Music Education
Music education at the Conservatory of Music is an exciting program that serves those whose commitment is to teach music to others. The program is rigorous, and requires disciplined and enthusiastic pursuit of musical and academic excellence. Additionally, music education students exhibit the highest standards of personal behavior and dedication to improving lives through music.
The experiences and instruction provided in the music education program are designed to prepare music educators in a variety of specialties including elementary, choral and instrumental areas. Beyond core classes in musicianship, performance and teaching techniques, extensive field experiences are provided. Over time, this application of things learned in class to actual school settings has proven to be one of the key elements in our students' successes.
Programs are available for undergraduate (Bachelor of Music Education), masters (Master of Music Education), and doctoral students (Interdisciplinary Ph.D. in Music Education/Education). Admission is based on academic acceptance to the University, successful applied audition, and interviews with music education faculty.
Music Therapy
The UMKC Conservatory offers Bachelor’s, Graduate Equivalency, Master’s, and Doctoral study in Music Therapy. These programs are an integral part of UMKC's commitment to a liberal and professional education with emphasis in the areas of health sciences as well as the performing, interpretative, and visual arts.
The Undergraduate music therapy program includes coursework in music therapy, music, and the behavioral and health sciences, and involves students in up to six clinical community practicums covering a variety of populations. The program culminates with a 1040 hour internship at an approved facility.
The Graduate Equivalency Program is designed for students with existing bachelor's degrees in music or related fields. The program includes coursework covering entry level skills within a Master of Arts degree in Music or Music Education at the UMKC Conservatory.
The Graduate Program - Master of Arts in Music - Music Therapy Degree is for the returning music therapist with an existing bachelor's degree. Fully half of the program allows for individual specialization in areas of music therapy deemed important for the student's future.
The Interdisciplinary Ph.D (IPHD) Program for the returning Master's Music Therapist is most innovative in its flexibility and variety. The heart of the program is in its Co-Disciplinary options such as Music Therapy and Health Psychology.
