Dedicated teaching from violin stars.
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Violin
Degrees and Programs
A great bow arm frees the imagination.
![a violinist in the section playing during a performance](/sites/default/files/styles/circular/public/2023-03/1-1-violin-in-orchestra.jpg.webp?itok=yTsIp_00)
About 50 students study violin at SFCM, learning from our world-class faculty members, including the concertmaster of the San Francisco Symphony. As a violinist at SFCM, you’ll perform with your peers, explore new possibilities for your instrument, and develop your voice through music from the baroque to the new.
Faculty
Dedicated teaching from violin stars.
![Wonhee Bae headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-11/wonhee-bae.jpg.webp?itok=AVGZ9FPp)
![Alexander Barantschik Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/alexander-barantschik-headshot_0.jpg.webp?itok=0rUZg59M)
![Simon James headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/simon-james-headshot.jpg.webp?itok=gL-U7cOJ)
![Joseph Maile headshot while playing violin](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/joseph-maile-headshot.jpg.webp?itok=1flJ05d2)
Joseph Maile
![Cordula Merks playing violin](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/cordula-merks-headshot.jpg.webp?itok=A3REy53S)
![Kay Stern teaching while holding violin](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/kay-stern-headshot.jpg.webp?itok=nbqplcuR)
![Ian Swensen playing violin](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/ian-swensen-headshot.jpg.webp?itok=LE_cRQKD)
![Chen Zhao headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/chen-zhao-headshot.jpeg.webp?itok=xkWsdVlg)
![Nancy Zhou Nancy Zhou](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2024-01/mrw_4488_0.jpg.webp?itok=sfK4V3M2)
Nancy Zhou
Faculty
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Wonhee Bae
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Alexander Barantschik
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Simon James
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Joseph Maile
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Cordula Merks
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Kay Stern
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Ian Swensen
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Chen Zhao
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Nancy Zhou
![Wonhee Bae headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-11/wonhee-bae.jpg.webp?itok=AVGZ9FPp)
![Alexander Barantschik Headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/alexander-barantschik-headshot_0.jpg.webp?itok=0rUZg59M)
![Simon James headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/simon-james-headshot.jpg.webp?itok=gL-U7cOJ)
![Joseph Maile headshot while playing violin](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/joseph-maile-headshot.jpg.webp?itok=1flJ05d2)
Joseph Maile
![Cordula Merks playing violin](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/cordula-merks-headshot.jpg.webp?itok=A3REy53S)
![Kay Stern teaching while holding violin](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/kay-stern-headshot.jpg.webp?itok=nbqplcuR)
![Ian Swensen playing violin](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/ian-swensen-headshot.jpg.webp?itok=LE_cRQKD)
![Chen Zhao headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2023-03/chen-zhao-headshot.jpeg.webp?itok=xkWsdVlg)
![Nancy Zhou Nancy Zhou](/sites/default/files/styles/original_mobile/public/2024-01/mrw_4488_0.jpg.webp?itok=sfK4V3M2)
Nancy Zhou
![Ian Swensen playing violin](/sites/default/files/2023-03/ian-swensen-headshot.jpg)
For his Faculty Artist Series Concert, Ian Swensen performed with his cellist nephew Jonathan Swensen for the first time.
![SFCM Opera performance](/sites/default/files/2023-03/16-9-opera-concert-alliances.jpg)
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.
![Strings - Info Banner - Visit SFCM student walking up stairs inside 50 Oak building in San Francisco](/sites/default/files/Strings%20-%20Info%20Banner%20-%20Visit.jpg)
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 strings faculty directly to arrange a consultative lesson.
![Strings - Info Banner - Ensembles SFCM students playing in ensembles together](/sites/default/files/Strings%20-%20Info%20Banner%20-%20Ensembles2.jpg)
Ensembles
Performance opportunities abound at SFCM. Whether your interest lies in symphonic repertoire or chamber music, there’s a place for your unique voice. Be sure to check out the diversity of ensembles on offer.
![SFCM Strings Chair Simon James. SFCM Strings Chair Simon James.](/sites/default/files/2023-12/simon-james_faculty-shot.jpg)
Financial Aid and Affordability
Life on Campus
Performances
Newsroom
Alliances
![students hold their instruments and walk along a trail where the tops of the golden gate bridge is visible behind them](/sites/default/files/styles/related/public/hero_images/Virtual_Collateral_Hero.jpg.webp?itok=fjCnzOEK)
Admissions
We can't wait to hear what you have to play. Apply today to start your performance of a lifetime.![A photo of a student raising her hand at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music](/sites/default/files/styles/related/public/field/image/Admission-HowToApply-Thumbnail5.jpeg.webp?itok=3Fxrte2q)
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.![Piano in Cha Chi Ming Recital Hall at The Bowes Center.](/sites/default/files/styles/related/public/field/image/Bowes_PR_Inaug.png.webp?itok=cH0YhLL4)
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.News Stories
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