University of Missouri-Kansas City

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Music combines core musicianship classes, a major concentration, ensemble participation and public performance. Core coursework typically includes applied lessons, music theory and ear training, music history and literature, keyboard proficiency, and courses in musicianship and score reading. Students choose a primary area of study such as instrumental or vocal performance, composition, music education, jazz studies, or music theory, and follow a sequence of advanced applied lessons and seminars specific to that concentration.

• Applied Lessons: One-to-one instruction on primary instrument or voice, culminating in juries and degree recitals.
• Ensembles and Performance: Chamber ensembles, orchestra, wind ensemble, jazz combos and big bands, opera or musical theatre productions, and regular public performances provide practical ensemble experience.
• Theory and Musicianship: Sequential courses in harmony, counterpoint, form, analysis and ear training to develop musicianship and analytical skills.
• Music History and Literature: Survey courses and focused studies in Western music history, contemporary music, and non-Western traditions, alongside literature courses in your area of emphasis.
• Composition and Technology: For composers and producers, courses in orchestration, electronic music, recording and music technology are available.
• Pedagogy and Education (for Music Education majors): Coursework in teaching methods, curriculum design, and supervised student teaching practicum in schools.
• Capstone/Recital: Senior recital or capstone project demonstrating artistic and scholarly achievement.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and apply to the university following standard admissions procedures. Admission to the Bachelor of Music requires a successful audition or portfolio review specific to the chosen concentration. Typical audition components include prepared solo repertoire, sight-reading or sight-singing, and possibly a short interview or theory assessment. For composition applicants, submission of scores or recordings of original work is required.

• Official high school transcripts (or equivalent) and standard university application materials.
• Performance audition or composition portfolio arranged with the Conservatory; details and repertoire requirements are provided by the department.
• Some programmes may request letters of recommendation, a personal statement, or placement tests in keyboard or theory.
• Music education applicants will also complete requirements related to teacher certification pathways, which include background checks and participation in practicum placements as part of professional preparation.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Bachelor of Music go on to a variety of professional paths in music and allied fields. The programme prepares students for performance careers as soloists, ensemble players, orchestral and chamber musicians, and jazz artists. Many graduates pursue teaching at K–12 schools, private studios and community programmes, or continue to graduate study in performance, composition, music theory or music education.

• Classroom music teacher and private studio instructor
• Professional performer (orchestral, chamber, solo, jazz and musical theatre)
• Composer, arranger and music producer
• Conductor and rehearsal coach
• Arts administrator, presenter or community arts organiser
• Recording, audio engineering and music technology roles
• Further study at the master’s and doctoral levels in specialised fields

Why study at University of Missouri-Kansas City

The UMKC Conservatory offers conservatory-style training within a comprehensive university, allowing close mentorship with experienced faculty and abundant performance opportunities. Located in a city with a rich musical heritage and an active professional scene, students benefit from internships, collaborations and live-performance exposure across genres including classical, contemporary and jazz.

• Experienced faculty: One-to-one instruction from performers, composers and educators with active professional careers.
• Performance opportunities: Regular recitals, ensemble concerts and cross-disciplinary productions that give students real-world experience.
• Professional connections: Access to the regional music community for networking, internships and collaborative projects.
• Facilities and resources: Practice rooms, ensemble rehearsal spaces and music technology facilities to support performance, composition and recording work.
• Flexible pathways: Options to combine performance, scholarship and teacher preparation, and to transition into graduate study or immediate professional work.