Cue the overture! Classes officially started for the new school year at the San Francisco Conservatory of music September 3rd, bringing hundreds of students back to the Bowes Center and Ann Getty Center for Education. 

This year’s student body once again brings musical talent from all over the globe to the halls of SFCM. Tuba player Massimiliano Castor is from Melbourne, Australia, but will now call San Francisco home. “I am really excited for the orchestra rep this year; we are doing a ton of awesome pieces this year. Super excited about that,” he said. Castor is studying with Jeffrey Anderson.

Students Zofia Sabee, Massimiliano Castor, Nathaniel White, Brandon Topolsk.

Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, cellist Nathaniel White looks forward to now being on the West Coast. “I am excited to see everybody in my studio again and get back into the flow of a routine,” White said. The cello player studies with Jennifer Culp. Meanwhile, coming from Seattle is Zofia Sabee: “I am studying with a new teacher this year and so I am really excited to meet my new studio and my new teacher, Richard Aaron,” Sabee said, adding,“I am excited to meet everyone and hear people play and see what studio class is like.” 

From Houston, Texas Brandon Topolski is looking forward to meeting new classmates and performing opportunities. “We have a lot of new students in our studio and I am excited because there are a lot of upcoming auditions to take,” he said. 

SFCM TAC teacher Shawne Workman leads a TAC class.

Faculty are also thrilled to start a new school year, as part of SFCM’s Technology and Applied Compositions (TAC) expanding curriculum, Doug McCausland is teaching several exciting new courses including Audio for Emerging Media. “This course is a new year-long multidisciplinary and hands-on deep-dive into the bleeding edge of audio technology,” Doug McCausland said. “This is exactly the kind of course I dream about teaching. I feel privileged to be able to build a course that is entirely predicated on pushing technological boundaries, and encouraging students to find their own creative niche within that new wider space.” 

Director of Ensemble Operations Abbey Springer.

School staff have been looking forward to the start of classes as well. “I love the first day of school! It's always fun to see everyone back on campus! I have been going around high-fiving everybody!” said Director of Ensemble Operations Abbey Springer. “I am really excited for all the ensemble activities that we have for this year! We also have a lot of really special projects coming up!” she added. 

SFCM Violinist Kate Mayfield.

For returning students like Kate Mayfield, a violinist, the start of school is a homecoming of sorts. “I am doing the PSC (Professional Studies Certificate), and I am so excited because it’s so flexible,” Mayfield continued. “I am getting a lot of performance opportunities, but then also kind of designing my own program, so I get to do independent study and professional work, all things I am excited about.”

As far as advice for new students, Mayfield encourages all to check out all SFCM and its arts neighbors have to offer. “Definitely take advantage of being this close to the symphony and the opera and the ballet. It’s pretty rare to have that kind of access , and we get so many discounted or even free tickets,” Mayfield continued. “And also take advantage of the food in San Francisco, because it’s so good, you can't go wrong!” 

Students enjoy lunch in the Bowes Center.

Faculty and staff also echo advice for new students to take advantage of all SFCM has to offer on and off the performance stage. As students navigate their new home for music, faculty and staff are there to assist,  “Don’t be afraid to ask for help and ask for support if you need it,” Springer said. “We are here to help and get you through the semester, and here to have a lot of fun while we are doing the work.”

Applications are now open for next year at SFCM.
Learn more about Life on Campus.