James C. Olson Performing Arts Center
4949 Cherry Street
(816) 235-2900
conservatory@umkc.edu
 

Mailing Address
University of Missouri-Kansas City
UMKC Conservatory
4949 Cherry Street
Kansas City, MO 64110-2229

Dean:
Courtney Crappell

Associate Dean of Academic and Faculty Affairs
Andrew Granade

Associate Dean for Performance Operations:
James Snell

Scholarships or Special Awards

Scholarships are available to Conservatory students and are awarded on the basis of ability (demonstrated at the audition) and academic standing. Scholarships are awarded for one year but can be renewed annually, provided students maintain the appropriate grade level, continue satisfactory performance in the major performance area, and participate in major ensembles as prescribed.

Applicants for Conservatory scholarships must complete all regular admissions procedures in order to be considered.

In accordance with the code of ethics of the National Association of Schools of Music, the acceptance of financial aid by a candidate is considered a declaration of intent to attend the institution, and each candidate will be so informed. The code further declares that such a student may not consider any other offer from an institutional member of the NASM except with the written consent of the music executive of the first institution. Similarly, a transfer applicant cannot be considered for financial aid without the written recommendation of the head of the music department from which the transfer is being made.

^ Associate or Adjunct Graduate Faculty * Members of UMKC Graduate Faculty # Members of UMKC Doctoral Faculty + Located at UM-St. Louis campus

*Carl Allen; professor (jazz studies), B.M. (William Paterson University)

^Jonathan Allen; visiting assistant professor (percussion), M.M. (Yale School of Music)

#Owen Belcher; associate professor (music theory), Ph.D. (Eastman School of Music)

*Ryan Belock; assistant professor (digital and immersive media); M.F.A. (University of Texas at Austin)

Michael Blake; associate professor of dance (modern), M.F.A. (Purchase College)

*Lisa Anderson Bongers; instructor (stage management)

^Linda Ade Brand; interim director of opera and visiting assistant professor, M.F.A. (UMKC)

Karen Brown; assistant professor of dance (ballet), B.A. (St. Mary's College of California)

^Victor Caccese; visiting assistant professor (percussion), M.M. (Yale School of Music)

#Jane M. Carl; professor of music (clarinet); D.M.A. (University of Michigan)

#Sean Chen; Jack Strandberg/Missouri Endowed Professor of Piano; M.M. (The Juilliard School), Artist Diploma (Yale School of Music)

#Chen Yi; Lorena Searcy Cravens/Millsap/Missouri Distinguished Professor of Music (composition); D.M.A. (Columbia University)

*Soo Kyung Chung; instructor (music theory); Ph.D. (University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music)

*Megan Clewell; assistant teaching professor (vocal coaching and collaborative piano); M.M. (Arizona State University), Artist Diploma (University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music)

#JoDee Davis; professor of music (trombone); D.M. (Indiana University)

Kara Davis; visiting assistant professor (dance); M.F.A. (Hollins University)

#Steven D. Davis; Rose Ann Carr Millsap Missouri Distinguished Professor of Music (conducting, wind symphony); M.M. (University of Minnesota)

#Stewart Duncan; assistant teaching professor (musicology); Ph.D. (Indiana University)

#Raymond Scott Feener; associate professor of music (voice); D.M.A. (Florida State University)

*Joseph Genualdi; professor of music (violin); Artist Diploma (The Curtis Institute)

*Greer Gerni; assistant teaching professor (theatre), Ph.D. (Indiana University)

#Andrew Granade; professor of music (musicology); Ph.D. (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign)

*Christopher Hayes; teaching professor (music); Ph.D. (University of Missouri – Columbia)

DeeAnna Hiett; professor of dance (modern)     

#Celeste Johnson; professor of music (oboe); M.M. (Eastman School of Music)

*Stacey Johnson; instructor of theatre; M.F.A. (Texas State University)

#Maria Kanyova; associate professor of music (voice); D.M.A. (University of Kansas)

#Christopher Kelts; assistant professor (music), director of orchestras; D.M.A (UMKC)

#Benny Kim; associate professor of music (violin); M.M. (The Juilliard School)

#Scott Lee; associate professor of music (viola); M.M. (Mannes College of Music)

*Sun Joo See; assistant professor (music therapy); Ph.D. (University of Iowa)

