Conservatory
James C. Olson Performing Arts Center
4949 Cherry Street
(816) 235-2900
conservatory@umkc.edu
http://conservatory.umkc.edu/
Mailing Address
University of Missouri-Kansas City
Conservatory of Music and Dance
4949 Cherry Street
Kansas City, MO 64110-2229
Interim Dean:
Andrew Granade
Associate Dean for Graduate Studies:
David Thurmaier
Associate Dean for Performance/Operations:
James Snell
Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies:
Aidan Soder
Accreditation
UMKC is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (1933), the National Association of Schools of Dance (2008), the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (1961), and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Mission Statement
On the University of Missouri's designated performing arts campus, the UMKC Conservatory is an educational community that advances creativity, performance, scholarship, and learning in the arts. We are a vital partner in Kansas City's rich cultural environment, providing the highest level of professional instruction and an extensive array of performances. As a community we collaborate to balance tradition and innovation, diversity and unity, as we seek to serve art and humanity.
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.
* Members of UMKC Graduate Faculty # Members of UMKC Doctoral Faculty + Located at UM-St. Louis campus
Gary Bernard Abbott; professor of dance (modern)
*Carl Allen; associate professor (jazz studies), B.M. (William Paterson University)
#*Owen Belcher; assistant professor of music (music theory), Ph.D. (Eastman School of Music); M.M. (University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music); B.M. (Furman University)
#*Keith Benjamin; curators' distinguished professor of music (trumpet); D.M.A. (Eastman School of Music); M.M. (University of Northern Iowa); B.M.E. (Morningside College)
Michael Blake; assistant professor of dance (modern)
Karen Brown; assistant professor of dance (ballet)
#*Jane M. Carl; professor of music (clarinet); D.M.A. (University of Michigan); M.M. (University of Michigan); B.M. (University of Michigan)
Sean Chen; Milsap artist in residence, adjunct professor of piano
#*Chen Yi; Lorena Searcy Cravens/Millsap/Missouri Distinguished Professor of Music (composition); D.M.A. (Columbia University); M.A. (Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing); B.A. (Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing)
#*JoDee Davis; professor of music (trombone); D.M. (Indiana University); M.M. (University of Northern Iowa); B.M. (University of Northern Iowa)
*Lindsay Davis; professor of theatre (costume design); M.F.A. (Harvard)
#*Steven D. Davis; Rose Ann Carr Millsap Missouri Distinguished Professor of Music (conducting, wind symphony); M.M. (University of Minnesota); B.M.E. (Florida State University)
#*Alison DeSimone; assistant professor of music (musicology); Ph.D. (University of Michigan); B.A. (Vassar College).
*Beth Loeber Elswick; teaching professor of music (music theory); D.M.A. (University of Missouri - Kansas City); M.S.Ed. (Missouri State University); B.M., B.S. (University of Arizona; Missouri State University)
#*Raymond Scott Feener; associate professor of music (voice); D.M.A. (Florida State University); M.M. (Ohio University); B.M. (Ohio University)
*Gene Friedman; associate professor of theatre (scenic design)
*Daniel Fung; assistant teaching professor of music (vocal coaching and collaborative piano); D.M.A. and M.M. (The Juilliard School), B.M. (University of Calgary)
*Joseph Genualdi; professor of music (violin); Artist Diploma (The Curtis Institute)
Alon Goldstein; Jack Strandberg/Missouri Endowed Chair and Distinguished Visiting Professor in Piano; M.M. (Johns Hopkins University)
#*Andrew Granade; professor of music (musicology); Ph.D. (University of Illinois); M.M. (University of Illinois); B.M. (Ouachita Baptist University)
#*Yotam Haber; associate professor of music (composition); D.M.A. (Cornell University); B.M. (Indiana University)
*Martin Hackleman; associate teaching professor of music (horn)
#*Lani Hamilton; assistant professor of music (music education); Ph.D. (University of Texas - Austin); M.M. (University of Texas - Austin); B.M. (University of Miami)
Dee Anna Hiett; professor of dance (modern)
#*Weston Hurt; assistant professor of music (voice); Artist Diploma (The Juilliard School); Performer Diploma (Indiana University); B.M. (Southwestern University)
#*Dawn Iwamasa; assistant professor of music (music therapy); Ph.D. (Florida State University); M.A. (University of the Pacific); B.M. (University of the Pacific)
#*Celeste Johnson; associate professor of music (oboe); M.M. (Eastman School of Music); B.M. (University of Illinois)
#*Maria Kanyova; associate professor of music (voice); D.M.A. (University of Kansas); M.M. (University of Kansas); B.M.E. (UMKC Conservatory of Music and Dance)
#*Benny Kim; associate professor of music (violin); M.M. (The Juilliard School); B.M. (The Juilliard School)
#*Scott Lee; associate professor of music (viola); M.M. (Mannes College of Music); B.M. (The Juilliard School)
Marcus Lewis; assistant teaching professor of music (jazz studies); M.M. (University of Nebraska-Omaha); B.M. (Valdosta State University)
*Kenneth Lidge; associate teaching professor of music (music theory); D.M.A. (University of Missouri - Kansas City); M.M. (University of Illinois-Champaign).; B.M.E. (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire).
