The Conservatory was founded first as the Kansas City Conservatory of Music by John Cowan in 1906 and is the oldest continuously operating musical institution in the area.

The UMKC Conservatory produces about 500 performances each academic year, including student recitals, large ensembles, chamber music, main stage opera, choral concerts, dance, master classes, guest lecturers, theatre productions and more. Most are free.


If you are a faculty member or student and have a newsworthy moment that you would like posted on our social media channels, please submit it here.

Download our app or listen to some Conservatory performances through Instant Encore.