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.
Band Day: October 9. 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 is limited to first 40 schools. The last day to register is Sept. 10.
All-State Band Audition Prep Day: November 18. Are you auditioning for All-State Band? CMU is hosting All-State Band Audition Prep Day so you can polish the audition material and get suggestions from experienced musicians on how to make the final preparations for your audition.
Theatre Audition Workshop: December 8. Central Methodist University invites high school students to participate in an audition workshop at The Little Theatre. Students will present their audition pieces to a panel of CMU faculty and student directors for immediate and written feedback. Each student will have a 20-30 minute time slot to present 1-2 monologues and/or a song. Accompanists will be available for those presenting songs, if the music is received at least two weeks before the audition workshop. Admissions representatives will also be available to answer questions or tour campus.
Central's Got Talent: February 10, 2022. Compete for generous scholarship offers at Central’s Got Talent on February 10. 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 today.
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.
Register For Central's Got Talent
Music Festival: March 4, 2022. 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.
Voice Invitational: February 2, 2022. Join us for the CMU Voice Invitational! At this event, you will have the opportunity to work with our experienced faculty to develop stronger vocal technique and musical skills. You will learn more about the voice program at CMU, visit with Admissions staff, and talk to current music students about life at Central. Auditions are available at the Invitational upon request.
Brass Invitational: April 7, 2022. The Swinney Conservatory of Music invites you to the CMU Brass Invitational. At this event, outstanding brass instrumentalists in grade 9-12 will have the opportunity to work with our experienced CMU faculty and guest clinicians to strengthen your technique and musical skills. There will be opportunities to learn more about the music program at CMU, visit with Admissions staff, and spend time with our students.
Alumni Chior: April 9, 2022. Join us for the CMU Alumni Chior! At this event past alumni will return and sing in the Alumni Chior, this is a chance to meet and talk with past graduates and learn more about CMU.
State Festival Coaching Day: April 12, 2022. The faculty at CMU have over 100 years of experience in preparing students for State Music Festival and this year we want to help you! Join us for State Festival Coaching Day on April 12 and spend time working with knowledgeable teachers who have helped hundreds of students prepare successful performances at State.
Alumni Band: June 11, 2022. Register for Alumni Band and join alumni from over the decades for a day of music and fellowship, finishing off with a great concert on campus! Registration is $15 and graduates from ’20 and ’21 are free.
Alumni Choir: April 9, 2022. Alumni of Central ’s choirs from every generation are invited to CMU for a day of rehearsals and memories, as well as an evening concert at 7 p.m., which will be open to the public in Linn Memorial United Methodist Church on the CMU campus.
For more info about this event or to register, please visit centralalumnievents.com.
Academic Programs
Learn more about CMU's music programs and co-curricular opportunities.
