Overview

The Organ and Church Music programme at the University of Kansas offers students an immersive educational experience within a premier School of Music. This undergraduate degree is designed for aspiring musicians who wish to master organ performance or specialise in the diverse requirements of church music ministry. Students benefit from a curriculum that balances technical mastery with deep historical and theological understanding.

Why Organ and Church Music at the University of Kansas?

The university provides access 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 was specifically designed to house the Hellmuth Wolff, opus 40 organ, ensuring perfect acoustical balance. The hall features state-of-the-art recording equipment and a unique architectural design that supports both teaching and high-level performance.

Students learn from a distinguished faculty of active performers and scholars. The environment encourages collaboration, such as participation in the Bales Choral Society, which brings together voices from across the campus. The institution's commitment to maintaining world-class instruments and facilities ensures that every student has the resources necessary to reach their full artistic potential.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 30177 per year
National fee: USD 30177 per year
Local fee: USD 11298 per year

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

Syllabus

The curriculum is structured to provide a broad foundation in musical theory while allowing for deep specialisation in keyboard literature and liturgical practice. 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 are prepared for a variety of professional paths within the music industry and religious organisations. The programme equips students with the skills needed for roles as concert organists, directors of music, and liturgical coordinators. Many alumni pursue successful careers in teaching or continue their studies at the postgraduate level to specialise further in performance or musicology.

The training provided ensures that graduates are versatile musicians capable of leading choral ensembles, managing church music programmes, and performing at a professional standard. The university's strong alumni network in the field of organ and church music provides valuable connections for students entering the professional workforce.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Composition

Theory

Lessons Ensemble

Foreign language

Aural Skills
Applied Music

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-07-25 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-01-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-11-15 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-08-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00 , International

Language

English

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Lawrence, United States

Disciplines

Music Musicology View 2691 other Bachelors in Music in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

2.5

English requirements

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IELTS

6.5

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Other requirements

General requirements

A minimum grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for all previous coursework, including transfer coursework.
KU’s $90 application processing fee, payable by credit card.
English proficiency scores sent to KU by your testing agency.
Proof of high school graduation particular to your country.
Academic records. They can accept unofficial transcripts as part of the application, however, they must receive official transcripts before you enroll in an academic program.
If applicable: Educational Gap Statement. If, after high school, there was a period of time longer than three months that you were not enrolled in any educational program, you must write a short statement about your activity during that time. If you attended courses of any kind, include that information.
If applicable: SAT or ACT scores.

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

30177 USD / year

≈ 30177 USD / year
Out-of-State

30177 USD / year

≈ 30177 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

11298 USD / year

≈ 11298 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.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor'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.

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

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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