*Marcus Lewis; assistant professor (jazz studies); M.M. (University of Nebraska-Omaha

*Karel Lill; assistant professor (music theory); Ph.D. (University of Michigan)

*Gregory Mackender; assistant teaching professor of theatre (sound design)

#Christopher Madden; associate professor of music (piano pedagogy); Director of Undergraduate Studies; D.M.A. (University of Oklahoma)

*Tom Mardikes; professor of theatre (sound design); M.F.A. (University of Missouri - Kansas City)

#Jarrett McCourt; assistant professor (tuba/euphonium); M.M. (University of Michigan)

#Michael Mermagen; professor of music (cello); M.M. (The Juilliard School)

#Dale W. Morehouse; associate professor of music (voice, opera); M.M. (SUNY-Binghamton)

#Leigh Muñoz; assistant professor of music (bassoon); D.M.A. (University of Kansas)

*Carla Noack; professor of theatre (acting); M.F.A. (University of Missouri - Kansas City)

Tempe Ostergren; assistant professor of ballet, (School of American Ballet/Pacific Northwest Ballet)

#Joseph Parisi; curators' distinguished professor of music (music education, instrumental music); Ph.D. (Florida State University)

#Seokho Park; assistant professor (voice); D.M.A. (University of Minnesota)

*Natalia Rivera; associate teaching professor of music (vocal coach-accompanist, foreign language for singing); D.M.A. (University of Kansas)

*Stephanie Roberts; associate professor of theatre (physical theatre); M.F.A. (Deli’Arte International School of Physical Theatre)

#Amy Robertson; associate professor of music (music therapy); Ph.D. (Florida State University)

#Charles R. Robinson; professor of music (music education, choral music); Ph.D. (Florida State University)

#Paul Rudy; curators' distinguished professor of music (composition); D.M.A. (University of Texas at Austin)

#Terri Sánchez; assistant professor (flute); D.M.A. (University of North Texas)

*Jeffrey Savage; assistant teaching professor (piano and keyboards); D.M.A. (The Juilliard School)

#Karen Savage; professor of music (collaborative piano); D.M.A. (The Juilliard School)

*John Selya; visiting assistant professor (dance)

#Jennifer Sengin; Raymond R. Neevel/Missouri Endowed Professorship in Choral Music, director of choral studies; D.M.A. (Michigan State University)

#Zachary Shemon; professor of music (saxophone); M.M. (University of Michigan)

*Jeremy Smith; assistant professor (production design); M.F.A. (Indiana University)

#Aidan Soder; associate professor of music (voice); D.M.A. (Rice University)

*Alberto Suarez; assistant professor (horn); M.M. (New England Conservatory of Music)

^Terrence Sweeney; visiting assistant professor of percussion, M.M. (Yale School of Music)

#Jane Sylvester; assistant professor (musicology); Ph.D. (Eastman School of Music)

*Brianne Taylor; assistant professor (voice); M.F.A. (West Virginia University)

*Joshua Taylor; assistant teaching professor (technical design); M.F.A. (West Virginia University)

#David Thurmaier; professor of music (music theory); Director of Graduate Studies; Ph.D. (Indiana University)

*Daniella Toscano; assistant professor (costume design); M.F.A. (UC - San Diego)

#Matthew Vangjel; assistant professor (trumpet); D.M.A. (UMKC)

*Collin Vorbeck; associate visiting professor (theatre); Ph.D. (Texas Tech University)

*Patrick Weaver; instructor (theatre)

#Zhou Long; distinguished professor of music (composition); D.M.A. (Columbia University)

Undergraduate Programs

The Conservatory offers the following undergraduate programs. Please select the links below to view program specific requirements.

Arts Entrepreneurship Undergraduate Certificate

Integrated Performing Arts Minor

Dance

• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance

Music

• Bachelor of Arts: Music
• Bachelor of Arts: Music Therapy
• Bachelor of Music Education
• Bachelor of Music: Jazz Studies
• Bachelor of Music: Music Composition
• Bachelor of Music: Music Performance-​Piano
• Bachelor of Music: Music Performance-​Voice
• Bachelor of Music: Music Performance-​Wind, Strings, Percussion
• Bachelor of Music: Music Theory

