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Guitar

Collegiate Apply / Request Information

Guitar

Collegiate Apply / Request Information

Six strings of artistry

Spearheaded by an all-star faculty with top-level expertise ranging from early music to cutting-edge modern work, SFCM’s guitar program honors the historic tradition of classical guitar while cultivating innovation.

Study with guitar titans and play over 40+ historical guitars donated to SFCM by L. John Harris, and learn from some of the best artists in the world, like David Russell, who joins SFCM for two weeks in the spring for masterclasses and lessons.

Put your skills into practice thanks to numerous performance opportunities within the Conservatory in weekly ensemble classes, cross-departmental projects, department recitals, and master classes, as well as gigging around the Bay Area.

SFCM produces some of the top guitarists in the world, including multiple winners of the Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition. Graduates perform and hold teaching positions internationally.

Learn more about SFCM's Guitar Department in the 26-27 academic year Guitar Department Manual.

Faculty

Singular instruction guaranteed.

Richard Savino in the Barbro Osher Recital Hall in SFCM's Bowes Center.

Richard Savino in the Barbro Osher Recital Hall in SFCM's Bowes Center.

Richard Savino

Guitar Historical Performance Historical Plucked Strings
Learn more about Richard Savino

Master the Guitar with Meng Su

Sit in on a lesson with Guitar faculty Meng Su!

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.

guitarists smiling in guitar ensemble

Ensembles

Performance opportunities abound at SFCM. Guitar is part of many ensembles, including the New Music Ensemble, historical performance ensembles, and chamber groups of various sizes and instrumentations.

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.

Inside SFCM 50 Oak

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 guitar faculty directly to arrange a consultative lesson.

Minors

Customize your degree with minors that deepen your musical interests or expand your skills across disciplines.

Academics

Explore music theory, history, humanities, and interdisciplinary coursework that broadens your perspective as both a musician and a scholar.

Ensembles

Perform in recitals, ensembles, orchestras, opera productions, chamber music, and more than 500 concerts each year.

The Bowes Center

Live, learn, rehearse, and connect in a residence designed to bring artists together in one creative community.

Life on Campus

Find community through student organizations, wellness resources, campus traditions, and life in the heart of San Francisco.

Harris Guitar Collection

View and play over two dozen historic instruments.
(scroll to see all guitars in the collection)