Overview

The Organ and Church Music Master of Music programme at the University of Kansas provides an exceptional environment for students to refine their performance skills and theological understanding. This advanced degree is designed for those seeking professional careers in organ performance, higher education, or leadership roles within ecclesiastical settings.

Why Organ and Church Music at the University of Kansas?

The university is home to the Dane and Polly Bales Organ Recital Hall, widely regarded as one of the finest facilities for organ music in the United States. This venue features the Hellmuth Wolff, opus 40 organ, a 35-foot-high instrument with 45 stops, including French and German reeds. The hall was specifically engineered with two-foot-thick walls and 72-foot ceilings to provide the optimum acoustical balance for organ literature.

Students benefit from a collaborative artistic environment where architecture, acoustics, and instrument design intersect. The facility includes state-of-the-art recording equipment for lessons and rehearsals, alongside unique features like a variable air supply system that allows for historically authentic performances. The presence of the Bales Choral Society further enriches the department, offering opportunities for choral and organ integration.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 20712 per year
National fee: USD 20712 per year
Local fee: USD 8806 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum offers specialised pathways in either organ performance or church music, including choral conducting. Modules may include:

Organ Literature and Design
Organ Pedagogy
Repertory Performance Practice
Organ Building
Service Playing
Liturgy
Anthem Literature
Theological Aesthetics
Hymnology

Careers with Organ and Church Music

Graduates of this programme are prepared for diverse professional paths within the global music community. Many alumni secure prestigious positions as cathedral or church organists, directors of music, and liturgical consultants. The rigorous training also supports careers in concert performance and academic teaching at the collegiate level. The university maintains an active alumni network that connects graduates with opportunities in performance and sacred music leadership across the country.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Musicology

Music Theory

Advanced Music Theory

Thesis

Research Skills
History

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-20 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-06-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-04-01 00:00:00
Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-05-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

30 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Lawrence, United States

Disciplines

Music Musicology View 1020 other Masters in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

Required

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Learn your IELTS Score

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Resume
Statement of Purpose
Scanned copies of official transcripts from ALL post-secondary schools attended
Email addresses of three (3) references for letters of recommendation
Repertoire list - Performance applicants
Scholarly writing sample: Organ, Church Music, Musicology and Music Theory applicants
PDF files or links to three (3) original scores (and recordings if available) - Composition applicants
Official Transcripts - Bachelor’s degree: A copy of official transcripts showing proof of a bachelor's degree (and any post-bachelor’s coursework or degrees) from a regionally accredited institution, or a foreign university with equivalent bachelor's degree requirements is required.
Proof of English proficiency for non-native or non-native-like English speakers is required.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20712 USD / year

≈ 20712 USD / year
Out-of-State

20712 USD / year

≈ 20712 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

8806 USD / year

≈ 8806 USD / year

Living costs

Lawrence

United States

900 - 1400 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Financing

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Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Organ and Church Music.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Lawrence

Financing

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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