Bonnie Hampton

Bonnie Hampton is a renowned cellist and pedagogue, currently serving as faculty in Chamber Music and Cello at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music (SFCM). She rejoined SFCM in 2018 after a decade at The Juilliard School, marking her return to the institution where she taught since the 1950s. Hampton pioneered SFCM’s chamber music program, launching the nation’s first master’s degree in chamber music in 1985.

Education & Career: Her career spans over seven decades, including roles with the Hampton-Schwartz Duo (1967–2002) and the Francesco Trio (1964–2002). She has also taught at Mills College, Grinnell College, Stanford University, and UC Berkeley.

Research & Teaching: Hampton’s teaching philosophy emphasizes fostering students’ artistic voices while preparing them for professional success. She advocates rigorous practice and holistic performance preparation, advising musicians to embrace challenges with enthusiasm.

Awards:

• 2016 Honorary Doctorate from SFCM
• SFCM’s Award for Excellence in Teaching
• Indiana University’s Eva Janzer Award

Grants & Labs: Central to her legacy is the development of SFCM’s chamber music curriculum and its global reputation. She remains actively involved in performance, notably with the Telegraph Quartet.