*Gregory Mackender; assistant professor of theatre (sound design)
#*Christopher Madden; assistant professor of music (piano pedagogy); D.M.A. (University of Oklahoma); M.M. (Florida State University); M.A. and B.M. (Pennsylvania State University)
*Tom Mardikes; professor of theatre (sound design); M.F.A. (University of Missouri - Kansas City)
*Kenneth Martin; Patricia McIlrath Endowed Professor of Theatre; M.F.A. (Ohio State University); B.S. (University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point)
#*Michael Mermagen; professor of music (cello); M.M. (The Juilliard School); B.M. (Peabody Conservatory).
#*Dale W. Morehouse; associate professor of music (voice, opera); M.M. (SUNY-Binghamton); B.A. (University of Central Florida).
#*Leigh Muñoz; assistant professor of music (bassoon); D.M.A. (University of Kansas), Performance Diploma (New England Conservatory)
*Carla Noack; associate professor of theatre (acting); M.F.A. (University of Missouri - Kansas City); B.A. (College of Saint Benedict)
*Kevin Noe; visiting professor of music (conducting); B.M. (University of North Texas),
#*Joseph Parisi; curators' distinguished professor of music (music education, instrumental music); Ph.D. (Florida State University); M.M. (Florida State University); B.M. (State University College of New York at Potsdam).
*Natalia Rivera; associate teaching professor of music (vocal coach-accompanist, foreign language for singing); D.M.A. (University of Kansas); M.M. (University of Minnesota); B.M. (New England Conservatory)
*Stephanie Roberts; associate professor of theatre (physical theatre); M.F.A. (Deli’Arte International School of Physical Theatre); B.F.A. (Cornish)
#*Amy Robertson; assistant professor of music (music therapy); Ph.D. (Florida State University); M.M.T. (Florida State University); B.M.(Oklahoma City University)
#*Charles R. Robinson; professor of music (music education, choral music); Ph.D. (Florida State University); M.A. (California State University, Long Beach); B.M.E. (Florida State University).
#*Jennaya Robison; Raymond R. Neeva/Missouri Associate Professor in Choral Music and Director of Choral Studies; D.M.A. (University of Arizona); M.M. (University of New Mexico); B.A. (Luther College)
#*Thomas Rosenkranz; professor (piano); D.M.A. (Eastman School of Music)
*Paul Rudy; curators' distinguished professor of music (composition); D.M.A. (University of Texas at Austin); M.M. (University of Colorado, Boulder); B.A. (Bethel College)
#*Karen Savage; associate professor of music (collaborative piano); D.M.A. and M.M. (The Juilliard School; B.M. (University of Victoria)
#*Zachary Shemon; professor of music (saxophone); M.M. (University of Michigan); B.M. (University of Michigan)
Matthew Shiner; assistant teaching professor of theatre (stage and production management); M.F.A. (University of California - San Diego); B.A. (University of California - Santa Barbara)
*James Snell; associate professor of music (percussion); D.M.A. (University of Missouri - Kansas City); M.M. (Southern Methodist University); B.M. (University of Illinois)
#*Aidan Soder; associate professor of music (voice); D.M.A. (Rice University); M.M. (Rice University); B.M. (University of Nebraska at Omaha)
Adam Terry; visiting assistant teaching professor of theatre (technical direction); M.F.A. (University of Missouri - Kansas City); B.F.A. (Viterbo Collge)
#*Thomas Stein; associate professor of music (tuba, euphonium); M.M. (University of Michigan); B.M. (University of Michigan)
*Ebonee Thomas; assistant professor of music (flute); M.M. (New England Conservatory); B.M. (Southern Methodist University)
#*David Thurmaier; associate professor of music (music theory); Ph.D. (Indiana University); M.A. (Eastman School of Music); B.M. (University of Illinois-Champaign)
Ronald G. Tice; associate professor of dance (ballet); B.F.A. (University of Minnesota)
#*Noel Torres-Rivera; assistant professor of music (music theory); Ph.D. (City University of New York); M.M. (Temple University); B.M. (Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico)
#*Zhou Long; distinguished professor of music (composition); D.M.A. (Columbia University); B.A. (Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing, China)
