Viola da Gamba

Viola da Gamba

Degrees and Programs

Graduate

Viola da Gamba Master of Music

Getting to the root of it all.

a student playing a historical instrument in the concert hall

Studying Historical Performance at SFCM is about finding your voice. We offer performance opportunities and a variety of performance practice and other HP related courses, all geared to each student exploring their individual passion and goals.

As a viola de gamba student at SFCM, you’ll have extensive performing opportunities in both large and small ensembles, taking advantage of a small studio size. Please contact Elisabeth Reed for further information.

Faculty

Faculty

Exclusive instruction.

Historical Performance rehearsal

Historical Performance at SFCM traverses all eras of music history in an environment that enables the study of period performance practice and produces performances that are relevant, vibrant, and provocative.

Historical Performance Classroom

Historical Performance students are part of a flexible program that explores written, visual, and recorded primary sources and uses that knowledge to create contemporary performances, including premieres of new works by SFCM composition faculty members Mason Bates and Elinor Armer.

Historical Performance Keys

SFCM's period instrument collection includes instruments from the seventeenth century to the present. A full complement of baroque violins, violas, celli, double basses, viols, historical plucked strings, historical keyboards, transverse flutes, baroque oboes, and bassoons are available to all SFCM students.

Historical Performance Close up

Historical Performance at SFCM offers bachelor's and master's music degrees in harpsichord and a one-year professional studies certificate in historical performance in voice, baroque violin, viola, cello, historical keyboards, or historical plucked strings.

Historical Performance HP Cello

SFCM's Baroque Ensemble performs regularly throughout the school year.

Historical Performance Hume from stage

SFCM’s Baroque Ensemble performs music of the seventeeth and eighteenth centuries in orchestral and chamber settings. The instrumentation of the Baroque Ensemble is fluid, as repertoire dictates which instruments are needed.

Instruments and Disciplines

a harpsichord student and his hands from above

Harpsichord

Study harpsichord in San Francisco.

Degrees and Programs
Harpsichord Bachelor of Music Harpsichord Master of Music Historical Keyboards Professional Studies Certificate
Learn more about Harpsichord

Baroque Violin

Getting to the root of it all.

Degrees and Programs
Baroque Violin Master of Music Baroque Violin Professional Studies Certificate
Learn more about Baroque Violin

Baroque Viola

Getting to the root of it all.

Degrees and Programs
Baroque Viola Master of Music Baroque Viola Professional Studies Certificate
Learn more about Baroque Viola
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.

SFCM student on terrace

Visiting Campus

We look forward to your visit! Contact the Office of Admissions to take a tour of our facilities. You can also contact the historical performance 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.

SFCM ensemble

Ensembles

Historical performance opportunities are always available to students. SFCM’s Baroque Ensemble and various chamber groups showcase our wealth of historical instrumentalists.

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.
students hold their instruments and walk along a trail where the tops of the golden gate bridge is visible behind them

Admissions

We can't wait to hear what you have to play. Apply today to start your performance of a lifetime.
More Info
A photo of a student raising her hand at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music

How to Apply

It's a big step, we know, and we're here for you. Apply now online, request more information, or learn about our audition and application process.
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Piano in Cha Chi Ming Recital Hall at The Bowes Center.

Auditions & Repertoire

You'll be great. Check out this page for all repertoire requirements and deadlines for your major. Some Instruments and Majors may require a prescreening video.
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Upcoming Events

View Performance Calendar
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Historical Performance