Preparation. Passion. Performance.
Every season, our School of Music's performances delight audiences, musicians, and scholars. Each of these achievements by our students—and our professors and instructors who teach and mentor them—is a triumph, the culmination of hours of practice and years of dedication.
From their first day in the School of Music, our undergraduate and graduate performance students prepare to perform in the Voxman Music Building's state-of-the-art spaces, including the 700-seat Concert Hall and the 200-seat Recital Hall. In addition to playing in one or more of our 30 ensembles, these students present individual recitals, perform in chamber concerts, and play in local venues and clubs.
Ensembles
Choral ensembles
Orchestras
Bands
Percussion
Jazz
Opera
Ensemble auditions
Auditions for ensembles are held just before the beginning of the fall semester and the first day of classes. Students interested in auditioning should sign up for an audition time. Please contact your respective ensemble director for more information. You can also learn more about your specific ensemble area in the following:
For information, please see Orchestral Auditions. String players who wish to continue playing during their studies at UI but don’t want to audition can participate in the All-University String Orchestra.
The Symphony Band and Concert Band are open to all students, regardless of major, by audition only. Please contact your respective ensemble director for more information. Read more about auditions.
The University Band is designed specifically for non-music major students, and no auditions are required for membership.
No auditions are required for Iowa Pep Band.
For information about auditioning for the Hawkeye Marching Band, visit https://uiowa.edu/hmb/auditions.
The University of Iowa Choral Area invites anyone who loves to sing to audition for one of four ensembles on campus. It does not matter whether you are a music major or a non-major; all are welcome.
To learn more about the audition, download an audition form, sample one of the pieces we will be performing with The University of Iowa Symphony Orchestra, and sign up online for an audition, please visit our Wiki. Login with your HawkID and sign up for a time. The meeting times of the choirs can be found on the audition form.
All jazz ensembles are open to non-majors as well as majors. Auditions for all ensembles and lessons occur in the first week of fall classes. Skills to be demonstrated in the audition include sight-reading, performance of a prepared piece, and scale knowledge. For more information, including dates and specific requirements, please see Jazz Ensemble Auditions.
Centers and residencies
Center for New Music
Devoted to the late 20th and early 21st century repertoire, focused on contemporary composition and performance.
String Quartet Residency Program
Bringing nationally recognized professional string quartets to campus for extended residences each year.
Practice and perform
Need to book a music room, request an accompanist, check out audition information, rent a locker, or use a recording studio? Visit the Music Callboard for all scheduling and policy information.