Graduate Teaching Assistantships
Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) have the opportunity to teach Keyboard Skills courses and applied lessons to Conservatory students.  In some cases, GTAs also teach private lessons for pre-college students enrolled in the Conservatory Academy.  Students interested in applying for a GTA position should indicate “yes” when asked on their application form. They will then be contacted to schedule an interview on the day of their audition.  Additional information about stipends and tuition remission can be found on the Conservatory’s Scholarships and Assistantships page.

Collaborative Piano Assistantships
Accompanying GTAs collaborate in the Vocal, Instrumental, or Choral areas, as assigned and guided by collaborative piano faculty. Instrumental Accompanying GTAs are assigned to play for graduate recitals in Fall and Spring after rehearsing and attending lessons and studio classes with their partner. Vocal Accompanying GTAs are assigned to graduate lessons, studio classes, recitals, and rehearsals; some GTAs are assigned to play for opera rehearsals and/or Opera Workshop. Choral accompanying GTAs play for rehearsals and performances.  Accompanying GTAs are 10/hours week average.   

Dance Accompanist Assistantship
Pianists holding a Dance Accompanist Assistantship play for Modern and Ballet Classes as part of the UMKC Dance Division. Knowledge of dance accompanying and aspects of Improvisation are assumed for these assistantships. Dance Accompanist Assistantships  are 10/hours week average.

Merit Scholarships
All students who audition are automatically considered for merit scholarships.

Additional Funding Opportunities
UMKC students regularly find additional work teaching students through the Conservatory Academy and in music schools throughout Kansas City. For information about applying for a position at the Academy, please contact the director, Elizabeth Valle.

Kansas City’s vibrant arts culture offers additional opportunities to perform and collaborate at events throughout the city.