The @umkccons announced a significant expansion, including a 35,000-square-foot addition to the Olson Performing Arts Center. The expansion will add crucial performance and rehearsal spaces for dance, music and theatre programs. The project includes renovations of current facilities into classroom, theatre and student resource space.
The expansion aims to attract new talent, increase enrollment and provide new opportunities for students and the community. Community programming, including summer camps and lessons, master classes, competitions and the Conservatory Bridges program, were all priorities during planning.
Save the Date for Crescendo 2025!
The event returns this year to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art on Saturday, November 15, 2025, and will include a cocktail hour and seated dinner paired with immersive, intimate performances by Conservatory students and faculty. This year, our support will pivot to a uniquely meaningful moment for the UMKC Conservatory and its students. Crescendo 2025 will benefit the expansion and renovation of the Olson Performing Arts Center.
Sponsorship opportunities are available now. Learn more about levels, benefits and pricing and secure your sponsorship today.
We extend special gratitude to Friends of the Conservatory and our enthusiastic and supportive leadership:
Merrily Jackson, John Rensenhouse and Darren Sextro,
Crescendo 2025 Chairs
Steve and Cathy Doyal,
Crescendo 2025 Honorary Chairs
A BOLD NEW CHAPTER FOR THE UMKC CONSERVATORY— UMKC Publicly Announces Campaign For Conservatory Expansion
New, updated facilities to provide greater opportunities for students and community
“This project is about people, and every step we take is driven by a shared purpose,” said Conservatory Dean Courtney Crappell. “We are entering a bold and inspiring new chapter for the Conservatory – one grounded in community, creativity and connection.”
Congratulations to our Kauffman Award winners in the Conservatory this year! From left to right, Sean Chen (Excellence in Creative Activity), Brianne Taylor (Excellence in Faculty Service), Nick Gillock (Excellence in Staff Service), Jeff Savage (Friends Faculty Excellence), and Stewart Duncan (Excellence in Teaching).
UMKC Summer Master of Music Education Program
June 1-12: First two-week session
June 15-26: Second two-week session
Our summer Masters of Music Education degree is designed for passionate music teachers interested in furthering their education while continuing to work with their programs full-time. You will work with outstanding faculty and be challenged philosophically, intellectually, and musically as you grow.
For more information please visit https://programs.umkc.edu/graduate/conservatory/music-education
or contact: Dr. Charles Robinson at [email protected]
UMKC Choral Conducting Symposium
June 29–July 1, 2026
Hosted by Dr. Jennifer Sengin, this three-day symposium focuses on conducting masterclasses, interactive lectures, and workshops on expressive conducting technique, rehearsal strategies, score study, diverse repertoire, performance practice, and choral programming. Participants sing with and conduct the UMKC Summer Choral Chamber Ensemble in a collaborative, supportive environment.
Featured clinicians include Dr. Kristina MacMullen (Baylor University), Dr. Brandon Williams (Rutgers University), and composer-in-residence Taylor Scott Davis.
Visit our website for more information : https://conservatory.umkc.edu/conservatory-academy/conducting-symposiums.html
Save the Date for Crescendo 2026!
UMKC Friends of the Conservatory is excited to announce Crescendo 2026, Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
Friends of the Conservatory, Gala Chairman Stephanie D. O’Dear and Dean Courtney Crappell invite you to an evening of immersive performances, dining and revelry featuring our talented students and faculty.
Proceeds from Crescendo 2026 benefit UMKC’s comprehensive Blue & Bold Campaign and will support the expansion of the Conservatory’s home at the Olson Performing Arts Center. Information regarding sponsorship levels, benefits and pricing is now available online.
Secure your sponsorship. Visit https://www.umkc.edu/crescendo/
This week on the UMKC Conservatory Hour on @classicalkc and #classicalkc , UMKC Conservatory alum Seyoung Park takes us on a pianistic journey through Robert Schumann’s dualities and emotional confessions of forbidden love. Plus, Conservatory faculty members Joe Genualdi and Tom Rosenkranz perform very personal music by Ludwig van Beethoven.
The UMKC Conservatory Hour can be heard Fridays at 12pm and Saturdays at 9am on 91.9 Classical KC or streaming at classicalkc.org. Listen on-demand at the link in bio/comments. Follow @classicalkc and #classicalkc for the latest news about Conservatory content.
The UMKC Conservatory Theatre presents BIRTHDAY CANDLES by Noah Haidle
Join us at the UMKC Olson Performing Arts Center, Black Box Theatre:
Friday May 8th at 7:30pm
and Saturday May 9th at 2:30pm Join Ernestine and her family for a show that blends humor and profound feeling.
The UMKC Conservatory Theatre presents BIRTHDAY CANDLES by Noah Haidle
Catch the remaining shows at the UMKC Olson Performing Arts Center, Black Box Theatre:
Thursday May 7th and Friday May 8th at 7:30pm
and Saturday may 9th at 2:30pm
Follow Ernestine Ashworth through her life as she uses the simple ingredients of a cake and finds meaning in family, tradition and culture.
High School Students join us for the High School Choral & Vocal Arts Institute, June 7–11, 2026.
Enjoy an immersive week working ,on ensemble singing, vocal technique, sight-singing, and overall musicianship training.
For more information visit https://conservatory.umkc.edu/conservatory-academy/umkc-conservatory-high-school-choral-vocal-arts-institute.html
Just announced: The UMKC Conservatory's facility expansion will break ground September 23! The plan includes a 35,000-square-foot addition to the Olson Performing Arts Center, adding crucial performance and rehearsal spaces for dance, music and theatre students. In addition to providing additional space for students, the expansion will increase opportunities for the Kansas City community. Take a look at concept renderings of the new spaces!
