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.

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

UI Jazz Combo Showcase promotional image

UI Jazz Combo Showcase

Monday, October 5, 2026 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Tavern Blue
Join the Black, Gold, and Hawk Combos at Tavern Blue for an evening of live jazz
UI Monthly Jazz Jam promotional image

UI Monthly Jazz Jam

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Tavern Blue

Our Jazz Studies faculty members host a monthly community jazz jam session, joined by students, alumni, community members, and musicians passing through Iowa City.

All members of the community are welcome for this free community event, hosted the first Tuesday of each month during the school year at Tavern Blue.

To learn more or if you are interested in jamming, get in touch with Damani Phillips.

Brentano String Quartet promotional image

Brentano String Quartet

Wednesday, October 7, 2026 7:30pm
Voxman Music Building
Longtime friends of the School of Music and Hancher bring an all-Beethoven program.
Concert Band and Symphony Band Concert promotional image

Concert Band and Symphony Band Concert

Thursday, October 8, 2026 7:30pm
Voxman Music Building

Concert program will be available here: https://performingarts.uiowa.edu/digital-programs/music

This concert is free and open to the public. Concert can be viewed via livestream here: https://music.uiowa.edu/events/school-music-livestream

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