How to Prepare Students for Concerts

Preparing Your Students

The San Francisco Symphony provides free resources and materials for educators to prepare school-age children for what will be, for many, their first visit to a live orchestra concert. Students who benefit most from the concert experience have had an opportunity to discuss and listen to the music prior to the concert.

Concerts for Kids Study Guide

The Concerts for Kids Study Guide provides educators with the information they need to prepare students for their upcoming concert at Davies Symphony Hall. Inside, you will find information and relevant activities about the San Francisco Symphony and Davies Symphony Hall, drawings of instruments suitable for duplicating and distributing to the class, background on the music and composers being presented, and a list of suggested activities. In January 2020 the ticket buyer for your group will receive a paper copy of the Study Guide, as well as a CD of the concert repertoire. We aim to provide one per class or group attending the concert. If you have any questions regarding the Concert for Kids Study Guide, please contact us at cfk@sfsymphony.org.

Docent and Teacher Workshop

The Docent and Teacher Workshop for the 2019-20 season will be held in January 2020. Click here to find out more information. 

Request a Docent Visit at Your School

The San Francisco Symphony provides free in-school visits by a volunteer to prepare students for their upcoming Concerts for Kids performances. Presentations by our trained docents are designed to increase your students' understanding of the symphony orchestra, introduce them to the pieces they will be hearing, and provide a foundation of musical knowledge for their upcoming concert. Click here to request a Docent visit at your school.

Special Needs Form

If anyone in your party has special needs, please complete this form so we can provide all patrons with the best experience possible.