Music Education
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As a music education major at the UMKC Conservatory, you’ll build the knowledge and skills you need to share your passion with a new generation of students while honing your own skills as a performing musician. This program will help you develop a foundation of excellence in performance and teaching. Field experiences with local schoos, rehearsals and private teaching studios are interwoven to help you achieve success in all areas. Once you have completed your student teaching internships, you’ll be prepared to be an innovative leader in the classroom and in your community.
Emphasis areas offered: choral, instrumental
- Program Type: Major
- Academic Unit: Conservatory
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Music Education
- Standard credit hours: 133-134
- Delivery Mode: In-person
- Typical Program Length: 4 years
- Typical Course Load: 4-5 per semester
- Estimated Program Cost: $62,042
- * All rates or costs are for illustrative purposes only. Estimated cost is calculated by multiplying the appropriate 2025/2026 UMKC academic year resident rate by standard credit hours. Fees are NOT included in the calculation. Your hours and total costs may differ, depending on transfer hours, course choices, academic progress, program- and university-specific fees, and your qualified tuition rate. Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
Why UMKC
Grow your professional network
Make connections through involvement with one of several student organizations, including the National Association for Music Education – Collegiate Chapter, the American String Teacher's Association Student Chapter, and the American Choral Directors Association Student Chapter.
Vibrant arts metropolis
Study in a city that is rich in cultural arts and performance opportunities with institutions such as the Kansas City Symphony, Kansas City Ballet, Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, Starlight Theatre and more.
Kansas City is our classroom
Our university is deeply integrated into the community, providing students with exclusive opportunities to connect with area employers, gain hands-on experience and make an impact in their areas of interest.
After Graduation
A a music educator, you will shape the future one student at a time, helping them to discover and realize their dreams in music and in life. Music teachers can work in elementary, middle and high schools, teaching students how to play instruments, understand music theory and appreciate music history. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for these teachers is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, opportunities exist in private tutoring, music direction and composition.
Potential careers
- Elementary music teacher
- Marching band technician
- Middle school/high school band director
- Middle school/high school choir director
- Middle school/high school orchestra director
- Private lessons instructor
$57,462
Median salary/year
* Based on data from Lightcast.io for Music Directors and Composers (27-2041.00)
Potential Courses
Conducting
Study the basic techniques of all rhythms, patterns, subdivision of beats, dynamics, starting, stopping and giving cues through conducting in class.
Applied Lessons
Get one-on-one instruction in voice or your instrument of choice from our faculty.
Elementary and Secondary Music Methods
Learn teaching techniques and methods for different age groups.
Related Programs and Pathways
I had an amazing experience with undergraduate research, and I was even able to present my work at a national music education conference.
Jacob Furry (B.M.E. '21)
Music Education
How to Apply
- Gather your materials
- Official transcripts.
- Names and locations of previous college(s) or high school(s) and dates you attended.
- Citizenship, residency and visa information (if applicable).
- ACT/SAT test scores (optional). Required if you would like to be considered for applicable scholarship opportunities.
- Artistic resume or CV: Please list all relevant music experience, such as ensembles, schools, teachers, performances and awards.
- Two references: List the names and contact information of your references, and the application system will send an email to them requesting that they submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf. Letters of recommendation must be received by Feb. 1.
- Applicants must perform a successful audition on their primary instrument or voice part. Applicants whose primary instrument is piano or guitar must also successfully audition on a traditional band or orchestral instrument for the bachelor's degree in Music Education Instrumental program, or on voice for the bachelor's degree in Music Education Choral program. An interview with the music education faculty is also required on the day of the audition.
- Review audition repertoire requirements for your primary instrument or voice.
- Transcripts and test scores from domestic and international undergraduate students may be sent in after the Dec. 15 Conservatory application deadline but must be received by UMKC Admissions by Feb. 1.
- Complete the online application
- No application fee for domestic undergraduate students — $75 for international students.
Have questions? Request information to have an admissions counselor contact you about the requirements for this program.
Application Dates
To Start Classes in Fall
Apply by: Dec. 15
Classes begin in August
Estimated Tuition Per Semester
$6,945
Resident Rate
(per semester)
$9,840
Heartland Rate
(per semester)
$16,868
Nonresident Rate
(per semester)