the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire, in association with artistic staff from The Lamplighters, San Francisco's own award-winning Gilbert and Sullivan company.

"Participation in Gilbert & Sullivan Scenes expanded my range, helped me meet new people, recognize new talents and helped me grow as a singer."
  -- Gilbert & Sullivan Scenes student, age 14

Sample Daily Schedule

1:00 - 1:30	Vocal warmup/movement
1:35 - 2:30	Musical coachings/Staging #1(large ensemble numbers)
2:30 - 2:45	BREAK
2:50 - 3:30	Musical coachings/Staging #2 (solos/small ensembles by group)
3:35 - 4:10	Musical coachings/Staging #3 (solos/small ensembles by group)
4:15 - 5:00	Musical coachings/Staging #4 (solos/small ensembles by group)

Note: Every student will experience unscheduled time slots, which may be used for individual or small group practice.



Composition Intensive

Proficiency on an instrument and music notation skills required.
Ages: 9-20
Audition Interview and submission of one previously composed work required
When: June 21 - July 22, Monday-Thursday
Section I: 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (ages 9-13)
Section II: 12:30-4:30 p.m. (ages 14-20)
Tuition: $790
Application Deadline: May 1

Students explore the entire process of composing a new piece of music, from the initial idea through the sketching and workshop process to completing a final score. Studying scores and recordings thereof is a centerpiece of this concentrated program, which includes group seminars and private lessons. Students learn from and are inspired by the work of composers both traditional and contemporary, while developing their individual musical voice. The program culminates in a concert of student works performed by chamber music students and guest artists.

"Summer Music West was a great experience. I made both friends and music in an exciting environment."
  -- Composition Intensive student, age 17, piano

"Visiting the group of composers enrolled in the San Francisco Conservatory's Summer Music West program brought back memories for me. I got my own start as a composer back in 1989, shortly before going into my final year of high school, when I participated in the exact same program... albeit against the totally different backdrop of the former Spanish-style building on Ortega Street. Over the years, it has been amazing to me to witness how much more skilled younger composers have become since I started, and my younger colleagues here in the Bay Area are proving to be no different... I loved meeting everyone. Kudos to Summer Music West for continuing to find, train, and encourage the voices of the future!"
  -- Gabriela Lena Frank, Composer, 2009 Latin Grammy award winner, SMW alum 1990

Sample Daily Schedule

12:30 - 1:00	Developing a repertoire of musical gestures / compositional strategies
1:00 - 1:30	Idiomatic writing & Instrumentation/ Notation skills
1:30 - 3:30	Private Studio time and/or private lessons/ Instrument demonstrations
3:30 - 4:30	Dictation/Improvisation/ Listening (bring instruments)