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The University of Kentucky School of Music has played an important part in the development of musical life in Kentucky and beyond since 1918. 

The School offers degree programs within five areas of study as well as minors in music performance and music theory & history. Our performance areas are brass, keyboards, percussion, strings, voice, and winds; each boasting world-class faculty. Additionally, we have research programs for scholars and professional training for teachers.

Ben Arnold, Director
Lori Hetzel, Associate Director

The University of Kentucky is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Visit the NASM website for more information.

student playing drum on stage
School of Music Celebration Weekend
Friends of Music logo

April 24th and 26th

Join the UK School of Music April 24th and 26th for a weekend that brings together the exceptional talent of our students, the generosity of our community, and the power of music to inspire and unite; featuring three concerts and two awards ceremonies!

Learn More about the Celebration Weekend

Upcoming Events
  • gary hill
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    Singletary Center
    • Participants: $375, approval required
    • Observers: $75, application required
    • Registration Deadline: May 1st
  • Five performers on a stage (left to right: man on keyboards, woman on electric guitar, woman on drums, person on electric mandolin, man on traditional guitar with pickups) play in front of a blue, white, and black hexagon pattern with "Modern Band" projected behind them.
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    Lucille Little Fine Arts and Design Library
    • $500, Preregistration Required
    • Housing Options Available
    • University Credit Available
  • A class of 17 smiling students wearing matching t-shirts sit around a large couch area in the Guignol Theatre lobby. An assortment of performance photos hang on the wall behind them. Each of the students is holding one end of a stretchy colored ribbon in each hand while the ribbons criss-cross and twist around the group where other students to hold the opposite end.
    -
    Charles F. Dickins Dance Studio
    • $500, Preregistration Required
    • Housing Options Available
    • University Credit Available
  • Promotional poster for the event, all details in the image are reproduced in text on the page.
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    Holmes Hall - Creative Arts Living Learning Program
    • $250 Institute Tuition + $25 Operating Fee
    • $150 Optional Lodging
    • Online Registration Required
  • Image of promotional poster, all details in the image are reproduced in text on the page.
    -
    Holmes Hall - Creative Arts Living Learning Program
    • $275 Institute Tuition
    • $150 Optional Lodging
    • Online Registration Required
  • Promotional poster for the event, all details in the image are reproduced in text on the page.
    -
    Holmes Hall - Creative Arts Living Learning Program
    • $250 Institute Tuition + $25 Operating Fee
    • $150 Optional Lodging
    • Online Registration Required
Explore our Programs
person pointing at video camera next to person in yellow shirt
BA
Direct your future in film, sound, and media with a degree that lets you design your own path.
two mallets on sheet music
BA
What if your music studies could be as versatile as your ambitions?
orchestra in pit
BM
Master your craft with mentorship and opportunity at every note.
Lori Hetzel conducting student vocalists
BMME
Love music? Learn to teach it with confidence, creativity, and a foundation as strong as your musicianship.
student pointing to music on ipad
MA
Turn your passion for analysis and sound into a powerful academic voice.
person playing instrument on floor
MA, PhD
What stories do global musical traditions tell us about humanity?
student and teacher looking at white board with music notes
MM
Develop your technique, collaborate with artists, and prepare for a career in a dynamic landscape.
people on stage playing instruments in band
MM
A practical curriculum designed for the working music teacher.
student on stage singing in burgundy robe
MM
Hone your talent with personalized mentorship guiding every note.
people playing instruments in music therapy class
MM
Harness the healing power of music to transform lives.
students singing with red scarf
MM
Are you called to inspire faith through music?
jazz students performing on stage with conductor in front
DMA

Train at the highest level to perform, teach, and lead in a dynamic musical landscape.

people in doctoral robes at commencement ceremony
PhD
Advance the future of music education through rigorous research and innovative scholarship.
student and teacher looking at white board with music notes
PhD
Uncover the deeper structures behind the music you love.
person playing instrument on floor
MA, PhD
What stories do global musical traditions tell us about humanity?
students playing percussion instruments on stage
Minor
Build your technical mastery and collaborative skills with a minor in Music Performance.
two students looking at ipad
Minor
Complement your major with insights that resonate beyond the concert hall.
people playing trumpet on stage
Undergraduate Certificate
Ready to master the Baroque trumpet as it was meant to be played?
students on stage in Footloose production
Undergraduate Certificate
Your journey to the stage starts here.
people playing trumpet on stage
Graduate Certificate
Master the elegant art of the Baroque Trumpet.
person holding someone's hand into point reaching up
Graduate Certificate
Learn music-teaching strategies to develop imagination, coordination, and expression.
people playing recorders outside
Graduate Certificate
Teach music through poems, rhymes, games, songs, and dances.
close up of hands on piano
Graduate Certificate
Teach the language of music with confidence and clarity.
student in voice lesson with teacher in background
Graduate Certificate

Study the anatomy and physiology of the singing voice.