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At SFCM this summer, it smells like teen spirit.

SFCM is always full of young musical talent, but this summer the Conservatory was full of high school talent taking part in its numerous Summer@SFCM options.

"It was incredibly fun, engaging, and educational," said 14-year-old Julian Deery, who took part in this year's Summer@SFCM's Technology and Applied Composition Immersive. The high school student plays the double bass, but loves producing music and wants to get better at writing music, "I learned how important music is in games and movies, which I thought I already knew, but I didn't know the extent of how important it is," Julian said. 

Students got a full overview of state-of-the-art music production techniques.

Designed for high school students with experience in music composition, the Technology and Applied Composition Immersive gave young musicians a deep dive into music technology, media composition, and state-of-the-art production techniques. 

Technology and Applied Composition (TAC) Executive Director Steven Horowitz helped lead the program. "They get to compose music, create original sound design and much much more for games and film. Overall, in one intensive week they get a complete overview of the process for creating music and sound for visual media," Horowitz said. The curriculum was designed by TAC Professor Shawne Workman, who taught many of the classes, with help from other TAC faculty and SFCM faculty Laura Reynolds. 

"It’s always so fascinating to see how we all write music to the same prompt, and everyone’s work ends up wildly different," Hannah Chen, a 17-year-old harp player said. "This program embodies open thinking, innovation, and originality, it provides a space for any genre, any musical upbringing, and creates a space to push creativity past its limits. I am so glad I’ve gotten the chance to participate in the TAC Summer Immersive and look forward to creating more music!" she added.

Students utilized the recording studio in SFCM's Bowes Center.

The classes are designed to give teenagers a jump start on their future, whether that be college, a professional musician, or any vocation they choose, "The students are wonderful and ready to learn," Horowitz continued, "As a result they really get a jump start on developing their individuality, art, and careers." 

Numerous studies show music is integral in developing a child's brain through adolescence and into adulthood, leading to better outcomes later in life, from emotional health, better grades in school, to greater career options. It's one of the many reasons Summer@SFCM offers programs for teenage music makers and why SFCM fosters an ever growing Pre-College Program. 

A cellist plays through compositions written by student musicans in Studio G.

During the week-long residential camp in late June, students learned in classes like Digital Orchestration in Logic Pro X, Sound Design and Synthesis and Game Audio. "I liked listening to other people's music and the best part was inviting a cello player to play something we had written," Julian said of his favorite part of the program. 

Summer@SFCM’s programs featured collegiate faculty members, guest artists, and one-of-a-kind experiences for young musicians studying Voice, Technology and Applied Composition, Guitar, Bass Clarinet, Harp, and Composition. Depending on the program students attend a day camp, or live at SFCM, giving them the chance to get a taste of what studying at SFCM might be like all while staying in SFCM's Bowes Center. 

Learn more about Summer@SFCM or SFCM's Pre-College program.