Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2005-06, the Conservatory of Music has earned national and international acclaim through music and dance performance, composition, teaching and scholarship. The Conservatory boasts more than 80 faculty members who are widely recognized as leaders in the field of music and dance, and attracts the finest students in the world, with more than 600 music and dance majors currently enrolled.

The Conservatory has three programs designated as UMKC pre-eminent programs including composition, music therapy and piano. UMKC is the University of Missouri System's designated campus for the visual and performing arts.