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

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.

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

DMA Qualifying recital: Yimu Wang, Piano

Saturday, November 15, 2025 7:30pm
Voxman Music Building

DMA Qualifying recital: Yimu Wang, Piano

This concert is free and open to the public.

The Classical Style: An Opera (of Sorts) promotional image

The Classical Style: An Opera (of Sorts)

Saturday, November 15, 2025 7:30pm
Voxman Music Building
Three of history’s greatest composers come back for a chat about music and more. The Classical Style follows Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn as they return to earth to discover the current music scene. Full of inside jokes about music theory and musicology, the zany one act opera will be presented in an intimate black box setting.
Minnesota Orchestra in conversation promotional image

Minnesota Orchestra in conversation

Sunday, November 16, 2025 10:00am to 11:00am
Voxman Music Building

Join us for a conversation with Minnesota Orchestra's Thomas Søndergård, music director, and Erik Finley, vice president of artistic planning!

This event is free and open to the public. 

Guest Artist Masterclasses: Minnesota Orchestra promotional image

Guest Artist Masterclasses: Minnesota Orchestra

Sunday, November 16, 2025 11:30am to 1:00pm
Voxman Music Building

Join us for a masterclass with musicians from the Minnesota Orchestra!

The following masterclasses will take place in various spaces in Voxman Music Building, led by musicians from Minnesota Orchestra:

Conducting – with Thomas Søndergård, Music Director

Recital Hall, 2301

Violin + viola – with Alan Snow, Associate Concertmaster, Violin, and Sarah Switzer, Viola
Concert Hall, 2101

Cello + bass – with Kyle Sanborn, bass and Silver Ainomae, Associate Principal Cello

Room 2400

Trumpet + horn – with Jaclyn...

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