Word-Changing Creativity
Beauty, emotion and original ideas can provoke our deepest humanity and change hearts and minds. The arts have that transformative power — and so do you. We can help you unleash it.
By the Numbers
The UMKC Conservatory is Kansas City's Conservatory — one of the country's premier academies for aspiring artists in music, theatre and dance — situated in the heart of a thriving metropolitan community where opportunities to grow abound.
100+
Accomplished faculty dedicated to your development
500+
Events per year, including concerts, master classes, recitals, workshops and main stage productions
500+
Students enrolled
Not Just Training — Transformation
Your future in the arts starts here. Explore our programs in music, theatre, dance and integrated arts, and discover how creativity meets community. Through dynamic partnerships with Kansas City’s storied institutions, we offer immersive, community-centered learning experiences that empower you to shape the world through your art.
See Yourself Here
At the UMKC Conservatory, accomplished faculty guide your growth while cross-department collaboration sparks new ideas, opening exciting avenues at every turn. With abundant opportunities to perform and connect with the community, you’ll hone your craft, becoming part of something greater.
Experience the Conservatory
Performance and Event Calendar
Our students and faculty create hundreds of amazing events each year, from concerts and main stage productions to recitals, master classes and workshops. See what’s coming up.
Meet Our Faculty
Study, perform and create alongside our award-winning faculty, many of whom are active artists, performers, collaborators and researchers. Learn more about the people helping to shape our aspiring artists and professionals.
Conservatory Academy
The Conservatory Academy links our talented students and faculty to the Kansas City community, with programs for young artists and performers plus professional development for seasoned professionals. Explore our offerings today.
Resources for Students
Learn more about what life is like for Conservatory students and explore some of the most popular and commonly requested resources, tools and services at their disposal.
Career Possibilities and Pathways
Conservatory graduates enter a world teeming with diverse pathways for pursuing their passion in the arts. Explore the possibilities and see what alumni have gone on to accomplish in the performing arts, media, music education, music therapy, theatre design and production, and more. Whatever your interests, there’s a place for you here.
Rave Reviews
Ranked among the top 25 college drama programs in the world.
- The Hollywood Reporter (2020)
Best American cities for creatives (that you can actually afford to live in).
- Thrillist (2019, 2020, 2022)
Costume Design program named among top 10 in the country.
- The Hollywood Reporter (2023)
New Building Expansion and Renovation
The Conservatory is embarking on an exciting new chapter with a major campaign to expand and renovate the Olson Performing Arts Center. This addition will add critical rehearsal and performance spaces for our students of music, dance and theatre. Learn more about the project and find out how you can contribute.