Banding Together: Stories from SFCM Students
Four students share their stories about how they got into music and their impressions of the community at SFCM.
![a vocalist sings during an opera performance](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-06/voice-cutout-v3_0.png.webp?itok=jYA8bOEr)
Latest News
![Technology and Applied Composition Executive Director Steven Horowitz.](/sites/default/files/styles/related/public/2025-01/steve-horowitz-edited-for-web.jpg.webp?itok=4jZH3ld9)
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Upcoming Performances
Only at SFCM
![students play side by side with the academy orchestra at st martin in the fields, during sunset on the 11th floor recital hall of Bowes](/sites/default/files/2023-06/16-9-st-martin-side-by-side.jpg)
Reimagining the Conservatory Model
SFCM is the only music school that leads an alliance combining world-class education with a legendary label, two prominent artist management companies, and their premier clients.
![a night shot of city hall and Herbst theater from the Bowes building](/sites/default/files/2023-03/16-9-city-hall-and-herbst.jpg)
Creativity is in our DNA
Our neighborhood is in the heart of arts and culture in San Francisco, steps away from the SF Symphony, SF Ballet, SF Opera, and SFJazz.
Student Success
![Roberto Kalb](/sites/default/files/2023-03/16-9-roberto-kalb_0.jpg)
Roberto Kalb, (‘09) will lead the Detroit Opera through the end of the 2025-26 season.
![Esther Tonea SFCM Voice](/sites/default/files/2023-06/16-9-esther-tonea.jpg)
Esther Tonea (MM '18) Wins Met Opera Competition.
![Julia Pyke headshot](/sites/default/files/2023-03/16-9-julia-pyke.jpg)
Julia Pyke (Flute, MM ‘22) won the role of principal flute with the Spokane Symphony in 2022.
![Teddy Abrams SFCM](/sites/default/files/2023-06/16-9-teddy-abrams-sfcm.png)
Teddy Abrams (‘05) won ‘Conductor of the Year’ by Musical America.
![DuMarkus Davis](/sites/default/files/2023-06/16-9-dumarkus-davis.jpg)
Musicbuk Founder SFCM alum DuMarkus Davis ('18).
![a piano on stage in the osher recital hall. there are lots of windows and city hall is in the background](/sites/default/files/2023-03/16-9-osher-recital-hall-with-piano.jpg)
Facilities praised by artists and architects
Cutting-edge acoustics, breathtaking performance halls, and state-of-the art technology help our students create the future of music.
![Cha Recital hall with a piano set up on stage](/sites/default/files/2023-03/16-9-cha-with-piano.jpg)
The Bowes Center
In the heart of San Francisco’s Civic Center, the 12-story, $200 million Bowes Center transforms the city’s cultural landscape. Transparent street-level and rooftop performance spaces, an exacting recording studio, and state-of-the-art equipment is available within steps of living and dining spaces. 90% of concerts here are free and open to the public.
SFCM and its Surroundings
![Exterior of Bowes Center](/sites/default/files/2023-03/16-9-bowes-center-exterior_0.jpg)
SFCM’s new 12-story Bowes Center is in the heart of the arts and culture district.
![Concert Hall at The Ann Getty Center for Education](/sites/default/files/2023-03/16-9-concert-hall.jpg)
The Ann Getty Center for Education has state-of-the art classrooms, practice rooms, teaching studios, recording studios, and performance halls.
![KDFC Studio at SFCM Bowes Center](/sites/default/files/2023-06/16-9-kdfc.jpg)
SFCM hosts Classical California Radio station KDFC inside the Bowes Center.
![SF Symphony at davies hall during a concert](/sites/default/files/2023-07/sf-symphony-at-davies.jpg)
Most principal players of the SF Symphony are on SFCM faculty.
![Merola Program](/sites/default/files/2023-03/16-9-merola-program_0.jpg)
Numerous faculty and alumni are involved with the opera through programs like the Merola Opera program and Adler Fellowship.
![SF Ballet](/sites/default/files/2023-03/16-9-ballet.jpg)
Many SFCM faculty are part of the SF Ballet orchestra. Students from SF Ballet School also live in the Bowes Center.
![Exterior of SF Jazz Center](/sites/default/files/2023-03/16-9-sfjazz_0.jpg)
A longtime partner, there is extensive overlap with SFCM faculty and SFJazz Collective members and side-by-side performance opportunities.
![Strings Orchestra performance](/sites/default/files/styles/webp_original/public/2023-03/16-9-strings-orchestra-strings-performance-generic.jpg.webp?itok=fcp8FGBW)
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