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Application and Auditions

Collegiate Apply / Request Information

Application and Auditions

Collegiate Apply / Request Information

We are excited to hear you!

cellist sitting in front of SF skyline

 

Congratulations on taking the first step toward joining our vibrant musical community! This page will guide you through the application requirements and audition process. If you are an international applicant or have transfer credit, please review the linked pages for additional information. 

Policies and procedures are updated each September for the upcoming spring and fall application cycles. For Fall and Spring 2026 applications, the information on this page will be updated by September 1, 2025.

We’re here to assist you every step of the way. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out at nccyl@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@ylppa .

 
On this page:

Timeline and Deadlines
Application Requirements
Audition Requirements
Audition Dates

Timeline

Fall and Spring 2025: The deadline to apply for Fall and Spring 2025 has passed. We are accepting late applications in some areas on a very limited, case-by-case basis. Please email us at apply@sfcm.edu to inquire.

Fall and Spring 2026: An updated timeline will be posted on September 1, 2025. We anticipate the deadline for Spring applications to be October 15, 2025, and the deadline for Fall applications to be December 1, 2025. Please note: it is likely that the following areas will not accept applications for Spring entry — Conducting, Opera Studies, Piano Artist Diploma, String and Piano Chamber Music, and all Voice degree programs. This list will be confirmed and updated on September 1.

Below is the anticipated timeline for Fall 2026 applications. An confirmed timeline will be posted on September 1, 2025. 

DateEvent
September 1Application opens
December 1Application deadline
December 15Start of pre-screening decision release
December 15Audition self-scheduling opens; virtual/remote audition requests open
December 19All pre-screening decisions released
January - FebruaryAudition time confirmations sent two weeks prior to each audition date
January 15Audition self-scheduling ends – scheduling only via direct request *
FebruaryLive and Virtual Auditions **
February 15Video auditions due (if request approved)
March (Date TBA)Admission decisions released on a rolling basis (with scholarship offer)
March (Date TBA)Full financial aid offers released on a rolling basis
April 1All full financial aid offers released
April 15Graduate and postgraduate applicant response deadline
May 1Undergraduate applicant response deadline

* Applicants will be able to schedule auditions past January 15. We will supply a request form to indicate preferred dates and times.
**Please note: Virtual auditions are only offered for RJAM, Composition, and TAC. Requests must be submitted in December and approved in order to attend a virtual audition. Virtual auditions are scheduled on different dates than the live auditions.

Below is the anticipated timeline for Spring 2026 applications. A confirmed timeline will be posted on September 1, 2025. Please note: it is likely that the following areas will not accept applications for Spring entry: Conducting, Opera Studies, Piano Artist Diploma, String and Piano Chamber Music, and all Voice degree programs. This list will be confirmed and updated on September 1.

DateEvent
September 1Application opens
October 15Application deadline
October 25Prescreen decisions and audition invitations released
November 10–14Auditions held
November 20Admissions decisions released on a rolling basis
December 5Applicant response deadline

Application Requirements

Use the drop downs below to learn about application requirements for SFCM, including degree prerequisites, test scores, written and video essays, and, for some areas, prescreening materials.

If you’re applying to a prescreened area, you must upload audition videos or a portfolio with your application. Check the Auditions section to see if this applies.

Application Fee and Prerequisites

Application Fee

A $100 non-refundable application fee is required to officially submit your SFCM application, payable by credit/debit card only. 

Application Fee Waivers

Applicant TypeWaiver Details
Current SFCM students*Full fee waived
SFCM alumni*Full fee waived
Event participants

$50 discount for applicants who:

  • Attend an in-person campus tour (non audition tours)
  • Meet admissions/faculty at a college fair
  • Attend an off-campus recruitment event

*Current SFCM students and alumni must ensure that SFCM is entered under academic history section of their application in order for the system to automatically waive the application fee. If not included, the fee will not be waived.

For Applicants Not Automatically Waived

Waiver MethodInstructionsDeadline (Fall)Deadline (Spring)
Application Fee Waiver FormAccess via homepage of applicationDecember 1October 15
NACAC Fee Waiver FormSubmit via counselor to nccyl@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@ylppa December 1October 15

Additional Fees

A non-refundable $500 enrollment deposit is required of all students accepted to SFCM to secure their spot. This fee is credited toward the first semester bill. For those who may have concerns about affording the deposit, the Admissions team will be available to offer support and guidance after acceptance.

For a full list of fees for enrolled students, including the enrollment deposit due upon accepting admission, please visit the Tuition and Fees section of our Financial Aid and Affordability page.

Note: Tuition and fees for the 2025–2026 academic year will be updated by April 2025.

