The University of Missouri-Kansas City offers both the Master of Music degree and Doctor of Musical Arts degree in instrumental conducting. The studio is designed to be highly selective and limited to four to ensure adequate podium time and individualized instruction as needed. The process for admission to the conducting program is as follows and involves a "dual admission process" - one from the Conservatory and one from the Conducting faculty. In order to be considered for a live audition, an applicant must complete the following steps and meet the requirements for advanced study.

1. All incoming conducting students must have significant previous conducting experience as well as a Bachelor's Degree in Music. It is recommended that applicants do not attend straight out of an undergraduate degree program. 'Real-life' experience is preferred.
2. Prepare and submit an application to the Conservatory of Music. These materials can be found online at www.umkc.edu/conservatory or by contacting the Conservatory at 816-235-2900. Students must also be admitted to UMKC to be accepted into the Conservatory and considered for any scholarships, assistantships or fellowships.
3. Submission of a high quality DVD of approximately 20 minutes of your conducting in performance or rehearsal. (This videotape should be of your front and not shot from behind.) It is permissible to include excerpts of different pieces or rehearsals to convey a wider range of styles but not required. Also on your tape, please include a small introduction of yourself and describe your goals in pursuing a conducting degree. This tape and a copy of your vita should be sent to Director of Bands and Wind Ensembles, Steven D. Davis, by January 1st of the year you wish to pursue your degree.
4. Additionally, please submit a six-concert season of programming that best describes your repertoire knowledge and musical dynamics. This concert season should be for a professional/top tier collegiate wind band. Utilize both chamber and large ensemble repertoire.
5. Submit an original comprehensive analysis on one of the following pieces: First Suite in Eb, Holst; Theme and Variations, Schoenberg; or Chester, Schuman.

If you are chosen to come and do a live audition with the Wind Symphony on campus, you will be contacted by February 1. During your live audition at UMKC, you will be asked to conduct and rehearse the Wind Symphony for about 15-20 minutes. The literature to conduct will be discussed with you before you arrive. Following your audition, you will have an interview with some other faculty members and then have a private conducting lesson on a selection of your choice. If you have any questions about anything along the way, please feel free to contact Director of Bands and Wind Ensembles Steven D. Davis at davisst@umkc.edu.