We believe each artist's journey is unique and look forward to helping students find their creative voices.

Audition Details

Auditions for the 2024-2025 academic year will include a live audition. Audition details vary by area and can be found online.

For any questions about audition date availability, please contact Conservatory Admissions at cadmissions@umkc.edu.

See your audition requirements

Scheduling your live audition or interview

If your program requires an audition, you must select an audition date on your application. Auditions must be performed in the performance area of the major; however, those highly proficient in more than one instrument or an instrument and voice may audition in more than one area.

Live Audition Dates

Choose an audition date, depending on program requirements, to select on your application.
Date Performance area
Voice, Piano, Instrumental and Dance
Sat., Feb. 3, 2024 Instrumental and vocal auditions available for all degree areas. Applicants for the KC Lyric Opera/UMKC Conservatory Young Artist program must audition on this date

 

Mon., Feb. 19, 2024 Instrumental and vocal auditions available for all degree areas.
Fri., March 1, 2024 Instrumental and vocal auditions available for all degree areas.
Conducting
Contact Dr. Charles Robinson to inquire Choral (specific program requirements)
Contact Dr. Kevin Noe to arrange an audition. Orchestral (specific program requirements)
Contact Prof. Steven D. Davis to arrange an audition. Wind (specific program requirements)
Interdisciplinary Ph.D. interview
TBD Music Education (specific program requirements)

Other audition formats

Independently Scheduled Audition: Conducting auditions are scheduled independently. Orchestral and Choral auditions are invitation-only and will be scheduled following review of pre-screen materials. Wind Conducting auditions are arranged by contacting Dr. Steven D, Davis at davisst@umkc.edu or 816-235-2952. 

Virtual auditions are asynchronous.  Those auditioning virtually should write to Cadmissions@umkc.edu for approval.  Those approved to audition virtually should upload video(s) of themselves performing their respective audition repertoire to the portfolio section of their application status page.  Virtual audition materials are due by the final audition date.

You must have an application on file by the due date set by your desired program. The deadline for completing and submitting all application materials for most programs is Dec. 15, 2023. In some cases, those with a late application may be allowed to audition. To request approval to audition with late application, please contact Conservatory Admissions.

All auditions for Fall 2024 must be completed by March 1, 2024 for scholarship consideration.

Some programs require materials in addition to the application and other than or in addition to the audition

  • Music Composition (master's and doctoral degrees)
  • Conducting
  • Interdisciplinary Ph.D. (interview required)
  • Jazz Studies
  • Music Education (master's degree)
  • Musicology (master's degree)
  • Music Theory (master's degree)
  • Music Therapy (master's degree — may require an evaluative audition at a later date)
  • Piano Performance (doctorate degree and Artist's Certificate)
  • Percussion Performance (master's and doctorate degree and Performer's and Artist's Certificate)
  • Saxophone Performance (master's and doctorate degree and Performer's and Artist's Certificate)
  • Trumpet Performance (master's and doctorate degree and Performer's and Artist's Certificate)

Specific program requirements

 

Submitting your Recorded Audition

Recorded auditions should be uploaded to your application as part of your Portfolio.  To submit your recorded audition:

  • During the application process: Upload to the Video and Audio Upload page.
  • After application submission: Go to the application status page and click "edit Portfolio" to access the Video and Audio Upload page. Be sure to upload by the deadline for your instrument/area, as listed on the audition repertoire page.

Please note: the checklist will list your audition video as "received" once admissions staff have confirmed receipt of the materials.

File types supported:

  • Video: .avi, .flv, .m1v, .m2v, .m4v, .mkv, .mov, .mpeg, .mpg, .mp4, .webm, .wmv
    Apple ProRes is not currently supported. If uploading a .mov, please use an alternate codec.
  • Audio: .aac, .aif, .aiff, .iff, .fla, .m4a, .mpa, .mp3, .ra, .wav, .wma
  • URL of video already uploaded (YouTube, Vimeo, etc)

 

Questions about Auditions

Please review the appropriate audition repertoire sheet for details regarding audition requirements.  If you have questions not answered there, please contact us:

Email Conservatory Admissions