Mo Zhou; Director of Opera; M.F.A (Columbia University); B.A. (Bowdoin College)
Emeritus Faculty
Olga Ackerly; associate professor emeritus of music (musicology); Ph.D. (University of Kansas); M.Ph., M.A., M.M. (Manhattan School of Music); B.M. (Manhattan School of Music)
Inci Bashar; professor emeritus of music (voice); Ll.B (University of Istanbul); (Istanbul's Civic Conservatory of Music); (Hochschule fur musick, Munich); (Ankara State Opera Studio); (Former member of the Cologne, Dortnund and Istanbul state operas)
Shirley Bean; associate professor emeritus of music (music theory); D.M.A. (University of Missouri - Kansas City) M.M. (University of Missouri - Kansas City); B.M.E. (University of Missouri - Kansas City)
Hugh Brown; associate professor emeritus of music (viola)
Nancy Cochran; professor emeritus of music (horn); M.M. (Ball State University); B.M. (University of Wisconsin-Madison)
John Ditto; professor emeritus of music (organ); D.M.A. (Eastman School of Music); M.M. (University of Michigan); B.M. (Drake University)
Eph Ehly; professor emeritus of music (choral music, choral conducting); D.M.A. (University of Colorado); M.A. (George Peabody College for Teachers); B.A. (Kearney State College)
Gustavo R. Halley; associate professor emeritus of music (voice); D.M. (Florida State University)
Alexander W. Hamilton; associate professor emeritus of music (music education); Ph.D. (University of Texas at Austin); M.Ed. (University of Arkansas); B.S.E (University of Arkansas)
Linda Ross Happy; associate professor emeritus of music (class piano); D.M.A. (University of Colorado); M.M. (Northwestern University); B.M.E. (University of Nebraska)
Mary Pat Henry; professor emeritus of dance (ballet); M.F.A. (Florida State University); B.F.A. (University of Utah)
Tiberius Klausner; professor emeritus of music (violin); Diploma (National Academy of Music, Budapest); Premiere Prix (Conservatoire National de Musique, Paris); Diploma (The Juilliard School)
Wanda Lathom-Radocy; professor emeritus of music (music therapy); Ph.D. (University of Kansas); M.M.E. (University of Kansas); B.M.E. (The University of Kansas)
John R. Leisenring; professor emeritus of music (trombone/jazz studies); D.M.A. (University of Illinois); M.M. (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire); B.M. (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire)
Ruth Anne Rich; professor emeritus of music (piano); D.M.A. (Eastman School of Music); M.M. (Peabody Conservatory of Music); B.M. (Florida State University; (Diplome de Virtuosite (Schola Cantorum, Paris); License d'Enseignement (L'Ecole Normale de Musique, Paris); Licentiateship in Piano Performance (Royal Academy of Music, London)
Merton Shatzkin; professor emeritus of music (music theory); Ph.D. (Eastman School of Music); M.M. (Eastman School of Music); Diploma (The Juilliard School)
Joan Sommers; professor emeritus of music (accordion); Associate Diploma and Licentiate Diploma (Accordion Institute of America in conjunction with the British College of Accordionists)
Timothy Timmons; associate professor emeritus of music (saxophone); M.M. (Northwestern University); B.M. (University of Tulsa)
Paula B. Weber; professor emeritus of dance (ballet); M.F.A. (Smith College); B.A. (Butler 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
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-Guitar
- 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
Admissions
New Students
New students must meet the general requirements for admission to the University. Additionally, many degrees require an audition and/or interview in the applicant's major performance field to determine they have met minimum requirements for admission to the Conservatory.
Music Education
Music Education applicants are reviewed by both the Music Education Faculty, and appropriate applied faculty. Applicants must demonstrate facility in their applied performance area and a strong academic record in addition to well-defined attitudes and goals toward music in elementary and secondary education (see fitness-to-teach).
