A SFCM student performing on the violin with the SFCM orchestra
  1. Areas of Study
  2. Strings

Play with fire.

"When you believe in something, you can move mountains." –Isaac Stern '74 honoris causa

Learn. Perform. Collaborate.

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Unparalleled access to world-class faculty and facilities, as well as unique opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration, mentorship, and performance make SFCM the home for the world’s best young string players.

Numerous connections to the San Francisco Symphony (three concertmasters are on faculty), Ballet, and Opera allow frequent opportunities to attend performances, dress rehearsals, as well as backstage access.

Performance opportunities are many and wide ranging with SFCM’s orchestra, a celebrated chamber music program, early and new music ensembles, and departmental and solo recitals. A yearly string competition gives players an opportunity to perform with an orchestra. String students also collaborate on projects cross-departmentally, including with peers in the voice and composition programs, working side-by-side to perform and premiere new works. As the Bay Area’s only conservatory, gigging opportunities are plentiful.

Instruments

What's up with your instrument at SFCM.

SFCM and Opus 3 alliance
SFCM recently acquired Opus3 Artists, giving conservatory students a direct link to some of the most successful artists worldwide and inviting limitless opportunities for connection and collaboration.
SFCM student walking up stairs inside 50 Oak building in San Francisco

VISITING THE CAMPUS

We’re waiting to show you around.

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

SFCM Students in classroom

AUDIT A CLASS

Get a feel for the curriculum.

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.

News Stories

What's happening at SFCM?

Cellist Alisa Weilerstein
News Story

Acclaimed Cellist Alisa Weilerstein Talks Bach, Practice and Believing In Your Art

Sohui Yun, viola graduate, prize winner, SFCM Viola
Eighth Notes

Graduating Viola Player Wins International Competition and $10,000

Bridgerton, sfcm, simon james, classical covers
News Story

‘Bridgerton’ Bridges Gap Between Classical and Pop Music

SFCM students playing together in Orchestra

DEGREES AND PROGRAMS

Take your education to the next level.

Detailed curricula are available for all strings programs at SFCM.

Upcoming Events

Experience SFCM for yourself.

20-21-Performance-Calendar-Bassoon-1-THUMB.jpg
Sunday, July 17, 2022

Nicollie Souza, Artist Certificate Recital, Bassoon

Cancelled
Voice student singing
Monday, August 1, 2022

Fernando Ruiz, Professional Studies Certificate Voice Recital

SFCM students playing in ensembles together

ENSEMBLES

Perform with your peers.

Performance opportunities abound at SFCM. Ensembles featuring strings range from small chamber groups to the Conservatory Orchestra. Whether your interest lies in ensemble or solo repertoire, there’s a place for your unique voice.

Start on your path to excellence.

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More about the application process ›

Areas of Interest

See what else goes on at SFCM.

String Chamber group in a classroom rehearsing

String and Piano Chamber

Historical Performance
SFCM student playing Guitar

Guitar