Sarasota Music Conservatory was founded by Sean O’Neil and Lena Cambis, husband and wife violinists with the Sarasota Orchestra. Wishing to offer their private students a broader musical development, and following a European Music Conservatory format, they founded the Sarasota Music
Academy in 2008. In 2012 when the organization met its non-profit status, they decided to change the name to their original vision as Sarasota Music Conservatory. 

Sarasota Music Conservatory is located in downtown Sarasota and distinguishes itself from other private music schools in the area by its thorough curriculum and the professional level of its faculty. Each member of the faculty is a professional performing artist and has diplomas and awards from the most prestigious schools in the world.