Theatre

• Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
• Minor in Theatre

Admissions

Graduate Programs

Music

• Ph.D. (Interdisciplinary) Music Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Education: Music Education Emphasis (offered in the School of Education, Social Work and Psychological Sciences)
• Doctor of Musical Arts Degrees
• Graduate Certificates
• Master of Music Degrees
• Master of Arts Degrees

Theatre

• Master of Fine Arts in Theatre
  • Acting and Directing
  • Design and Technology

General Information

The Conservatory offers graduate programs leading to the following degrees: master of arts in music; master of arts in music (music therapy emphasis); master of fine arts in acting or design and technology; master of music in music composition, conducting, musicology, music theory and performance; master of music education; doctorate of musical arts in music composition, conducting and performance. The Conservatory participates in the Interdisciplinary Ph.D program for students who desire music education as their coordinating discipline and education as a co-discipline. Graduate students in the Conservatory are also subject to the regulations, listed in the General Graduate Academic Regulations and Information section of this catalog.

Admission Requirements

Admission to the UMKC Conservatory does not constitute an approval of major. Graduate students attending the UMKC Conservatory do not have a major until divisional requirements are met and an approved planned program of study is filed. 

Requirements for Admission

All students applying for admission must:

• Complete an application for admission. 
• Submit transcripts of all prior work. 
• Music students must possess a minimum overall grade-point average of 3.0 for all prior coursework.
• Possess a bachelor’s degree in the appropriate area for admission into master’s programs and a possess a master’s degree in the appropriate area for admission into doctoral programs.

Meet admission standards listed below: 

• Acting
  • Audition to enter the program either on campus or at another approved offsite audition.
• Choral Conducting 
  • Master's and doctoral degrees: live interview/choral conducting students are required to audition before enrolling in applied lessons but may be admitted without an applied audition. 
• Design and Technology
  • Interview and present a portfolio of material either on campus or at another approved offsite event.
• Master of Arts in Music
  • Achieve the level of (APPLIED INSTRUMENT) 302 at the audition. 
• Music Composition 
  • Master's and doctoral degrees: submit portfolio of compositions for evaluation. 
• Music Education 
  • Master's degree: document completion of a bachelor's degree in music education or the equivalent/have an acceptable interview with faculty from this discipline/provide evidence of musical proficiencies applicable to music education settings. 
• Musicology 
  • Possess a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 in undergraduate music history courses. 
  • Submit examples of writing. (The writing sample should be either 1) a research paper on some aspect of the major field - can be an earlier term paper from the baccalaureate degree or 2) a senior project from the baccalaureate degree.) 
  • Possess reading knowledge in at least one language other than English. 
• Music Theory 
  • Possess a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 in undergraduate music theory courses. 
  • Submit examples of writing (The writing sample should be an analytical writing from an upper-level music theory or music history class as well as a statement of purpose.)
  • An informal interview will also be arranged by faculty 
• Music Therapy Master's degree: 
  • Possess a bachelor's degree in music therapy from an NASM-accredited or the equivalent institution and have current CBMT Professional status, or (b) Possess a bachelor's degree in music or music education from an NASM-accredited or the equivalent institution.
  • Students who do not have the appropriate music therapy professional status will take coursework that covers undergraduate music therapy requirements. 
  • An audition in the student’s applied area is required for diagnostic and prescriptive purposes for those not having current music therapy professional status.
  • A simulation of music therapy clinical skills is required for those entering with music therapy professional status.
  • A successful interview with the music therapy faculty is also required for admittance.
• Performance
  • Master's degree: achieve (APPLIED INSTRUMENT) 5501 level on the major instrument at an audition.
  • Doctoral degree: achieve (APPLIED INSTRUMENT) 5601 on the major instrument at an audition.
• Orchestral/Wind Conducting 
  • Master's and doctoral degrees: live interview/applied audition. 
• Performer's Certificate 
  • Possess a bachelor's degree in music. 
  • Achieve (APPLIED INSTRUMENT) 5501 at an audition.
  • Interview with faculty/coaches in the applied area. 
  • Submit a standard resume including performance experiences. 
• Artist’s Certificate 
  • Possess a master’s degree in music. 
  • Achieve (APPLIED INSTRUMENT) 5601 at an audition.
  • Interview with faculty/coaches in the applied area. 
  • Submit a standard resume including performance experiences. 