Degree Prerequisites

Degree LevelDegree Pre-Requisite
BM, FreshmanHigh school diploma or GED
BM, Freshman - HomeschoolHigh school diploma: An equivalent can be obtained through an accredited institution/body, a GED, or by passing the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE).
BM, TransferHigh school diploma or GED and satisfactory academic record at their most recent college/university
Master of Music, Advanced Certificate, Artist DiplomaBachelors Degree - any subject
Professional Studies Certificate:Bachelors Degree - any subject, Voice - Master's Degree

GPA Requirements

SFCM does not have an overall GPA minimum for acceptance. However, applicants with a GPA lower than our minimum listed below at their previous institution are offered admission to the Conservatory with Academic Probation status. In order to have the probation status removed, these students will need to maintain the minimum GPA requirements during their first year and receive additional advising/tutoring. 

Degree LevelMinimum GPA - Academic Probation (4.0 scale)
Bachelor of Music2.5 
Master of Music3.0

Application Materials

All applicants must complete an audition and/or submit a portfolio to be considered for admission to SFCM. 

Some areas require a pre screening round to be invited to a final audition. The pre screening round will consist of uploading audition videos to the application for performance majors, and a portfolio of work for Composition and TAC (Technology and Applied Composition) degree programs. Students will be denied at the prescreening round or invited to a final audition.

See the Auditions section of this page to review which areas require a prescreening round.

In this section, we cover the following topics:
  • Transcript Types: Unofficial, Final Official, and Mid-Year
  • Deadlines and Submission Methods
  • Requirements by Degree
  • International Schools: Language Requirements and Transcript Evaluations
     

Transcript Type Requirements

Transcript TypeRequirement
UnofficialUnofficial transcripts from all required institutions are due at the time of applying to SFCM. In applications, we accept PDFs or screenshots from student portals, as long as the these items clearly show your full name, cumulative GPA, and full academic record. See the “Requirements by Degree” section for a full list of required institution transcripts by degree level.
Final Official

All admitted students must submit final official transcripts to enroll at SFCM. These transcripts must be submitted by the institution and include:

  • All completed coursework with final grades
  • Cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale
  • Contain an official seal, stamp, or signature
  • If completing a degree, show the degree awarded with graduation date
  • If from an international school - see additional details below

Note: Be sure to order transcripts after final grades have been posted. If you are graduating, wait to order until after your degree has been officially awarded.

Mid-YearApplicants are not required to submit mid-year or updated transcripts before decisions are released.

 

Deadlines and Submission

Transcript TypeDateSubmission
UnofficialDecember 1 (Fall Entry)
January 15 (Spring Entry)
Uploaded via the "Academic History" section of the application. Please note that all uploaded documents are considered unofficial, even if they are official documents provided by the institution.
Final OfficialJuly 1 (Fall Entry)
January 15 (Spring Entry)

All final transcripts must be submitted directly by the institution. 

Transcripts are accepted via mail/post, school/institutional email to nccyl@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@ylppa , Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse. Mailing Address: Office of Admissions, 50 Oak Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.

Requirements by Degree

Student TypeRequired Transcripts
UndergraduateAll high schools and college/universities attended (running-start and dual enrollment ordered separately from each institution)
Undergraduate, Home-SchoolOfficial transcript from an accredited institution or a GED/CHSPE diploma*
Any college/universities attended
Undergraduate - TransferAll high schools and college/universities attended
Credit assessments are completed before orientation, review policies
Graduate and PostgraduateAll college/universities attended. SFCM will not accept any transfer credit at the graduate or postgraduate level, but requires transcripts to determine academic eligibility for accreditation purposes

*Homeschool transcript/diploma policies are currently being reviewed for the 2026-2027 application cycle. Updated policies will be finalized by October 1, 2025.

International Schools: Language & Evaluations

The following applies to all students who attended a school outside of the United States, including U.S. domestic students.

TranslationIf transcripts are not in English, a course-by-course translation is required from the school. If the school cannot provide this, students must submit notarized translations.
Evaluation

An evaluation is required for the following reasons:

  • The transcripts are not in English and do not include an official translation.
  • The GPA is not presented on a U.S. 4.0 scale.
  • The degree awarded or graduation date is not listed. If this is the case, schools may provide a degree diploma or graduation certificate, as long as it includes this information.

Note: The Admissions Office reserves the right to request an evaluation for additional reasons in order to conduct a thorough review of submitted transcripts.

Accepted EvaluatorsThe Evaluation Company (Formerly Spantran), WES - World Education Services (wes.org) or Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ece.org).
 

