Music Performance
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As a music performance major, you will refine your musicianship by mastering the theoretical, technical, interpretive and diction skills essential for developing artistic and professional performance abilities.
Our top-tier music performance program department combines 1:1 instruction on your instrument or voice with opportunities for collaboration in ensembles to support your growth as a skilled and expressive performer. Through the program, you will immerse yourself in musical technique, tone production, expression, intellectual development, problem-solving and public performance, preparing you to excel at the highest level of artistry.
Emphasis areas offered:
- Piano
- Voice
- Winds
- Strings
- Percussion
- Program Type: Major
- Academic Unit: Conservatory
- Degree Type: Bachelor of Music
- Standard credit hours: 120
- Delivery Mode: In-person
- Typical Program Length: 4 years
- Typical Course Load: 4-5 per semester
- Estimated Program Cost: $57,780
- * 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
Vibrant arts metropolis
Study in a city rich with cultural treasures, including the Kansas City Ballet, Folly Theater and Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
Peer collaboration
Collaborate with peers across disciplines, including composition, music theory, dance, instrumental studies, jazz studies, vocal studies and theater.
Chances to shine
Grow your skills through ample performance opportunities. The Conservatory puts on about 500 events each year.
After Graduation
As a performer, you will have the opportunity to pursue careers in a variety of settings, including performing for both live audiences and on recordings. Depending on the career you choose, you may travel for your job. A degree in music performance provides you with the technical training and practical experience to expand your capabilities and resume.
Potential careers
- Concert band member
- Orchestra member
- Professional choir member
- Opera Singer
- Concert pianist
- Private lessons instructor
- Instrumental sales
$74,997
Median salary/year
* Based on data from Lightcast.io for Musicians and Singers (27-2042.00)
Potential Courses
Musicianship I
Review the principles of chord construction, four-part writing and harmonic syntax, as well as the application of concepts in analytical assignments and projects, diction and singing.
Introduction to Collaboration for Pianists I
Study the collaborative techniques of vocal and instrumental literature with piano collaboration.
Opera Role Preparation and Audition Techniques
Practice audition techniques for the operatic solo singer, including dramatic interpretation of repertoire, stage movement, resume building and more.
Visit the Academic Catalog for a full listing of courses and descriptions.
Related Programs and Pathways
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.
- Piano Performance applicants must submit a list of previously studied repertoire.
- Audition date selection: All undergraduate music applications require a live audition on the student’s primary instrument or voice part. You must select one of the three scheduled audition dates in the application. If you are unavailable for any of these dates, please select the “video audition” option or contact Conservatory admissions.
- Review the audition repertoire requirements for your primary instrument or voice part.
- 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
$7,222
Resident Rate
(per semester)
$10,232
Heartland Rate
(per semester)
$17,541
Nonresident Rate
(per semester)