Vocal Music and Classical Piano

Vocal Music + Classical Piano Link to this section

The Vocal Music & Classical Piano Department at Ruth Asawa School of the Arts offers a unique learning opportunity for students to delve into all facets of singing and music.

The Department provides pre-professional training and college audition preparation for students desiring a career in music and a deep exploration of music as enduring appreciation for those that may pursue other careers. This involves classes that include choral ensemble singing, solo vocal training, language study, music theory training and creative music creation, and independent learning opportunities centered around the cultural exploration of music.

Students focus on their chosen art form for 10-15 hours per week for all four years of high school. Incoming Vocal and Piano students begin with the study of both jazz and classical music simultaneously and have the opportunity to specialize starting in the junior year. All students have the option to sing in multiple choirs throughout their four years of study. 

The Piano Program focuses on the study of classical piano, with an emphasis on technical development, an understanding of period style and musical interpretation, and collaborative performance. The program aims to develop well-rounded pianists through a comprehensive curriculum that includes both solo and collaborative playing. Students explore a wide range of ensemble repertoire, including piano four-hands, two-piano, and eight-hand works, while also having ample opportunities to collaborate with vocalists and instrumentalists in both small and large ensemble settings.

Learn more about the Vocal Music Program HERE 

Vocal Music + Classical Piano Artists Link to this section

Desnoyers Vocal

Mike Desnoyers, Department Head

desnoyersm@sfusd.edu
Angelina Picazo

Angelina Picazo, Lead Teacher

picazoa@sfusd.edu
Franz Zhao

Franz Zhao, Teaching Artist, Piano

zhaof@sfusd.edu

This page was last updated on August 17, 2026