Top violists who love to teach.
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Viola
Degrees and Programs
Learn transcendent technique.
![Violist outside playing the viola up against a purple house](/sites/default/files/styles/circular/public/2023-03/1-1-viola-outside.jpg.webp?itok=OBdUNQFk)
Four faculty members and about 20 students make up SFCM’s viola department. Studio sizes are kept small, ensuring performance opportunities and tailored instruction for each student in the department. Ensembles available to viola players include baroque and early-music ensembles, contemporary groups, and the Conservatory Orchestra.
Faculty
Top violists who love to teach.
![Yun Jie "Jay" Liu playing viola](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/yun-jie-jay-liu-headshot.jpg.webp?itok=PvP2YONT)
![Dimitri Murrath headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/dimitri-murrath-headshot.jpg.webp?itok=4IFMaxxK)
![Madeline Prager headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/madeline-prager-headshot.jpeg.webp?itok=qDfRV85O)
![Jonathan Vinocour playing viola](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/jonathan-vinocour-headshot.jpg.webp?itok=EAitV7fL)
Faculty
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Yun Jie "Jay" Liu
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Dimitri Murrath
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Madeline Prager
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Jonathan Vinocour
![Yun Jie "Jay" Liu playing viola](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/yun-jie-jay-liu-headshot.jpg.webp?itok=PvP2YONT)
![Dimitri Murrath headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/dimitri-murrath-headshot.jpg.webp?itok=4IFMaxxK)
Dimitri Murrath
String & Piano Chamber Chair
![Madeline Prager headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/madeline-prager-headshot.jpeg.webp?itok=qDfRV85O)
![Jonathan Vinocour playing viola](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/jonathan-vinocour-headshot.jpg.webp?itok=EAitV7fL)
![SFCM Opera performance](/sites/default/files/2023-03/16-9-opera-concert-alliances.jpg)
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.
![Strings - Info Banner - Visit SFCM student walking up stairs inside 50 Oak building in San Francisco](/sites/default/files/Strings%20-%20Info%20Banner%20-%20Visit.jpg)
Visiting the Campus
We look forward to your visit! Contact the Office of Admissions to take a tour of our facilities. You can also contact the strings faculty directly to arrange a consultative lesson.
![Strings - Info Banner - Ensembles SFCM students playing in ensembles together](/sites/default/files/Strings%20-%20Info%20Banner%20-%20Ensembles2.jpg)
Ensembles
Performance opportunities abound at SFCM. Whether your interest lies in symphonic repertoire or chamber music, there’s a place for your unique voice. Be sure to check out the diversity of ensembles on offer.
![denis de coteau fellows denis de coteau fellows](/sites/default/files/2023-10/100623_sidebyside3.png)
The Denis de Coteau Fellowship—named after SF Ballet’s longtime music director and SFCM faculty member—provides funding, instruction, and performance opportunities for two San Francisco Conservatory of Music students this fall.
Financial Aid and Affordability
Life on Campus
Performances
Newsroom
Alliances
![students hold their instruments and walk along a trail where the tops of the golden gate bridge is visible behind them](/sites/default/files/styles/related/public/hero_images/Virtual_Collateral_Hero.jpg.webp?itok=fjCnzOEK)
Admissions
We can't wait to hear what you have to play. Apply today to start your performance of a lifetime.![A photo of a student raising her hand at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music](/sites/default/files/styles/related/public/field/image/Admission-HowToApply-Thumbnail5.jpeg.webp?itok=3Fxrte2q)
How to Apply
It's a big step, we know, and we're here for you. Apply now online, request more information, or learn about our audition and application process.![Piano in Cha Chi Ming Recital Hall at The Bowes Center.](/sites/default/files/styles/related/public/field/image/Bowes_PR_Inaug.png.webp?itok=cH0YhLL4)
Auditions & Repertoire
You'll be great. Check out this page for all repertoire requirements and deadlines for your major. Some Instruments and Majors may require a prescreening video.News Stories
Read All News![SFCM's BSU prepares for its Feb. 24 concert.](/sites/default/files/styles/related/public/2024-02/mrw_6992.jpg.webp?itok=Ti6dD-I7)
![Aaliyah Capili, Britton Fugazzi, Fabio Valery Villanova, Jennifer Redondas, Joshua Gordon, Lauryn Kurniawan, Lorenna Garcia.](/sites/default/files/styles/related/public/2024-02/021324_2000x1000_whysfcm-2.png.webp?itok=VWI8jYOS)
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