SFCM students are setting the tempo of music education in San Francisco, one beat at a time.

The Conservatory’s Professional Development and Engagement Center (PDEC) is launching a new student work initiative, Teach SFCM. This new program is aimed at sharing music with the local community, while also launching the future careers of current students. 

A young music student works with a teacher.

Starting this year, eight qualified SFCM students who have shown an interest in a career in teaching, will be educating children at Lycée Français San Francisco (LFSF) in music. These SFCM students have already completed pedagogical coursework readying them for this opportunity, including Teaching Artistry and Foundations of Music Teaching. While this community program is exclusive for LFSF for now, SFCM plans to offer this to the larger Bay Area community in the future.

“We created a program to prepare SFCM students to excel as private instructors,” Kevin Rogers, SFCM’s community engagement manager said. “Our unique curriculum relies on the best evidence-based practices on effective learning and teaching. Every student learned about design curriculum to fit all including effective active learning strategies, classroom management, rapport building, and practice techniques.” 

SFCM students will receive market-rate compensation for teaching, as well as course credit toward graduation. In addition, SFCM students interested in education can continue to ‘keep’ their music student, allowing them to start building a teaching studio even before they graduate. 

“We are committed to helping SFCM students build a financial runway for themselves in their careers even prior to graduation,” Assistant Dean and Professional Development Chair at the Conservatory Kristen Klehr said. “If the relationship between the private lessons student and the SFCM student teacher goes well, unlike some institutions we will not be requiring them to return the student to the program after they graduate.”

The Lycée Français de San Francisco offers a unique multilingual and multicultural education program designed to empower students as early as age two and through high school. 

“We are truly fortunate to have the talented students from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music teaching our primary level students,” said Aurélie Veruni Morales from Lycée Français San Francisco. “Through piano, cello, double bass, violin, and viola classes, our students will benefit from the exceptional teaching skills that SFCM brings to the table. I am incredibly proud to launch this program, which will not only provide our kids with invaluable skills in music and performance but also enrich our local community through the power of music education.” Morales is also an alumna of SFCM.

“Partnering with the LFSF is the perfect pairing,” Rogers added. ”It’s close to the SFCM campus, has support from an SFCM alum on staff, and dedicated young musicians hungry for the high-quality instruction we will provide.”

While a member of Teach SFCM, students will continue to take courses such as Building a Private Teaching Studio and Conservatory Engage, a studio-style group class further preparing them for their future careers. Classes all designed to further hone their skills in music and music education. This curriculum is part of SFCM’s Bachelor of Music Concentrations. First launched in 2023, these concentrations, including arts leadership, technology, and teaching, prepare students to navigate careers in the modern music industry.

Learn more about Professional Development at SFCM.