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 12, 2024. 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 registration for this event is full. Thank you to all to signed up!
All-State Band Audition Prep Day: November 19, 2024. Are you auditioning for All-State Band? CMU is hosting All-State Band Audition Prep Day on November 19 so you can polish the audition material and get suggestions from experienced musicians on how to make the final preparations for your audition.
Central's Got Talent: February 20, 2025. Compete for scholarship offers at Central’s Got Talent on February 22. 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, 2025.
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 20, 2025. Center Stage acting and theatre design competitions. Register for Center Stage by February 1, 2025 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 28, 2025. 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@rictruesdell.com for more information.
Woodwind Invitational: April 3, 2025. The Swinney Conservatory of Music invites you to the CMU Woodwind Invitational. At this event, outstanding woodwind 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.
State Festival Coaching Day: April 22, 2025. 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 22, 2025 and spend time working with knowledgeable teachers who have helped hundreds of students prepare successful performances at State.
Academic Programs
Learn more about CMU's music programs and co-curricular opportunities.