- Music Education applicants must meet at least one of the following requirements:
- Have an ACT score of at least a 21
- Be at the 50 percentile or higher in class rank
- Have a high school grade-point average of 2.5 or better
- Music Education applicants will interview with the Music Education Faculty in a group setting to be scheduled on their chosen audition day.
Transfer Students
All undergraduate transfer music students must:
- Be admitted to the University and the Conservatory.
- Present complete official transcripts.
- Audition for applied placement.
- Take a theory examination for validation of theory level (Music majors only).
All undergraduate transfer dance students must:
- Be admitted to the University and the Conservatory.
- Present complete official transcripts.
- Audition for placement in ballet and modern.
Transfer students who are admitted into the Conservatory are expected to fulfill all requirements of their declared degree. The University and Conservatory will recognize as many transferable credits as possible, but the curriculum and curricular standards must be fulfilled. This may result in additional semesters of study.
Minimum Grade Requirements
- Music majors must earn a grade of C or better in all Conservatory classes required for the degree in order to receive course credit and progress through the program.
- Dance majors must earn a grade of C or better in all DANCE classes required for the degree in order to receive course credit and progress through the program.
- Theatre majors must earn a grade of C- or better in all required theatre classes in order to receive course credit.
Note: Some programs may require a higher minimum course grade.
Conservatory Policy Statements (Undergraduate)
Revised 2/11/15 (SMC)
Adopted by the faculty 4/7/15
Course Repetition* Policy
- A Conservatory student may retake a Conservatory course only once without special approval unless that course is designed to be repeatable for credit (e.g. Ensemble).
- If the student fails to meet the Minimum Grade Requirement** for a second time, a petition must be filed with the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies requesting a third and final attempt.
- If a third attempt is granted and is unsuccessful, the student may be dismissed from the program.
*Please note: Repeating coursework may extend time to degree completion.
** Minimum grade criteria for Conservatory courses can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Late Drop Policy
UMKC policy:
- Eligible students may withdraw from their classes during the withdraw schedule period that is provided in the Academic Calendar. After the fourth week through the eighth week students will receive an automatic W on their transcript.
- After the eighth week, students will be assessed academically and, if they are failing at the time of withdrawal, they will be given a grade of WF (withdrawn failing) at the discretion of the faculty member. A WF is not calculated in the grade-point average.
- After the twelfth week students must petition their home academic unit before being allowed to withdraw from a course. Students who want to withdraw from all of their classes must follow the Total (“term”) Withdraw Policy
Conservatory Policy:
- The Conservatory will follow the UMKC policy for late drops.
- Approval for dropping after the twelfth week will be given only when there are extenuating circumstances, such as illness or injury. Approval will not be granted due to dissatisfaction with the grade.
- A petition must be submitted to the Associate Dean responsible for undergraduate studies no later than the 14th week of the semester.
- Dropping courses could adversely affect a student’s Conservatory scholarship eligibility.
Retroactive Add Policy
- Under normal circumstances, a student will not be allowed to add courses retroactively.
- If there are extenuating circumstances, a petition form requesting a retroactive add may be submitted to the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies.
Graduation “Walking” Policy
A student that has applied for graduation and has 6 or less credits to complete by the end of that semester may walk in the commencement ceremony under the following conditions:
- The student is in good academic standing.
- The student has successfully satisfied the Constitution requirement.
- The student has made a commitment to complete the remaining credit hours by the following semester (unless courses needed are not offered until the subsequent semester)*.
- Failure to enroll for that semester by two weeks prior to the commencement ceremony will result in a revoking of the walking privileges.
- *Music Therapy Students - Once enrolled in CONS 410 (Internship), have a maximum of two semesters to complete the course.
Undergraduate Advising
816-235-1148
Academic advising for undergraduate students is delivered through Roo Advising. Academic Advising is an integral part of student’s university experience and has a significant impact on student success. The goals of Roo Advising are to provide students an exceptional advising experience that is equitable, holistic, personal, and timely. Advisors will assist students with the following:
- Understand degree requirements and have a early plan to graduation
- Navigate UMKC processes, systems, and services
- Explore, clarify and confirm fit with their major and career plans
- Develop clear and personalized academic objectives for short and long-term goals
- Enhance self-efficacy and sense of agency
Our professional academic advisors will assist students in all aspects of their undergraduate educational career.
