Students are considered for merit awards during the audition performance, interview and portfolio evaluation sections of the application process. There is no separate application for merit awards.
Awards are renewable. Extension periods vary by degree program. Students sign a contract to maintain renewal eligibility.
Recipients will receive acceptance contracts by email in late March. The Conservatory adheres to the National Association of Schools of Music's code of ethics for awarding and accepting binding dates.
Conservatory students may also qualify for other UMKC scholarships.
Graduate teaching assistant, graduate assistant and fellowship contracts cover one academic year, with the possibility of renewal for a second year for master's degree students and up to three years for doctoral students.
Stipends are paid in nine equal monthly installments on the last day of the month from September to May.
In addition, assistantship positions provide varying amounts of remission of in-state or nonresident tuition charges but do not cover university ancillary fees, including the Conservatory course fee and any incidental fees related to lessons, technology fees and activities fees.
These positions require approximately 10 hours per week of service, unless otherwise stated.
* Denotes positions available in Fall 2023. More positions may be available; check back for details.
The Conservatory Academy, which offers performing arts instruction and programs to those in the Kansas City-area community, also hires graduate students in the areas of Keyboard, Voice, Instrumental Studies, Theory and Composition. Contact the Academy at 816-235-5448.
Questions about graduate assistantships and fellowships? Email Conservatory Admissions.
Process for consideration for accompanying/collaborative assistantships for Fall 2023:
March 3, 2023: deadline to submit:
If you anticipate difficulty in submitting or creating such a recording, please contact Dr. Karen Savage at ksavage@umkc.edu for alternatives.
Audition Day: Live Audition and Interview: will be scheduled on the same day as your UMKC solo piano audition
Responsible for five hours minimum of weekly rehearsal in addition to individual preparation. One hour of this time each week will be devoted to a coaching session with a faculty member. Other hours will be scheduled by the group no later than the first day of each semester. The quintet will be responsible for a variety of performances each semester, including full recitals, outreach concerts, noon recitals, children’s concerts and competitions.
Positions available in Fall 2023:
Required to rehearse for a minimum of four hours per week and receives a weekly coaching session from a member of the string faculty. Also functions as members of the UMKC orchestra, as needed by the director of orchestras. The graduate String Quartet presents at least one full recital per academic year on campus, and may also perform off campus as representatives of the Conservatory.
Positions available in Fall 2023:
Responsible for five hours minimum of weekly rehearsal in addition to individual preparation. One hour of this time each week will be devoted to a coaching session with a faculty member. Other hours will be scheduled by the group no later than the first day of each semester. The quintet is responsible for a variety of performances each semester, including full recitals, outreach concerts, noon recitals, children’s concerts and competition.
Assists with the undergraduate Musicology curriculum, teaching classes and working on research projects and conferences. Other duties as assigned.
See Special Program Requirements page for admission details
Costume Design Assistantship Duties
See Special Program Requirements page for admission details
Lighting Design Assistantship Duties
See Special Program Requirements page for admission details
Scenic Design Assistantship Duties
See Special Program Requirements page for admission details
Sound Design Assistantship Duties
See Special Program Requirements page for admission details
Stage Management Assistantship Duties
See Special Program Requirements page for admission details
Technical Direction Assistantship Duties
See Special Program Requirements page for admission details
The Lyric Opera Apprentice Artist Program prepares exceptional young singers for a professional operatic career while they are enrolled in a master’s, doctoral, Performer’s Certificate or Artist’s Certificate degree program at the Conservatory. Apprentice Artists have the opportunity to perform in two fully staged opera productions per year, along with workshop programs, premieres and outreach activities.
Requires an audition with the Conservatory Voice faculty and Lyric Opera, enrollment in at least six hours per semester and other criteria. Call 816-235-2900 for details.
*Soprano, Tenor, and Bass/Baritone positions available in Fall 2021
Responsible for teaching private, applied voice lessons.Those receiving lessons may include undergraduates and graduates as well as UMKC non-music majors. One graduate teaching assistant will also teach a three credit-hour course (CONS 101 Voice Class) each semester on the fundamentals of voice production, breathing, diction, song literature and vocal pedagogy, as well as applied voice lessons to fulfill the 10 hours of responsibilities per week.
Applicants for these positions must include a resume of all teaching experiences. Voice class and studio applicants must email their resumes to Prof. Ray Feener.