School of Music

Our Inspiration

“… that vast Something, stretching out on its own unbounded scale, unconfined … combining the real and ideal, and beautiful as dreams. I wonder indeed if the people of this continental inland West know how much of first-class art they have in these prairies …”

- Walt Whitman, on the view from KU’s Mount Oread

KU School of Music

For more than 125 years the University of Kansas has been a center for great music and musical training in America’s Heartland. Alumni of the KU School of Music have distinguished themselves as renowned performers, educators, scholars and leaders in the field of music. Additionally, the KU School of Music has provided students with majors in other fields to continue their musical pursuits after high school performing in large ensembles and taking music courses designed for non-music majors.

We aim to:

• Teach performance, education, therapy, composition, theory, and musicology passionately and creatively, helping our students prepare for the future as outstanding practitioners of their disciplines.
• Perform, compose, and speak about music with artistry and intelligence as we foster its greater appreciation and understanding on our campus and throughout the region.
• Engage our community, state, nation, and world in every manner possible as a leading comprehensive music school.

Your Contribution

It is only through the support of private donors like you that we have been able to assist KU musicians in realizing a life centered in music. In these difficult economic times, donations to our unrestricted fund are vital to our ability to do the daily work that is needed to build a top destination music school in the Heartland and enable our students to leave as strong leaders and vibrant creators.

Donors help us continue to offer scholarships, graduate teaching assistantships, travel support and professional-quality instruments to improve the musical experience for our students and faculty. We invite you to support KU Music on GivingKUDay!