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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
Upcoming Events
Explore our Programs
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.
classroom photo of music students
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.
Director Dr. Lori Hetzel conducts the Treble Choir on the softly lit stage of the Singletary Center Concert Hall.
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?
student and teacher looking at white board with music notes
DMA
Develop your technique, collaborate with artists, and prepare for a career in a dynamic landscape.
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 playing recorders outside
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?
people playing trumpet on stage
Graduate Certificate
Master the elegant art of the Baroque Trumpet.
people playing recorders outside
Graduate Certificate
Learn music-teaching strategies to develop imagination, coordination, and expression.
person holding someone's hand into point reaching up
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.