All applicants - including current and former SFCM students - must complete the video essay and written essays as outlined below.

Written Essays (300-500 words)

Choose two of the four essay prompts to include in their application. Applicants for Technology and Applied Composition and the String and Piano Chamber Music program have additional writing prompts. Please visit the audition repertoire pages for more details.

  1. Describe your career goals and how you envision attending SFCM will enable you to achieve these ambitions.
  2. At SFCM, we bring people together to better the lives of others through music. Describe one way in which you have contributed to your community, whether in your family, the classroom, your neighborhood, etc.
  3. At SFCM, we value diversity in all forms. Please describe what diversity means to you and how your lived experience has shaped your path.
  4. Our core mission is to transform our students: artistically, intellectually, professionally, and individually. Reflect on an experience that has shaped you in one or more of these areas. 

Video Essay (3 min max)

3 minutes maximum

Please upload a video essay for the area faculty and Admissions to learn more about you. Video submissions do not affect admission decisions and will not be judged on artistic merit, creativity, production quality, or similar criteria. We ask that you introduce yourself clearly, but everything else is up to you!

Past applicants have shared why they want to study music, why they chose SFCM, music they are currently working on, where they are from, their hobbies, other musical interests, and more. You’re welcome to include anything that gives faculty a fuller picture of who you are and what inspires you—both musically and beyond.

For current or former SFCM students - please include why this next degree, certificate, or diploma is meaningful to you, what new goals you hope to achieve, and anything the faculty may not already know about your background or interests.

Summary

Total Letters Required2 letters
Submission MethodSubmitted via online form sent through the SFCM application
Spring Application DeadlineNovember 1
Fall Application DeadlineJanuary 1

Recommenders

Letter 1          

One recommendation letter must be from a current private music teacher or ensemble director. If you are not currently in lessons or in an ensemble, please include at least one recommender who can speak to your musical abilities. 

TAC and Composition applicants who have not studied privately should include at least one recommender who can speak to their musical abilities.

Letter 2           The second recommendation letter may come from anyone who can address your work ethic and character; this person does not need to be from the music field.

Accepted Letter Submission

We accept letters of recommendation only through our application-linked recommendation form. We do not accept recommendation letters via email, National Student Clearinghouse, or Parchment. Recommenders will receive a link to submit their letter once their applicant has entered their information within their SFCM application. 

How to Submit Letters

*High school counselors may submit recommendation letters on behalf of their faculty through the application linked recommendation form. Please enter the counselor’s email address in place of the faculty member’s so your school counselor can receive the link to submit the recommendation letter.

StepInstructions
Add RecommendersEnter recommender’s info under the "Recommendations" section of application
Email SentRecommenders will automatically receive an online form to complete
Submission TimingLetters can be submitted before you finish your application
Deadline ReminderRecommenders must submit letters by Nov 1 (Spring) and Jan 1 (Fall)

Test Scores

SAT/ACT

We only require SAT or ACT scores from homeschooled Bachelor of Music applicants. The Conservatory's school code for SAT is 4744; the code for the ACT is 0403. We require the ACT-Science portion of the ACT. If you have questions about this requirement, please connect with us at nccyl@fspz.rqhude.mcfs@ylppa .

AP/IB Scores

Students must order scores from College Board and have them sent directly to the Office of Admissions to be considered for transfer credit. Please visit the Transfer Credit page for more details.

 

English Proficiency Scores

International students whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores for admissions, unless they qualify for a waiver. Visit the International Applicants page for full details. 

Transfer credit policies are currently being reviewed for the 2026-2027 application cycle. Updated policies will be finalized by October 1, 2025.

Undergraduate 

Transfer applicants should review the full transfer credit and transfer applicant policies here to understand how credits transfer to SFCM. 

Please note, the class level of an undergraduate transfer student is determined by the Office of Academic Affairs at the time of acceptance into SFCM. The musical level of a transfer student is determined by the faculty at the time of the student's audition (e.g., sophomore, junior, etc.). The academic level is determined by the Office of Academic Affairs based on transfer credits and placement exam results. The student’s expected graduation date is determined by the lower of the two class levels.

Graduate/Postgraduate

SFCM does not accept transfer credit for, or from, post-baccalaureate programs (e.g., M.M., etc.). Credit from completed Bachelor's degrees cannot be applied towards the SFCM undergraduate credit load. Transcripts from all colleges attended are still required to determine academic standing and for accreditation purposes. 
 

 

Auditions

Welcome to the auditions section! Please carefully review the audition date information, paying close attention to the audition sign up process and confirmation emails. Please note, many of our areas require a prescreening round before being invited to a final audition. 

