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Special weekday concerts for school groups provide an unforgettable and interactive learning experience for students in grades K–9 throughout the greater Bay Area and beyond. High school students enjoy uniquely selected open rehearsals.

Concerts for Kids: Kindergarten–Grade 9

The San Francisco Symphony’s Concerts for Kids is a series of concerts for school-aged children designed as educational tools to develop students' understanding and appreciation of symphonic music. These engaging performances introduce students to musical concepts and ideas through a unifying theme, lending themselves to interdisciplinary exploration and integration with core classroom curriculum.

To support these goals, the Symphony offers study materials and CDs of the concert repertoire mailed in advance of the performance. Teachers are also encouraged to participate in our free Docent and Teacher Workshop to learn more about the Concerts for Kids program and how to prepare students for their upcoming concert, or request a classroom visit by a trained education docent. All seats are just $8!

How to Prepare 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.

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.

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 [email protected].

Special Needs


If anyone in your party has special needs, please contact us at [email protected] so we can provide all patrons with the best experience possible.

Contact

Concerts for Kids
San Francisco Symphony
Davies Symphony Hall
San Francisco CA, 94102

Phone: 415-864-6000
Fax: 415-554-0108

[email protected]

Open Rehearsals: Grades 9–12


High-school teachers and students enjoy a rewarding educational experience when they witness live music making by the San Francisco Symphony. Open rehearsals provide a behind-the-scenes encounter—a great way to hear orchestral music come alive. Come early to enjoy complimentary donuts at 8:30am and an informative pre-rehearsal talk starting at 9am.

Email [email protected] for more information on Open Rehearsals