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Academy

Raynmond Jian plays Haydn as Haydn at SFCM Precollege

SFCM’s Pre-College Academy is an immersive program that instills the value of music in youth 18 and under, providing an artistic framework and tailored instruction for the next generation of musicians. Our curriculum integrates private lessons with musicianship courses, small and large ensemble experiences, master classes, jury assessments, and performance opportunities, making music a core part of their lives.

Our Academy program has earned a national reputation for providing superior training to young musicians throughout their course of study. As a result, our alumni have excelled, entering top-level collegiate music schools and conservatories, and distinguishing themselves professionally as performers, composers, teachers, and scholars.

Admission to the Academy program is by audition only. It is a program for students ages 18 and under. While there are no minimum age requirements for acceptance, applicants must have at least 1-2 years prior study and demonstrate proficiency in their chosen major to be considered for admission. Applicants must request a preferred private instructor at the time of application. Please refer to the Pre-College Faculty listing for teacher information.

We welcome you to explore the offerings of our programs, and we encourage you to attend our Open Classroom Day (scheduled in February every year) to observe all aspects of our program. 

Open Classroom Days 2024

We will be hosting our Pre-College Academy Open Classroom Days on Saturday, February 3, 2024 and Saturday, February 10, 2024. 

February 3, 2024 will be primarily for winds, brass, percussion, guitar, harp, voice, composition, music technology (TAC), and jazz studies (RJAM) students. 

February 10, 2024 will be primarily for piano, violin, viola, cello and bass students. 

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP through the following form:
Pre-College Academy Open Classroom Days RSVP Form 2024 >

A schedule of events will be shared a week prior to the events with those who have RSVP'd. 

a teacher conducts a brass ensemble on the terrace of the AGC

Faculty

The SFCM Pre-College is known for its outstanding faculty, many of whom are members of the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Ballet, and San Francisco Opera, as well as serve on the collegiate faculty of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.

Pre-College Curriculum

To learn more about the Pre-College Curriculum, contact Michael Roest, Associate Dean & Executive Director of Pre-College and Continuing Education for additional information.

Pre-College Schedule

Pre-College classes meet on Saturdays for 30 weeks between August and May. The comprehensive curriculum of private lessons, musicianship, a large ensemble, and small ensemble/elective is five hours of class time. Because class times range from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM and student schedules are

Auditions

The Pre-College Academy will open applications for the 2024-2025 academic year in January 2024. The deadline to register for an audition is March 1, 2024. All violin and piano students will be required to submit a pre-screening video. Students will receive instructions on how to submit their video

Pre-College Cost & Financial Aid

Pre-College Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid Annual base tuition for comprehensive study for the 2023-24 academic year is $10,850. A non-refundable registration fee of $50 is charged annually for all enrolled students through a payment plan. Families may choose to pay tuition through a payment plan
Pre-College at SFCM

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