Matriculation Examination

The matriculation exam applies to all students whose degree program requires a 5500-level music history and/or music theory class. The matriculation examination in aural skills, music theory, and music history must be completed by graduate students before enrolling for the term of admission. Students must pass the written theory exam with a 70% or higher and the aural skills exam with a 75% or higher or complete the appropriate section of the review course (CONSVTY 5421A) with a grade of B- or higher before enrolling in graduate-level theory courses.  Students must pass the music history exam or complete the review course (CONSVTY 5422C) before enrolling in history courses.

Students in the MM in Performance: Vocal Emphasis must demonstrate proficiency in Italian, German, and French lyric diction.

Graduate Assistantships, Fellowships and Scholarships

Graduate assistantships are available with stipends varying for the academic year depending upon assignment. Assistantships are available in accompanying, acting, conducting, instrumental ensembles, jazz, keyboard skills, music composition, music education, musicology, music theory, percussion, recording, saxophone, theatre design and technology, and voice. Recipients are typically expected to devote 10 hours a week (more for appointments above the .25 level) in assigned duties. Applicants for assistantships should have and maintain a minimum 3.0 (B) grade-point average.

Students who wish to apply for assistantships or fellowships should visit Conservatory Admissions for application materials and a list of current positions. Applications must be submitted by March 1. Awards will be made by April 1, and a letter of acceptance or rejection sent to the applicant by April 15. Awarding a graduate assistantship is contingent upon admission.

For information concerning assistantships, fellowships and other forms of student financial aid and scholarships, contact the

Conservatory Admissions Office
(816) 235-2932
cadmissions@umkc.edu

and the

Financial Aid and Scholarships Office
University of Missouri-Kansas City
5115 Oak St.
Kansas City, MO 64110-2499

Master's Degrees

General Information

The master of arts in music, master of music, and master of music education degree programs require a minimum of 30 semester hours; at least 18 hours must be numbered 5500 or above. No 300- or 400-level courses may be included in a master's program if required in the comparable baccalaureate degree at the UMKC Conservatory. CONSVTY 5599, CONSVTY 5598 or CONSVTY 5589 is required on all degree programs except performance. With the approval of the supervisory committee and the principal graduate advisor, students can transfer hours equal to 20 percent of the planned program from an accredited institution other than UMKC, but any such transfer credit must be less than seven years old at the time the degree is awarded. The official time limit for the completion of the master's degree is seven years.

MFA Theatre

The Master of Fine Arts in Theatre is a three-year program requiring a minimum of 60 credit hours.  The department offers an MFA in Acting and an MFA in Design and Technology.  Students who choose to pursue an MFA in Design and Technology must choose an emphasis in one of the following areas:

• Design (scenic design, costume design and technology, lighting design, sound design).
• Technology (technical direction, stage management)

Acting Emphasis

Continuation in the program is dependent upon satisfactory progress as determined by faculty evaluation at the end of each academic year. The concluding requirements of the MFA degree for the design and technology candidate will be a final master’s competency exam consisting of a presentation of portfolio that includes classroom projects and produced work. The concluding requirement of the MFA in Acting is the Creative Contract, a thesis project that includes a self-directed 20-minute performance (original or existing text), and an oral defense of the project with performance faculty. The student’s supervisory committee chair will report the results of the final competency examination in writing to the candidate, the Conservatory Advising Office, the School of Graduate Studies, and file a copy with the Registrar.

Design Emphasis

Those choosing a design emphasis will be prepared to compete for United Scenic Artist Local 829 membership as scenic designers, lighting designers, costume designers or sound designers. They also will be prepared to design in professional theatre centers and in major universities and colleges.

Technology Emphasis

• Technical Direction

Candidates specializing in technology will be trained to compete for jobs as technical directors or assistant technical directors and other supervisory technical positions, or other entertainment-business-related positions.

• Stage Management

Stage management candidates serve as assistant stage managers the first semester or first year, as stage managers the second year, and serve a residency in the last semester. They also work as production assistants for the Kansas City Repertory Theatre shows. Candidates in stage management are trained to compete for jobs as Actors' Equity.

Continuation in the program is dependent upon satisfactory progress as determined by faculty evaluation at the end of each academic year. The concluding requirements of the MFA degree for the design and technology candidate will be a final master’s competency exam consisting of a presentation of portfolio that includes classroom projects and produced work. The student’s supervisory committee chair will report the results of the final competency examination in writing to the candidate, the Conservatory Advising Office, the School of Graduate Studies, and file a copy with Registrar.

