UPDATE AS OF JUNE 2, 2023: The 2023-24 application will now go live June 7, 2023. We apologize for any inconvenience.
The application for Seattle Conservatory of Music's 2023-24 season goes live June 7, 2023.
About
The Seattle Conservatory of Music is a program of Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra that provides a continuum of learning for students who are passionate about music. Through a full curriculum of music—academic and performance opportunities—Seattle Conservatory of Music musicians expand their knowledge and appreciation for music and art.
The Conservatory serves a vital role: to create well-rounded musicians through academic and performance opportunities that enrich all musical disciplines. A Seattle Conservatory of Music student is equipped with the tools to succeed in their school orchestra, band, choir, or any other musical endeavor they may pursue.
The Seattle Conservatory of Music’s curriculum consists of Academic Studies (Musicianship Skills, Music Composition, and Collegiate Preparation) and Chamber Music Studies. The Seattle Conservatory of Music is a highly customizable and versatile program, offering a wide range of programs for students of all ages and of varied musical background. Recommended curriculum and placement tests are available upon request.
All instrumentalists and vocalists are encouraged to apply.
For more information and to schedule a visit, contact SCM Program Manager Gabriela Garza: gabriela.garza@syso.org.
Performances
2023-24 Performance Dates & Locations TBA
Apply
The application for Seattle Conservatory of Music’s 2022-23 season is now closed. The 2023-24 application goes live June 7, 2023. Click here to find audition guidelines for the 2023-24 season.
Application fee — $60 (non-refundable)
Key Dates & Timeline
- (UPDATED) June 7 – Application opens
- August 27 – Deadline for audition video submissions (only if applicable, see below)
- August 28 – Rolling acceptances begin
- September 29 – Deadline to accept or decline placement
- September 23 – First day of class
Registration Process
Step One – Register
Step Two – You will be contacted by SYSO with the following information depending on the program or course:
Musicianship – we will follow up with you to help determine the most appropriate level prior to enrollment (Introductory, Intermediate, Advanced)
Chamber Music – Placement into Chamber Music is not guaranteed. It is dependent on enrollment numbers and scheduling availability. You will be contacted by SYSO about what group we were able to place you in. If it is not possible to be placed into a chamber group, the application fee will be refunded.
Collegiate Prep – Acceptance is contingent upon review of a student’s submitted audition materials.
Classes may be cancelled or rescheduled due to insufficient enrollment quantities.
Tuition & Aid
2023-24 Tuition Rates
Chamber Music – $1275
Musicianship – $1475
Composition – $1475
Collegiate Preparation – $2700
(NEW!) Exploring Conducting – $1475
Tuition Assistance
Ample tuition assistance is available to all students enrolled in our programs who demonstrate need. Families will request assistance upon receiving their enrollment email in late August/early September. We encourage any families who may need assistance to apply. Please do not hesitate to reach out to info@syso.org for more information.
Courses
(NEW IN 2023-24) EXPLORING CONDUCTING
This course is designed to provide students with leadership fundamentals needed in order to explore the art of conducting. Main areas of study are: Theoretical learning, technique, and observational learning. Students interested in applying can find the course’s 2023-24 syllabus here.
MUSICIANSHIP
Musicianship is a course designed to train musicians in History, Ear Training, and Theory. It has three levels: Beginning (best suited for musicians who have not yet studied theory), Intermediate (best for musicians who have taken Beginning Musicianship, or have taken external theory/aural skills lessons), and Advanced (best for students with substantial exposure theory and aural skills). Musicianship courses prepare students through a holistic musical curriculum that contextualizes academic content with history and other musical skills that benefit all playing levels. No audition required. Please reach out to Seattle Conservatory of Music Manager Gabriela Garza at gabriela.garza@syso.org to inquire about which course is the best fit for your musician.
COLLEGIATE PREPARATORY
A comprehensive training program geared for seniors applying to collegiate music program. This course offers students ample performing opportunities throughout the community. Program activities include juries, mock auditions, community outreach performances, and more. Click here to find audition information for the 2023-24 season.
COMPOSITION
This course offers students hands-on guidance into the world of creating musical compositions. No previous compositional experience is required for enrollment.
CHAMBER MUSIC STUDIES
A program that matches students in small groups and provides weekly coachings on chamber music, performing three recitals per year. Students will be matched in ensembles according to age, skill level, and instruments represented across the entire program. Click here to find audition information for the 2023-24 season.
2022-23 Class Schedule
Conservatory instruction will take place on Saturdays from 9:00am-4:00pm at Kellogg Middle School in Shoreline, WA.
The 2022-23 schedule is yet to be finalized. Courses are scheduled so students should not need to choose between the Academic Year Orchestra Program and the Conservatory. Check back closer to the season start date for the specific schedule.
2022-23 Chamber Music Recital Dates
Sunday, November 13 – Nickerson Studios at Seattle Pacific University – 3pm
Sunday, February 12 – Tagney Jones Recital Hall at Seattle Opera – 3pm
Sunday, May 21 – Tagney Jones Recital Hall at Seattle Opera – 3pm
Faculty
Seattle Conservatory of Music educators are locally-based professional musicians committed to enriching a student’s education through unique and personalized teaching methods.
JUAN FELIPE MOLANO
Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra, Music Director
MARK SALMAN
Director of Academic Studies
JOSEPH GOTTESMAN
Director of Chamber Music Studies
ANASTASIA SOLOMATINA
Collaborative Pianist
GABRIELA GARZA
Seattle Conservatory of Music Manager
LAUREN HALSEY
Musicianship Teacher
ADAM HAWS
Composition Teacher
JOSEPH WHITE
Chamber Music Coach
SEAN OSBORN
Chamber Music Coach
SUE JANE BRYANT
Chamber Music Coach
PAUL KIM
Chamber Music Coach
LEA FETTERMAN
Chamber Music Coach
THANE LEWIS
Chamber Music Coach
Questions? Please reach out to Gabriela Garza at gabriela.garza@syso.org.
Chamber Music
Course Syllabi
(New in 2023-24) Exploring Conducting Syllabus
Intro to Musicianship Course Syllabus (2022-23)
Composition Course Syllabus (2022-23)
Collegiate Preparatory Course Syllabus (2022-23)
Syllabi for 2023-24 courses will be posted by July 1.
Seattle Conservatory of Music Student Handbook
Auditions
Audition Guidelines
Click here to find audition guidelines for the 2023-24 season.
Please click here to find audition guidelines for all courses offered in the 2022-23 season.
Audition Recording
Download the video submission instructions.
For SYSO’s most up-to-date COVID policies and procedures, click here.
Opportunities for student musicians at Seattle Conservatory of Music are made possible through generous support from the Ben Faigin Music Opportunity Fund.
Founded in 1942, Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra is the largest youth orchestra training program in the United States.
