The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) has named conductor and composer Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) as the institution’s Distinguished Professor of Music.

In his role as SFCM’s Distinguished Professor of Music, Tilson Thomas will work individually with students, participate in readings with the SFCM orchestra, and conduct masterclasses. “I’m so looking forward to expanding my work with the next generation of musicians and to building connections with the faculty and staff at the SFCM…to realize our many common musical ideals,” Tilson Thomas said.

MTT’s decades-long relationship with SFCM, born out of his lifelong commitment to music education, has included mentoring and coaching SFCM students, delivering SFCM’s Centennial Convocation in 2017, and receiving an honorary doctorate of music.

“Michael is a singular visionary who stands alone in his transformative impact on music,” said SFCM President David H. Stull, “He is unmatched in craft, imagination, and sheer genius as a creator and performer, but his work and leadership on behalf of education may well transcend his legacy of exceptional achievement as an artist. We are honored and inspired to have him with us.”