Live on-campus auditions are mandatory for all Artist Diploma programs, as well as Piano and Strings Chamber Music. All live auditions are recorded by SFCM for review purposes, as needed. Recordings are not shared with applicants or any offices outside of Admissions and the relevant department. Students will perform for a panel of faculty from their area of study, which may not include the "faculty preference" selected in their application. However, if your preferred faculty member is unavailable to hear you live, they will review your recording.

Audition Dates and Sign Up

Audition Dates

Auditions take place in late January and February each year. Auditions dates are posted in early November and sign up will begin in mid-December when the scheduling module opens within the Application Status Portal. 

See the Fall Audition Scheduling Details drop down for more details about how to schedule. 

All live auditions are held in San Francisco on our campus. Live auditions are required for all Artist Diploma programs, as well as Piano and Strings Chamber Music. Composition, TAC, and RJAM have live Zoom auditions for those who cannot attend. 

Audition Selection and Changes

All audition times are tentative. Final time slots will be confirmed two weeks before your audition date. Audition dates are guaranteed, but times may shift by up to two hours earlier or later than the tentative time provided.

  • Self Schedule Period: Applicants can select their audition date and time during the self-scheduling period, which opens in mid-December and closes in mid-January (exact dates TBA). Note: Preferred dates are not guaranteed.
  • How to Self Schedule: Scheduling will take place through the Auditions tab in the Application Status Portal once the module opens in mid-December.
  • How to Reschedule: During the self-schedule period, applicants may reschedule their audition through reschedule link in their portal. After the self-schedule period ends, a form will be provided to request changes.
  • How to Schedule after Self Schedule Period: After the self-schedule period ends, a form will be provided to request an audition date and time.
  • Time Slot Confirmations: Two weeks before your audition, you will receive a confirmation email with your final audition time. For live auditions your confirmation email will also contain assigned check-in and practice room times.
Booking Travel
  • When to Book Travel: Only book travel after scheduling your audition—either during the self-schedule period or by submitting a request form afterward. Do not book travel to San Francisco before your audition is scheduled.
  • When to Arrive: Applicants should be prepared to arrive a minimum of 1.5 hours before their confirmed audition time to sign in at their assigned check in time and access a practice room.
  • Traveling to SFCM - Same Day (not recommended): Due to potential travel delays and limited rescheduling options, same-day travel is strongly discouraged. If necessary, plan to land at SFO at least 3.5 hours before your tentative audition time to accommodate any time changes.
  • Departure Time Warning: Avoid booking departures within four hours after your original tentative audition time to allow for possible confirmation time changes, audition delays, and San Francisco transit.
SemesterVirtual Scheduling Options
Fall 

Requests: Virtual or recorded auditions are available upon request in mid-December when the scheduling module opens, following the pre-screening decision deadline.

Zoom: TAC, RJAM, and Composition have required Zoom auditions for those who cannot attend live.

SpringFor entry in the Spring semester, audition options are arranged individually via email.
Required Live Auditions

All Artist Diploma programs, Strings & Piano Chamber Music applicants must attend live on-campus auditions in San Francisco. 

Assigned Practice Room Times

All applicants are assigned practice room slots after their assigned check-in times. All students must arrive for their assigned check-in time to audition, even if they do not plan to use the entire practice room slot.

All applicants will receive a minimum of 45 minutes of time in a practice room, with transition time built in between check-in and movement to the audition backstage. 

Practice Rooms Before Audition

Applicants cannot use practice rooms prior to their audition day or earlier than their assigned warm up time. Current SFCM students must also warm up during their assigned warm up time. We suggest looking into companies or churches within San Francisco if you need access to a room beforehand. The following businesses may offer general practice rooms: Union Music, SF Community Music Center, Music City Rehearsal, Lennon Studios, Little Mission Studio, and Secret Studios.

Audition Requirements

Non Prescreened Areas

The following areas do not require prescreening. Students will be able to sign up for an audition once the scheduling module opens. See the Audition Dates and Sign Up section for more details. 

Brass
Classical Guitar
Collaborative Piano 
Historical Performance
Strings (double bass and harp only)
Woodwinds

Prescreened Areas

The following areas require prescreening as a part of the application process. To apply to SFCM, all students must submit their prescreening materials with their application. Applicants will either be denied at the prescreening round or invited to a final audition. Please visit the area page below to review the audition repertoire requirements for your specific area of study and degree type.

Conducting
Composition
Percussion
Piano
Roots, Jazz, and American Music
Strings (violin, viola, and cello only)
String and Piano Chamber Music
Technology and Applied Composition
Voice and Opera Studies

 

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