MFA students are subject to the General Graduate Academic Requirements of the University for graduate study.

Comprehensive Examination

Music students must take the comprehensive examination during or after the last term of coursework. It is designed to last a total of eight hours and the content is at the discretion of the supervisory committee. The examination is offered during the fifth week of fall and spring semesters and may be scheduled for master’s students during a summer session with the approval of the supervisory committee. If taken in the summer, the questions may not be graded until the Fall Semester. Students must be enrolled during the term the comprehensive examination is administered.

Project Option for Comprehensive Examination

Music students in master’s degree programs wishing to opt for a Project in lieu of exam questions must inform the advisor during the advising session in the semester prior to taking the Comprehensive Exam. Students in the MM and DMA programs in Composition must complete a Project in lieu of exam questions.

Procedures:

1. As soon as possible after the advising session has taken place:
   1. Student secures the agreement of a faculty member to be their Comprehensive Exam Project Chair.
   2. Student secures the agreement of two additional faculty to be committee members for the project.
   3. Student creates a half-page Project Description to include a timeline and secures all three signatures on the document.  One copy should remain with the Chair, another copy must be given to the advisor, and a third copy should be retained by the student
   4. The Comprehensive Exam Coordinator notifies the Chair when the Project Description has been received and the student has completed the online comprehensive Exam form.
2. Before the end of the semester when the project is to be completed:
   1. The student completes the project by the approved timeline and provides appropriate documentation to the committee members.  For events, students must provide video documentation for any committee members who were unable to attend.
3. By the time semester grades are due:
   1. Each committee member prepares and submits a report on the project, together with a grade of high pass, pass or fail, to the Chair.
   2. The Chair submits all reports and grades to the Comprehensive Exam Coordinator.  Students must receive a grade of pass or high pass from each committee member to pass the Comprehensive Project.  Students are allowed to do further work on the project at the discretion of the Comprehensive Exam Committee.

Degree Requirements

Retention and Minimum Grades

Conservatory graduate students must maintain a 3.0 graduate grade-point average in order to remain in good standing. A maximum of two courses not exceeding three hours of credit in each course at the 5500 or 5600 level in which C's are received shall be acceptable for the planned program of any advanced degree. No grade lower than a 3.0 (B) is acceptable in the major field.

Ensemble Requirements

All graduate students in the master of music and doctor of musical arts performance degree programs must enroll in Conservatory Wind Ensemble, Conservatory Wind Symphony or Conservatory Orchestra every semester if their major instrument is an orchestral instrument. Master of music students in vocal performance must participate in Conservatory Concert Choir or Conservatory Singers for a minimum of two semesters.

All graduate students in the doctor of musical arts conducting degree program are required to participate in at least one major ensemble, as advised by the conducting faculty, during each term of enrollment as a full-time student.

Foreign Language Proficiency Requirements

Master's students in musicology and theory, as well as doctoral students in choral and orchestral conducting and keyboard and vocal performance must satisfy language requirements for the degree. 

For all MM students in musicology as well as doctoral students in keyboard and vocal performance who speak English as their first language, a grade of B- (2.7) or better in a first-semester, sophomore-level foreign language course is required. For MM students in vocal performance who speak English as their first language, a grade of B- (2.7) or better in a second-semester, freshman-level foreign language course is required. A language proficiency test may be substituted for course requirements, provided it documents language capabilities equivalent to the completion of the level required by the student’s program. In such cases, the student must notify the Conservatory Associate Dean for Graduate Studies of the process and results. 

Doctoral students in choral conducting must take three semesters of diction courses that cover diction in Italian, German, and French or pass the matriculation exam in diction. For doctoral students in orchestral conducting, courses in foreign language diction are required upon the advisement of the program’s faculty.

Doctoral students in choral and orchestral conducting or keyboard and vocal performance who speak English as a second language must achieve a score of 100 on the TOEFL iBT exam. If students have not completed a TOEFL exam with a score greater than 100 before arriving at UMKC, they must complete a language test in English provided by UMKC's Applied Language Institute. All courses recommended by ALI must be successfully completed and a score of 100 on the TOEFL, or the equivalent as determined by ALI must be achieved. This policy applies to all ESL students regardless of the number of years they have studied in the United States.