Integrated Arts
Develop Diverse Perspectives
At UMKC Conservatory, integrated arts experiences encourage students to explore creativity through interdisciplinary collaboration inside the Conservatory, across campus and in the community.
Explore Our Programs
We offer several programs that span disciplines, including an innovative Bachelor of Arts in Music, which allows you to combine your academic interests, broaden your skills and improve your professional versatility.
Why Study Integrated Arts at UMKC Conservatory?
At UMKC Conservatory, integrated arts are more than collaboration — they’re a catalyst for discovery, empathy and transformation across fields.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Students work across music, dance, theatre and other fields to create immersive, boundary-breaking performances.
Student-Led Innovation
We empower students to invent and produce interdisciplinary performances with full institutional support through the NEXUS performance series and other initiatives.
Creating Change Through the Arts
We offer opportunities for students to contribute to the community through programs like Healing and Harmony, where students bring live music into healthcare settings, enriching lives and supporting emotional well-being.
Flexible Academic Pathways
Our multidisciplinary approach means you can study music, dance or theatre while exploring other academic interests: pursue a double major or add minors or certificates both within and outside the Conservatory.
Integrated Arts in the Community
As an integral part of the Kansas City community, the UMKC Conservatory strives to provide students with opportunities to hone their talents while working across disciplines and serving the community. These highlighted initiatives allow them to do just that.
NEXUS Integrated Arts Series
NEXUS is the UMKC Conservatory’s groundbreaking initiative in integrated arts programming, allowing students to explore bold, interdisciplinary approaches to performance. Whatever your field of study, NEXUS offers a platform to collaborate, innovate and bring your biggest ideas to life. Contact Paul Rudy, Coordinator of Integrated Arts Initiatives, for more information or to submit a proposal.
Healing and Harmony
The Healing and Harmony Concert Series is a collaboration between UMKC Conservatory and community partners, including University Health, Swope Health, KU Cancer Center, KC Hospice and Children's Mercy Hospital bringing live music into clinical spaces to support emotional well-being for patients, staff and visitors. It reaches 415 individuals annually, features concerts in seven healthcare locations and counting, and provides student musicians with real-world, community-engaged experience.
Alumni and Partner Insights
Earning my B.A. in Music has opened countless doors in both the music industry and the nonprofit world, where I’ve helped raise millions of dollars for various charities through capital campaigns and grant writing. The flexibility to consider nontraditional career routes and experiment with different interests was one of the best aspects of pursuing a B.A. in Music.
Samantha Messina, ‘20
Bachelor of Arts in Music alumna
My time at UMKC Conservatory was transformative. While I may not have pursued a professional path in music, the lessons in collaboration, discipline and innovation have been instrumental in my success.
Laura Comer, ‘02
Bachelor of Arts in Music alumna
It’s a unique and calming experience to have such beautiful music just wash over you at a time when you're emotionally and physically drained.
Kansas City Hospice House
Healing and Harmony program partner
Popular Student Resources
Scenes From Our Integrated Arts Series
