Swinney Conservatory of Music
The Swinney Conservatory of Music at Central Methodist University has a long legacy of excellence. The Conservatory was established in 1927 and has been a member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1950. Students in the Conservatory participate in many recitals and concerts throughout the year, and hosts numerous visiting artists and special events.
Festivals, Camps, and Events
The CMU Swinney Conservatory of Music holds several festivals and music camps on the Fayette campus throughout the year. Everyone is welcome to attend the public performances for each event.
Central’s Got Praise is a brand new regional music competition for high school praise bands and individual worship musicians, designed to inspire, connect, and elevate the next generation of worship leaders. This fall, we're bringing the stage to your community with five district-level competitions on October 5, 12, and 26 and November 2 and 9, hosted at United Methodist churches across Missouri. The statewide finals will be on February 19, 2026. Click below to learn more and register.
Band Day: October 11, 2025. This event, designed to be an educational experience for students and directors, will include Street, Field, Indoor Drumline, and Indoor Color Guard competitions. CMU Band Day is a MSHSAA-sanctioned event with schools classified per MSHSAA Official School Enrollment Information. Registration will be coming soon and is limited to first 40 schools.
Central's Got Talent: February 19, 2026. Compete for scholarship offers at Central’s Got Talent on February 19. We will award two full-tuition scholarships along with significant awards for every musician who performs at CGT. If you are in a praise band, choir, or band, sign up to audition by February 1, 2026.
Upon application/registration, students will be contacted by the Office of Admissions about their acceptance and procedures for the event. Parents and families are welcome to attend and may watch their student perform. Throughout the day, we will provide opportunities to see the campus and to learn about financial aid, student services, and a variety of other helpful information. Note: Full-tuition scholarship winners are required to live on campus.
Center Stage: February 19, 2026. Center Stage acting and theatre design competitions. Register for Center Stage by February 1, 2026 below. We will award major scholarships to the top three winners in each category. Upon application/registration, students may receive an invitation from the Office of Admissions to compete. The events are open to parents and families. They provides opportunities to see the campus and learn about financial aid, student services, and a variety of other helpful information. Note: Full-tuition scholarship winners are required to live on campus.
Music Festival: February 27, 2026. CMU Music Festival is open to middle and high school students. Students can perform vocal or instrumental solos and in small or large ensembles. The CMU Music Festival is a MSHSAA sanctioned event. Please contact finearts@centralmethodist.edu for more information.
Academic Programs
Learn more about CMU's music programs and co-curricular opportunities.
