Why Iowa?

We're a close-knit artistic community within a major research university that's famous for its arts programs. We offer world-class musical instruction, ongoing performance opportunities, state-of-the-art facilities, and solid preparation for your career.

Music at Iowa

It’s hard to find a school of music that delivers so many opportunities all within an undeniably individualized and inspirational setting.

Your destination for the Performing Arts

Creativity is at the heart of everything we do. We blend artistry and technology to offer a tremendous variety of ways to enjoy the performing arts.

Build a foundation

Expand your horizons

Learn from experts

Guest Artist Experiences

Students in the UI School of Music have the opportunity to work with 100+ guest artists each year, gaining invaluable insights from world-renowned performers and educators. 

Last year alone, guests included members of top-tier ensembles such as the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the St. Louis Symphony, and the Philadelphia Orchestra, as well as faculty from prestigious institutions like Eastman, Rice, and the Hartt School of Music. The program also welcomed international guests from France, Vienna, Colombia, Chile, and the Philippines, fostering a truly global musical experience for our students.

Jessie Montgomery

2024-25 Hancher Composer-In-Residence
Acclaimed composer Jessie Montgomery spent an incredible year working side-by-side with UI music students. Through workshops, one-on-one coaching, masterclasses, and more, more than 200 students had the unique opportunity to learn, perform, and grow through her music.

The Crossing

Ann Howard Jones Vocal Ensemble Residency Program

In February 2025, after spending a week with our students in the classroom, The Crossing hosted three remarkable events on campus. The first was a Shared Solo Recital featuring UI alumna Anika Kildegaard. This was followed by a Creative Matters Conversation with UI alumni David Lang and Ann Howard Jones, and conductor Donald Nally. The week culminated in a full performance by The Crossing featuring the University of Iowa's Kantorei.

See yourself here

You've worked hard on your music. Now you can use all that creativity and knowledge as your launch pad. If you dream of a musical career—or simply a musical life—Music at Iowa is right for you.

Write Your Story

Earn a well-rounded liberal arts education—with rigorous, personalized musical instruction at its core.

jazz performance in Recital Hall

9:1

Student-to-faculty ratio
student at piano looking into camera smiling

350 +

Annual public performances
Master class in flute classroom with student

450

Undergraduate and graduate students

Events

Caring Cadences Presents: Give Our Regards to Broadway!

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 12:00pm
Iowa City Senior Center - Assembly Room

This live Broadway-inspired performance by the University of Iowa’s Dunn Quartet is designed to support relaxation, spark positive memories, and boost overall wellbeing through the power of music. Grounded in a music therapy-informed approach, this welcoming 45-minute experience invites you to engage at your own pace. Expect familiar tunes, warm energy, and a refreshing twist on the traditional concert experience. Especially supportive for those living with dementia and those who care for them...

Community Music Lessons Piano Recital - Students of Hyewon Lee

Saturday, May 30, 2026 1:30pm
Voxman Music Building

This concert is free and open to the public.

James Dixon and the “Thefts” of the U.S. Seventh Army Symphony promotional image

James Dixon and the “Thefts” of the U.S. Seventh Army Symphony

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 12:00pm to 1:00pm
Virtual

Join exhibition co-curator Sarah Suhadolnik for an online lecture as she explores James Dixon's time in the U.S. Army, where he developed both his signature fortitude and his technique for conducting opera. Please register in advance to receive the webinar link. All are welcome to attend this free event.

About the lecture:
James Dixon toured Germany with the U.S. Seventh Army Symphony in the 1950s, an experience that launched his professional career as a conductor. Learn about the fly-by-night...

Band Extravaganza promotional image

Band Extravaganza

Sunday, December 6, 2026 3:00pm
Xtream Arena

Get Ready for the BOOM at Iowa’s Biggest Band Event!

Join us for the 57th Annual Band Extravaganza — an unforgettable afternoon of music, spirit, and Hawkeye tradition featuring the University of Iowa Symphony Band, Johnson County Landmark, the Hawkeye Marching Band with the Hawkeye Golden Girl and Drum Major, the Iowa Spirit Squads, and Herky the Hawk!

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