El Sistema USA Scholarship at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) and El Sistema USA are proud to announce a new undergraduate scholarship for El Sistema USA students! SFCM will offer up to two full tuition undergraduate study scholarships and a $5,000 annual living stipend each application cycle.

Through this collaboration, SFCM and ESUSA aim to expand access to high-quality music education and support the next generation of young musicians in pursuing their undergraduate studies.

Founded in 1917, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music prepares artists through exceptional conservatory education, meaningful professional experiences, and a culture of creativity rooted in San Francisco. Today, SFCM is also home to a global creative network that connects education, artist management, and recording to expand opportunities for students and artists.

Tuition Coverage: Each scholarship will cover at least 70% of tuition, and could cover up to full tuition

Living Stipend: Each award includes a $5,000 stipend to help cover the costs of living on campus

The scholarship and living stipend are renewable each year of the 4-year undergraduate course of study provided the student maintains satisfactory artistic and academic progress. Artistic progress is defined by passing juries each year, and academic progress is defined by maintaining an average GPA of 2.5 each semester.

SFCM prepares students to create with purpose, imagination, and resilience. With courses of study in classical performance, jazz, composition, and technology and applied composition, we nurture those who seek achievement within every endeavor and boldly shape the future of music. Our Professional Development and Engagement Center and our Global Creative Network equip students with the real-world skills to craft the career of your dreams. 

TO APPLY

Applications to SFCM must be submitted by the regular application deadline on December 1 of each year. Learn more about applying through our Application and Auditions page. Applicants must indicate they are an El Sistema USA student within the SFCM application. SFCM and ESUSA will verify the student participation in a member organization. 

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible students must be: 

• An active student participant of an ESUSA full member organization. This does not include participation in a short term program hosted by a member organization such as a camp, festival, or seminario. The student’s home program must be a full member. This does not include individual or affiliate members.
• The student must be an active participant of the member organization for at least one full year prior to application to SFCM.
• The member organization must be a member before the application deadline for the student to be considered.

Students must be admitted to SFCM through the standard application and audition processes. We review applications without looking at financial circumstances and ability to pay does not impact admission decisions. Scholarship review is conducted by SFCM’s Financial Aid and Scholarship Committee. 

This scholarship is intended for students who demonstrate financial need with an annual family income of $100,000 or less. To determine financial need, SFCM uses the FAFSA for domestic applicants and the CSS Profile for international students.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We invite prospective applicants to Connect & Visit us – please reach out to apply@sfcm.edu with any questions!