San Francisco Conservatory of Music Announces Internship Program

In collaboration with Opus 3 Artists, the inaugural program has selected two students studying at the conservatory

The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) and the New York-based artist management company Opus 3 Artists have announced their inaugural Internship Program for emerging artists. 

Created for SFCM students to join Opus 3 Artists for a semester to gain real-world experience in the music industry, the internship is part of an ongoing partnership between the organizations since SFCM acquired Opus 3 Artists in 2020.

SFCM also holds partnerships with the PENTATONE label and the London-based management company Askonas Holt — both of which the school acquired in 2022.  

The 2023 inaugural interns are Joshua Choi, an SFCM master’s student studying viola; and pianist Yuki Yokota, who is undertaking a professional studies certificate at the conservatory. 

One main learning pathway of the internship is experience in bookings, where the interns will participate in Opus 3 artist and staff meetings, assist with travel and performance itineraries, and provide administrative support.

Publicity and promotion is another primary pathway — skills include learning how to field requests for marketing assets, perform market research, and join department meetings on marketing and promotion strategy.

In January 2024, the interns will attend New York City’s annual Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) conference — the world’s premier gathering of the performing arts presenting, booking, and touring industry. There, the interns will accompany Opus 3 managers in relevant meetings, and assist with the Opus 3 Showcase at the conference.

“I am super excited to be part of this inaugural internship with Opus 3," Choi said. “A lot of institutions do not offer opportunities for students to gain experience in the business side of music. I am grateful to both Opus 3 and SFCM for offering this opportunity, and excited for future students to take advantage of the internship as well.”

“As a performing classical musician myself, I find this internship to be a rare and wonderful opportunity for my personal and professional growth,” Yokota expressed. “I would love to expand my knowledge in artistic management and administration. I am beyond grateful to be part of Opus 3 to support their distinguished, world-renowned artists.”

“Opus 3 Artists is delighted to be welcoming our first interns from SFCM,” said Opus 3’s managing director Robert Berretta. “As interns, they will get to see the inner workings of one of the world’s leading artist management companies. We look forward to giving them invaluable first-hand experience in collaborating with the team managing the careers and touring activities of many of the world’s most celebrated performing artists.”

“We recognize that the music industry offers a variety of career paths, SFCM is providing students with unparalleled exposure to the inner workings of our music industry today,” said Kristen Klehr, who is chair of SFCM's Professional Development and Engagement Center (PDEC) and will oversee the internship. “Under the umbrella of PDEC these internships work as a direct opportunity stemming from SFCM's growing alliances, all working towards preparing students for the career of their choosing.”