The UMKC Music/Media Library is offering a performance opportunity to highlight 21st century music from the Libraries’ collections. This concert will bring to light the deep connections and meaning in 21st century music and showcase the range of styles, instrumentations, and composer identities found in recently composed music. We invite currently enrolled UMKC Conservatory students to apply for this paid opportunity to perform a piece from the Libraries’ collections.
This concert is supported by the Elizabeth Noble Library Fund.
About the Shining a Light Concert!
The Shining a Light Concert is at the Miller Nichols Library first floor Theater on Tuesday, March 9, 2027, 6-7 pm.
Pieces must be (a) selected from the UMKC Libraries’ collections of scores/parts and (b) composed in the 21st century. All scores/parts in the Libraries’ collections are listed in the library catalog; be sure to verify that the composition date is 2000 or later. The Libraries’ Shining A Light Collection is a subset of 21st century music in the Libraries’ collections, specifically scores/parts for pieces by composers who identify with underrepresented groups. Maximum performance length is 15 minutes. In addition to performing the piece, you will share 2-3 minutes of spoken remarks about the connection and meaning you find in the composer and context of this piece. Gear your remarks towards a general (non-musician) audience.
Submissions can have a maximum of six performers, due to performance space.
Performers will be selected based on performer statement regarding about the connection and meaning you find in the composer and context of this piece, faculty recommendation, and to form an approximately one-hour concert representing musical variety and a range of instrumentations and composer identities.
All accepted applicants will be offered the opportunity to add collaborative theatre & dance performers who will also be paid the same $125 per performer. Nexus: Integrated Arts Performance will offer support to accepted applicants in identifying collaborators if needed. You will be responsible for initiating and leading the collaboration. If you have ideas for including theatre and dance elements (spoken word, interpretive dance, theatrical elements, etc.), please include this information in your initial application. This is an ideal space for thinking outside the box such as audience interaction with dance, or theater elements in close proximity to attendees. For more info on Nexus or to discuss ideas, contact Dr. Paul Rudy rudyp@umkc.edu
The Libraries’ first floor Theater is an open, flex use space that is normally open study space but will be set up auditorium style for the concert. The concert will be open and encouraging to drop-in listeners. See photos from past performances or visit the Library first floor to see the space.
Equipment: The library will provide chairs, music stands, and a keyboard (Clavinova CLP 725). Performers must provide all other instruments and equipment. Applicants are welcome to try out the keyboard in advance. It is located in the Music/Media Library room G1. We recommend a 30 minute reservation for the time you plan to stop by, as the room is frequently reserved for study sessions.
Each performer will receive $125, paid via direct deposit. UMKC requires a federal tax ID (Social Security Number SSN or Employer Identification Number EIN) for payment. Please note that in some cases the $125 payment may be reduced by required tax withholding. Performers without an SSN/EIN are eligible to perform but cannot be paid.
All performers must be current UMKC Conservatory students. The only exception is that collaborative pianists working with a UMKC Conservatory student soloist are not required to be current UMKC Conservatory students.
A recommendation from a UMKC Conservatory professor is required. Brief email recommendations are fine. In the application, upload either a screenshot of the email or PDF of the recommendation.
The concert will conclude with a brief reception.
Use of AI Technology
All aspects of this concert follow the UMKC Conservatory policy on use of generative AI. This includes applications, performer statements, and remarks at the concert. A primary aim of the Shining a Light concert is surfacing the deep connections and meaning in 21st century music, which requires the full depth of your humanity and creativity. Applications which do not follow the UMKC Conservatory AI policy will not be considered. The Conservatory AI policy is as follows:
“At the UMKC Conservatory, we believe that performing arts students should explore and express the full depth of their humanity and creativity. We value the messy work of creation over the digital sheen of perfection provided by AI technology. While that technology can enhance learning, we want to ensure that our educational spaces remain places where students’ distinctive voices are heard, celebrated and allowed to flourish.
In the UMKC Conservatory, we welcome the exploration of generative AI tools under the following guidelines:
Students must be the primary author of any submitted work.
Students must properly cite the use of generative AI tools.
Students must not use AI to bypass key learning objectives of the class.
Students must obtain permission for AI use in each class project.
Students should be mindful of the shortcomings of such tools and understand that the information they provide might not be accurate.”
Deadlines
Keep these important dates in mind during the application process:
Submit your application no later than Sunday, October 18, 2026.
2. Applicants Notified
All applicants will be contacted on their application status on Sunday, November 15, 2026.
3. Concert Date
The concert will take place on Tuesday, March 9, 2027 in Miller Nichols Library’s 1st Floor Theater, from 6-7pm.
