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Application now open for Fall and Spring 2025!

Guitar

Collegiate Apply / Request Information

Guitar

Collegiate Apply / Request Information

Six strings of artistry

a guitarist plays sitting along the sea wall, with the beach behind him

Spearheaded by an all-star faculty with top-level expertise ranging from early music to cutting-edge modern work, SFCM’s guitar program honors the historic tradition of classical guitar while cultivating innovation.

Study with guitar titans and get to learn on vintage classical and flamenco guitars donated to SFCM by L. John Harris. The first musician in our recently acquired Opus 3 Artists to join the SFCM faculty is Sérgio Assad, who teaches online classes throughout the year and leads a two-week residency each semester with a focus on performance, composition, and arranging for guitar.

Put your skills into practice thanks to numerous performance opportunities within the Conservatory in weekly ensemble classes, cross-departmental projects, department recitals, and master classes, as well as gigging around the Bay Area.

SFCM produces some of the top guitarists in the world, including winners of the JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition and Guitar Foundation of America International Concert Artist Competition. Graduates perform and hold teaching positions internationally.

Application now open for Fall and Spring 2025!

How to Apply 

Faculty

Singular instruction guaranteed.

Master the Guitar with Meng Su

Sit in on a lesson with Guitar faculty Meng Su!

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.

guitarists smiling in guitar ensemble

Ensembles

Performance opportunities abound at SFCM. Guitar is part of many ensembles, including the New Music Ensemble, historical performance ensembles, and chamber groups of various sizes and instrumentations.

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.

Inside SFCM 50 Oak

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 guitar faculty directly to arrange a consultative lesson.

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.

Harris Guitar Collection

View and play over two dozen historic instruments.
(scroll to see all guitars in the collection)