- Assist students in choosing majors and developing academic plans
- Inform students about general education requirements
- Advise students on class selection and registration
- Offer advice on educational and career goals
- Assist students to connect with support services on campus
- Regularly review academic progress and progression toward degree completion
- Connect students with faculty mentors and UMKC Career Services
- Review academic policies and procedures
- Help students with other related issues or problems of an academic nature
Academic Advising
To facilitate progress toward the student’s degree, and to ensure that courses selected support completion of degree requirements, students are required to participate in advising each semester before registering for classes. Academic advising is required for all undergraduate students and is enforced using an advising hold in Pathway. In general, students should schedule an appointment to meet with their assigned academic advisor to discuss their enrollment plan and request their advising hold be released. Once students have a fully approved academic plan, there may be options to have holds released without a requirement for an appointment with certain programs.
Students enrolled in double majors or dual degree programs may be advised by two or more advisors with expertise in the specific programs. The advisor for student’s primary degree program will have the major advising responsibility.
Students have many options to meet with their assigned academic advisor. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with their assigned advisor to ensure appropriate time is set aside to address student’s issues and concerns.
Schedule an appointment
Students can schedule an appointment to meet with their assigned academic advisor on their own through UMKC Connect. If assistance is required, students can call Roo Advising at 816-235-1148 or send an email to rooadvising@umkc.edu.
Walk-in Advising
Walk-In Advising will be available the week prior to and the first week of each term. In addition, walk-in advising is available during regular terms.
- Monday and Tuesday 11am-12:00pm
- Wednesday and Thursday 1:00pm-2:00pm
Advising Office Locations
Roo Advising is delivered across UMKC
- Arts & Cultural Studies-Scofield Hall, Room 9
- Business & Management-Bloch Heritage Hall, Suite 230
- Exploratory-Atterbury Student Success Center, 2nd Floor
- Human Behavior, Education & Justice-Scofield Hall, Room 9 and School of Education, Suite 129 (for education majors only)
- Natural & Health Sciences-Flarsheim Hall, Suite 510 (including Health Sciences-non nursing tracks and public health)and Health Sciences Building (Health Sciences Campus, 2411 Holmes, Kansas City, MO) Suite 1410 (for Health Sciences nursing tracks and Nursing program only)
- Numbers, Engineering, Technology, & the Cosmos-Flarsheim Hall, Suite 336)
- Visiting/Non-Degree-Administrative Center, Room 120
Faculty Mentors
Faculty in student’s declared degree programs are a significant and valuable resource for students. As experts in their respective fields they can assist students with their exploration of major and career options. Faculty can assist students to consider elective options tailored to their specific interests and assist students to make connections with professionals in Kansas City, Missouri, the United States, or across the globe. In addition, faculty can help students to make connections with colleagues in graduate or professional schools that may be of interest to students.
Students are responsible for becoming familiar with all academic regulations of the campus as outlined in the catalog and in other University documents.
Graduate Programs
Music
- Ph.D. (Interdisciplinary) Music Education
- 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 andTechnology
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.
Meet admission standards listed below:
- Acting
- Audition to enter the program either on campus or at another approved offsite audition.
- Choral Conducting
- Possess a bachelor's degree in music.
- 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 and submit area of concentration approval form.
- Music Composition
- Possess a bachelor's degree in music.
- Master's and doctoral degrees: submit portfolio of compositions for evaluation.
- Music Education
- Possess a bachelor's degree in music.
- 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 bachelor's degree in music.
- 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 bachelor's degree in music theory or the equivalent.
- Possess a minimum grade-point average of 3.0 in undergraduate music theory courses.
- Submit examples of writing.
- Translate a selection into English from either French or German using a dictionary.
- 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
- Possess a bachelor's degree in music.
- 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
- Possess a bachelor's degree in music.
- 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
http://finaid.umkc.edu/
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 adviser, 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 adviser 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:
- As soon as possible after the advising session has taken place:
- Student secures the agreement of a faculty member to be their Comprehensive Exam Project Chair.
- Student secures the agreement of two additional faculty to be committee members for the project.
- 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
- The Comprehensive Exam Coordinator notifies the Chair when the Project Description has been received and the student has completed the online comprehensive Exam form.
- Before the end of the semester when the project is to be completed:
- 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.
- By the time semester grades are due:
- Each committee member prepares and submits a report on the project, together with a grade of high pass, pass or fail, to the Chair.
- 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, theory, and vocal performance as well as doctoral students in choral and orchestral conducting and 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. A language proficiency test may be substituted for course requirements, provided it documents language capabilities equivalent to the completion of a first-semester, sophomore-level, course. In such cases, the student must notify the Conservatory Associate Dean for Graduate Studies of the process and results.
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.