Every student at the Conservatory carries a unique spark—from a young violin prodigy, to a composer yearning to score the silver screen, that led them to study the language of music at SFCM. 

The moments that led up to enrolling at SFCM vary greatly, from four-year-old Fiona Cunninghame-Murray, who wanted to play her mothers violin; to Lyric Rivera, whose grandmother suggested she play the flute in middle school; and Theo Popov, who spent his childhood singing Bulgarian folklore songs before turning to electronic music. 

These musical moments are found far and wide at SFCM and come from all over the world, from Carlos Valdez, who grew up in Peru, to Diego De La Cruz (Mexico), to Manuel Calderon (Colombia) and Caroline Feitosa (Colorado). 

One thing these students all have in common is they all have made the San Francisco Conservatory of Music their home for music. The SFCM Newsroom asked them about their musical journey and what brought them to the Conservatory.

Diego De La Cruz Iwadare, Violin  

“I chose to study at SFCM because of the opportunities it could it could give me, I feel like the faculty is fantastic and amazing, and it combines together with all the projects that the school is doing and all the facilities and opportunities that the school possesses just makes it a great place for you to be, to really grow as a musician, and as a person.”

Carlos Valdez, Double Bass

“Me being from a different country, it’s not easy, you are trying to find a place where you feel comfortable, but I’ve found the city I like, the people that I like, and that’s something hard to find. It’s a great place for international students to come here, they will find the tools that they need. Here in SF at the Conservatory, I’ve found it to be a very positive environment.”

Manuel Calderon.

Manuel Calderon, Technology and Applied Composition

“I think the TAC program is the perfect fit for you to explore everything, and try everything and figure out what you would like to do professionally. As an artist I think our nature is to have different pathways and have different doors open. I personally would like to be a composer in the game industry.” 

Lyric Rivera, Flute

“My introduction to music was in 6th grade band. My grandmother played the flute so she really encouraged me to play the flute and from then on over the years I fell in love with it. I chose to study at SFCM because of the experience here, we are right across the street from the symphony, we have great faculty, there’s also great resources.”

Theo Popov, Technology and Applied Composition

“What inspired me to enroll in TAC was the possibilities of learning all these new technologies and finding new paths and creative tools and incorporating them into my palate.” 

Fiona Cunninghame-Murray, Violin 

Fiona Cunninghame-Murray.

“My mom grew up playing the violin. I was interested in her violin I guess and I started lessons pretty young. I chose to study at SFCM for my teachers primarily, I study with Chen Zhao and Simon James, and they are so phenomenal. Over the last year they have done so much for me, and I feel like I have really grown as a musician since I’ve been here.”

Caroline Feitosa, Technology and Applied Composition

“I would describe the TAC program as a playground for composers, sound designers, to learn about every aspect of audio and music and technology. I came here with no experience and no knowledge and I feel like I am leaving with a lot so I am very grateful.” 

Aleksi Zaretsky, Violin

“I chose to study at SFCM mainly because of my teacher Simon James. I really appreciated how his focus from the get go has been a career in music for us. He really cares about us working on the skills that will enable us to find work and build our own careers in the future.”

Learn more about studying at SFCM.