* 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.

We anticipate the following areas to not accept Spring applications: 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 15.

In this section we will cover the following:

• General Application Fee
• Application Fee Waivers & Requests
• Other SFCM Fees

Application Fee

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

Application Fee - Automatic Waiver

The following applicants have an automatic fee waiver/reduction. 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.

Application Fee - Requests

Applicants who do not qualify for an automatic fee waiver may request one through the Admissions Office using one of the methods below.

SFCM 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 2026.

Degree Prerequisites

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. 

In this section, we cover the following topics:

• Deadlines and Submission Methods
• Requirements by Degree
• Transcript Types: Unofficial, Final Official, and Mid-Year
• International Schools: Language Requirements and Transcript Evaluations
   

Deadlines and Submission

Requirements by Degree

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

Transcript Type Requirements

International Schools: Language & Evaluations

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

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. 

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. 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.
4. Music is more than performance—it’s also about creativity, expression, and finding new ways to connect. Tell us about a time when you used creativity, whether through music or another part of your life, to solve a problem, express yourself, or inspire others. How did this experience shape who you are as an artist? (300–500 words)

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.

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.

Additional Optional Writing Prompts

The two prompts below are completely optional. Whether you choose to respond or not will have no impact on your application.

• At SFCM, we value diversity in all forms. Please describe what diversity means to you and how your lived experienced has shaped your path. (Max 500 words)
• Please use the text box below if you would like include any additional information you would like us to know. If not currently attending school, describe your activities since last enrolled at an institution if you have not yet included them elsewhere in the application. (No Word Limit)

Summary

Recommenders

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.

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. 
 

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

Some areas require a prescreening round to be invited to a final audition. The prescreening 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.

Applicants to SFCM will fall into either a prescreened or non-prescreened category based on their area of study. 

Review the table below regarding categories and then the instructions below as appropriate 

Non-Prescreened Areas

Applicants in non-prescreened areas are not required to upload audition materials with their application. Instead, they should only submit the items listed under the Application Materials section. Final audition scheduling will open once the audition module is available — typically in mid-December for Fall applicants. Spring applicants will have auditions arranged on an individual basis.

Returning SFCM students are not required to complete prescreening unless applying to an Artist Diploma program. 

Prescreened Areas

Applicants in prescreened areas must upload prescreening materials as part of their application, in addition to the items listed under the Application Materials section. After review, applicants will either be invited to a final audition or not advanced beyond the prescreening round. See the recording policies in the next drop down.

All applicants must complete a final audition to be admitted to SFCM. Those within prescreened areas will either be invited to a final audition or not advanced beyond the prescreening round. See the Audition Dates and Sign Up section for more details about scheduling.

The final "audition" for TAC (Technology and Applied Composition) and Composition will contain an interview and piano proficiency portions. 

Required Live Auditions

Live, on-campus auditions are required for all Artist Diploma programs and the Strings & Piano Chamber Music program. Please note that it is likely we will offer one live audition date for these areas. See the Audition Dates and Sign Up section for more details about scheduling.

Audition Dates

Auditions are held in late January and February each year, with dates posted in early November. Audition sign-ups are in two stages: first through a self-scheduling period, followed by a direct request period with the Office of Admissions. Both stages are managed through the Application Status Portal. Please review the scheduling details below.

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. 

Scheduling Details

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 (Mid-December – January 15): Applicants can select their audition date and tentative time slot during the self-scheduling period. The period opens on December 16 for non-prescreened areas and on a rolling basis for prescreened areas between December 16–19 as decisions are released. The self-scheduling period ends on January 15 at 11:59 PM PT. 

• How to Self Schedule: Scheduling will take place through the Auditions tab in the Application Status Portal once the module opens in mid-December. Please note, the final confirmed time slot may change up to 2 hours before or after the tentative time slot. Applicants will need to arrive at SFCM a minimum of 1.5 hours prior to this time to check in, access practice rooms, and for transition time.

• 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.

• 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.

• Tentative Time Slot  > Confirmations: Two weeks before your audition, you will receive a confirmation email with your final audition time. The confirmed time may change up to 2 hours before or after the tentative time slot applicants selected. 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 at SFCM 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, applicants are encouraged to be in San Francisco a minimum of four hours before your tentative audition time to accommodate the final audition confirmation time.
• 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.

Spring auditions are scheduled individually with each applicant. We anticipate live auditions for Spring 2026 taking place between November 10-14, 2025.

Virtual or Recorded Auditions

Prescreening

All prescreening requirements are pre-recorded and do not require a request; no live option is offered. Applicants must record materials in advance and upload them directly into the application. Refer to the Audition Requirements section to see which areas require prescreening.

Final Auditions, Fall

Recording Policies

Materials include audition videos for performance majors, and a portfolio of work for Composition and Technology and Applied Composition (TAC) applicants. After review, applicants will either be invited to a final audition or not advanced beyond the prescreening round.

TAC Program Prescreening

Those applying to the applying to the Technology and Applied Composition program may edit or produce their submissions due to the nature of the program.

Audition Panel 

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. 

SFCM Recording 

All final 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.

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.

FAQ's

1. I am arriving ___ before auditions - can I use a practice room? Applicants may only use practice rooms on their audition day during their assigned practice room time. Unfortunately, access cannot be provided earlier. If you need a room beforehand, we recommend contacting churches or companies in San Francisco. The following businesses may offer practice general space: Union Music, SF Community Music Center, Music City Rehearsal, Lennon Studios, Little Mission Studio, and Secret Studios.
2. Can I bring my own accompanist? No. All instrumental auditions are to be played unaccompanied. All vocal auditions will be performed with our collaborative pianist staff who will meet with applicants for 10-15 minutes prior to their audition time to go over tempos and rehearse.
3. I don't need my practice room time, do I still need to arrive at the designated check-in time? All applicants are expected to arrive at their assigned check-in time. The check-in time ensures you have sufficient time to complete check-in, receive instructions, and transition to the audition space. If you choose not to use your practice room time, a form will be provided to opt out, and an adjusted check-in time will be sent. This form will close one week prior to each audition day. Please note that if you opt out, you will not be able to opt back in.
4. I want to arrive the same day as my audition, is this possible? We strongly discourage applicants from traveling to SFCM on the same day as their audition. Due to potential travel delays and limited rescheduling options, same-day travel is not recommended. If same-day travel is unavoidable, applicants should plan to arrive in San Francisco at least four hours before their tentative audition time to accommodate the final audition confirmation. Please note that if you miss your audition, we cannot guarantee you will be heard that day.
5. Which is the best airport to fly into? The closest and easiest route is to fly into SFO. See more information on the SFCM Getting Here page.
6. Do you have any hotel discounts? We have a 15% discount with Hotel Enso in Japantown, located about a 10–20 minute taxi or ride-share trip from campus. More information is available on the SFCM Getting Here page.
7. Where do you recommend we stay in town? In addition to Hotel Enso in Japan town, past applicants have had success with the Inn at the Opera, Inn on Gough, Hayes Valley Inn, or short-term rentals (such as Airbnb) in the Hayes Valley area. We also encourage applicants to consider accommodations in Haight-Ashbury, Japantown, and Pacific Heights neighborhoods. While San Francisco has excellent public transportation, we recommend using taxis or ride-share apps for a quicker, more direct route on audition days!
8. Do you have on-campus housing accommodations? We may have a few rooms available for live audition attendance for a fee (under $100 total). More details about the exact fee and requests will be poste in December. Requests will open on January 15 and are not guaranteed. Attendees must have a refundable option booked.