The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) and Opus 3 Artists are proud to announce a new milestone in their ongoing partnership: The inaugural class of interns joining Opus 3 from the Conservatory. 

"Opus 3 Artists is delighted to be welcoming our first interns from SFCM," Opus 3 Managing Director Robert Berretta said. "As interns, they will get to see the inner workings of one of the world’s leading artist management companies. We look forward to giving them invaluable first-hand experience in collaborating with the team managing the careers and touring activities of many of the world’s most celebrated performing artists."

The students selected for the internships are Joshua Choi (viola) and Yuki Yokota (piano). "I am super excited to be part of this inaugural internship with Opus 3," Choi said. "A lot of institutions do not offer opportunities for students to gain experience in the business side of music. I am grateful to both Opus 3 and SFCM for offering this opportunity, and excited for future students to take advantage of the internship as well." 

"As a performing classical musician myself, I find this internship to be a rare and wonderful opportunity for my personal and professional growth," Yokota added. "I would love to expand my knowledge in artistic management and administration. I am beyond grateful to be part of Opus 3 to support their distinguished, world-renowned artists." 

The internships, lasting for the duration of the semester, are designed to be a unique opportunity for students to gain real-world experience in the music industry and hone skills under the mentorship of top industry professionals. Both students will also get the opportunity to attend the annual Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) conference in January in New York City, the world's premier gathering of the performing arts presenting, booking, and touring industry.

SFCM President David Stull highlighted the groundbreaking nature of the internship program: "These internships are another great example of the benefit of the alliance SFCM has with Opus 3, Askonas Holt and Pentatone records, relationships that will only deepen and grow, leading to more opportunity for our students." 

Berretta echoed Stull, saying the internships "demonstrate how our unique and growing partnership creates new and exciting opportunities for students and allows Opus 3 to have different perspectives and ideas from bright and accomplished students from SFCM."

The internships occupy two learning pathways. Specific experience in bookings—where students will sit in on Opus 3 artist and staff meetings, assist in the creation of travel and performance itineraries and provide administrative support —and publicity and promotion, in which they'll learn how to field requests for marketing assets, perform market research, and join department meetings on marketing and promotion strategy.

In January, the Winter Term project for the internship involves travel to the APAP conference, where students will attend panel discussions and lectures, shadow Opus 3 managers on meetings with presenters where appropriate, and assist in the planning and execution of the Opus 3 Showcase at the conference.

Overseeing the internship from SFCM is Kristen Klehr, Chair of SFCM's Professional Development and Engagement Center (PDEC). "We recognize that the music industry offers a variety of career paths, SFCM is providing students with unparalleled exposure to the inner workings of our music industry today," Klehr said. "Under the umbrella of PDEC these internships work as a direct opportunity stemming from SFCM's growing alliances, all working towards preparing students for the career of their choosing."  

Learn more about SFCM's growing alliance with Opus 3 Artists, Askonas Holt and Pentatone Records.