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String and Piano Chamber Music

Mastering the Art of Collaboration.

A cellist plays expressively in a chamber group

SFCM’s Strings and Piano Chamber Music degree and diploma stand out as a pioneering program, offering an immersive educational experience that seamlessly combines the refinement of precision instrumental playing with the intensive study of chamber music at the highest artistic level. Beyond private lessons, workshops, and masterclasses, students regularly perform on SFCM’s Chamber Music Tuesdays series, featuring distinguished guest artists in residency. Past artists include Robert McDonald, Inon Barnatan, Benjamin Beilman, Tessa Lark, Itamar Zorman, Marcy Rosen, as well as the Miró and Esmé String Quartets. Students also frequently collaborate with SFCM’s acclaimed chamber music faculty, including Dimitri Murrath, Jennifer Culp, Julio Elizalde, and Wonhee Bae.

SFCM’s strategic alliances with Opus 3 Artists, Askonas Holt, and Pentatone Records have yielded groundbreaking collaborative projects, offering students exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the evolution of professional initiatives, from theoretical ideas to fully formed products released to the public. Going beyond these unique opportunities, chamber music majors have been selected as the quartet-in-residence at the Hawaii Chamber Music Festival in Honolulu, presenting numerous concerts and imparting their expertise to local young musicians.

The Strings and Piano Chamber Music program is one of SFCM’s most prestigious and selective programs. Each year, only a handful of students are admitted to ensure an abundance of performing opportunities and maintain a high faculty-to-student ratio. SFCM warmly welcomes individual applications in violin, viola, cello, and piano, and encourages pre-formed string quartets or piano trios to apply as well.

Faculty

Study with the best.

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.

6th floor outside patio of SFCM 50 Oak building

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 brass 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.

Financial Aid and Affordability

At SFCM, we understand that college is a substantial investment. We're here to help, and we're committed to working with you to achieve the education you desire. 99% of our students receive financial aid at an average rate of 57% tuition discount.

Life on Campus

Learn about safe and secure, all-suite on-campus housing, where 24/7 practice rooms are just the beginning.

Performances

We put on more than 500 performances a year, including student recitals, masterclasses, and side-by-sides with exciting guest artists—most of them free to the public. Check out one today.

Newsroom

Get the inside scoop on everything going on at SFCM with stories of SFCM's students, alumni, faculty and leadership.

Alliances

SFCM leads an alliance across the music industry consisting of artist management companies Opus 3 Artists and Askonas Holt and recording label Pentatone. Together, their work creates opportunities for students, artists, presenters, and audiences to develop and experience new ideas.