The San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM) and Opus 3 Artists, an artist management company based in New York, have jointly introduced their first-ever Internship Program designed for emerging artists. This program is aimed at providing SFCM students with the chance to gain practical experience in the music industry by spending a semester working with Opus 3 Artists. It is an integral part of the ongoing collaboration between the two organizations, which began when SFCM acquired Opus 3 Artists in 2020.

SFCM has also established partnerships with the PENTATONE label and Askonas Holt, a London-based management company, both of which were acquired by the school in 2022.

The 2023 inaugural interns are Joshua Choi, a viola master's student at SFCM, and Yuki Yokota, a pianist pursuing a professional studies certificate at the conservatory.

One primary focus of the internship is to provide hands-on experience in the field of bookings. Interns will actively participate in Opus 3 artist and staff meetings, assist in planning travel and performance schedules, and provide administrative support.

Another significant aspect of the internship is publicity and promotion. Interns will acquire skills such as handling requests for marketing materials, conducting market research, and participating in department meetings related to marketing and promotion strategies.

In January 2024, these interns will attend the annual Association of Performing Arts Professionals (APAP) conference in New York City, which is the foremost gathering in the performing arts presenting, booking, and touring industry worldwide. During the conference, the interns will accompany Opus 3 managers in relevant meetings and assist with the Opus 3 Showcase.

Joshua Choi expressed his enthusiasm for the internship, stating, "I am super excited to be part of this inaugural internship with Opus 3. Many 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."

Yuki Yokota, a performing classical musician, sees the internship as a valuable opportunity for personal and professional growth. She said, "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."

Robert Berretta, the managing director of Opus 3 Artists, expressed his delight at welcoming the first interns from SFCM and emphasized the unique opportunity for them to gain insights into the inner workings of a leading artist management company.

Kristen Klehr, who chairs SFCM's Professional Development and Engagement Center (PDEC) and oversees the internship, highlighted the diverse career paths available in the music industry and how these internships contribute to preparing students for their chosen careers within the field.