Skip to main content
Historical Performance

Collegiate Apply / Request Information

Historical Performance

Collegiate Apply / Request Information

Getting to the root of it all.

 a student playing a historical instrument in the concert hall

Historical Performance at SFCM offers Bachelor’s in harpsichord and Master's music degrees in harpsichord, baroque violin, baroque viola, baroque cello, viola da gamba, as well as a one-year Historical Performance professional studies certificate (PSC) in keyboard, baroque strings, historical plucked strings, and voice. 

We seek to stimulate a vivid dialogue between students, faculty, guest artists, and audiences about the important place of historical performance in music making today. 

Studying Historical Performance at SFCM is about finding your voice. Opportunities to study historical performance and perform instruments from the seventeenth century to the present (as part of our extensive collection) are open to all SFCM students, and our Baroque Ensemble performs regularly throughout the year.

Our guiding principle is the belief that when we emulate the original performance styles of music from the time of its creation, we may hope to inspire the original energy of the music to emerge in a new, exciting context. Our goal is not to study performance practice as an academic exercise but to create contemporary performances that are relevant to contemporary audiences, vibrant, and provocative.

 

Faculty

Exclusive instruction.

Corey Jamason neadshot

Corey Jamason

Historical Performance Chair

Historical Performance Harpsichord Music History and Literature Baroque Ensemble Pre-College
Learn more about Corey Jamason
Richard Savino in the Barbro Osher Recital Hall in SFCM's Bowes Center.

Richard Savino in the Barbro Osher Recital Hall in SFCM's Bowes Center.

Richard Savino

Guitar Historical Performance Historical Plucked Strings
Learn more about Richard Savino

Instruments and Disciplines

Image
a harpsichord student and his hands from above

Harpsichord

Study harpsichord in San Francisco.

Degrees and Programs
Harpsichord Bachelor of Music Harpsichord Master of Music Historical Keyboards Professional Studies Certificate
Learn more about Harpsichord

Baroque Violin

Getting to the root of it all.

Degrees and Programs
Baroque Violin Master of Music Baroque Violin Professional Studies Certificate
Learn more about Baroque Violin

Baroque Viola

Getting to the root of it all.

Degrees and Programs
Baroque Viola Master of Music Baroque Viola Professional Studies Certificate
Learn more about Baroque Viola
SFCM Opera performance

Industry Alliances to Support Students and Artists

In recent years, SFCM acquired two leading artist management companies and an iconic record label to reimagine how elements of the music industry can better integrate to advance the human experience through music. For students, that means more opportunities to interact with touring artists and industry experts–including professional development workshops, side-by-side performances, and enhanced masterclasses.

SFCM student on terrace

Visiting Campus

We look forward to your visit! Contact the Office of Admissions to take a tour of our facilities. You can also contact the historical performance faculty directly to arrange a consultative lesson.

SFCM Students working in a classroom

Audit a Class

We've saved a seat for you. During your visit to SFCM, sit in on a class or two and see what it's like to be a student at the Conservatory.

SFCM ensemble

Ensembles

Historical performance opportunities are always available to students. SFCM’s Baroque Ensemble and various chamber groups showcase our wealth of historical instrumentalists.

Minors

Customize your degree with minors that deepen your musical interests or expand your skills across disciplines.

Academics

Explore music theory, history, humanities, and interdisciplinary coursework that broadens your perspective as both a musician and a scholar.

Ensembles

Perform in recitals, ensembles, orchestras, opera productions, chamber music, and more than 500 concerts each year.

The Bowes Center

Live, learn, rehearse, and connect in a residence designed to bring artists together in one creative community.

Life on Campus

Find community through student organizations, wellness resources, campus traditions, and life in the heart of San Francisco.