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At a music school creating a culture where all students can thrive is key.

When it comes to the student experience, SFCM strives to build an environment and community where all students can succeed as they invent the future of music together. Not only with the Conservatory's living, performing, and classroom spaces, but by making SFCM a welcoming, productive and meaningful place for young musicians.

Creatives shine at SFCM and in º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ Francisco. SFCM's state-of-the-art facilities and multiple outstanding performance halls give students the tools they need to succeed as musicians, while the highly collaborative community at SFCM helps students grow into the artists, intellectuals, professionals, and individuals they're meant to be.

The SFCM Newsroom asked students what one of the most iconic cities in the world and the Conservatory's campus culture is like for them.

Sam Mason, Composition
"There is such a culture of generosity and willingness to help at SFCM. I don't know what it's like at other schools, obviously, but I know the stereotype is very competitive and that's certainly not the culture here."

Antonia Cáceres, Voice
"My experience would have been very different if I didn't live on campus. As an international student, I had never lived anywhere else but in my country, so coming here was a big deal and I have had a wonderful experience. I have made friends, met people. It's a great support system."

Joshua Choi, Viola 
"I think studying at SFCM is quite unique because of the nature of º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ Francisco. It's not only a big city but it has all these diverse neighborhoods and diverse people. It really adds to what it feels like to study at SFCM."
 

SFCM students in front of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Julian Sommer, Cello
"When I showed up I really fell in love with the city. It assured me that I made the right choice, and the friendly and supportive community here reinforced that. I was a little worried coming in that everyone was just going to be locked in a practice room, grinding all the time, but I feel like everyone is interested in these extracurriculars and going out when they have free time."

SFCM Orchestra students.

Fabio Valery Villanova, Bassoon 
"The community is full of really passionate people who work really hard at becoming better at their instruments and trying to find new ways to connect with the audience, and that really resonates with the type of musician that I am."

Lauryn Kurniawan, Technology and Applied Composition
"Being born and raised in a tropical country, I love the weather. Nothing beats º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ Francisco weather. But I think my favorite thing about SFCM is the diverse kinds of people that I meet here. Everyone has different cultural backgrounds, musical backgrounds, everyone is just very open minded, willing to help, and really friendly. and I've made a lot of really good friends here."

SFCM students enjoy lunch in the Ann Getty Center for Education.

Lorenna Garcia, Viola 
"I really like how close SFCM is to all of the major performance arts entities, the SF Opera, the SF Symphony, is down the street and you have SFJAZZ and the ballet. I like º¬Ð߲ݴ«Ã½ Francisco because everything is pretty compact. I come from a city where you need a car to get everywhere, so having everything in one area is nice."

Jennifer Redondas, Violin
"I love the people in this place and I love how supportive the faculty and staff are. I think it's a great environment to make you be an artist. Not only a musician, but a creator. I never pictured myself on the West Coast but I am very glad I made that decision."

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