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

Guest Oboe Recital, Dr. Jenna Sehmann, Stephen F. Austin State University

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 7:30pm
Voxman Music Building

Guest Oboe Recital, Dr. Jenna Sehmann, Stephen F. Austin State University

View the program here: https://digital.lib.uiowa.edu/node/951310

This concert is free and open to the public.

Brass Chamber Residency Program: Meridian Arts Ensemble

Wednesday, October 15, 2025 7:30pm
Voxman Music Building

Brass Chamber Residency Program: Meridian Arts Ensemble

Meridian Arts Ensemble
Jon Nelson, trumpet
Matthew Onstad, trumpet
Daniel Grabois, horn
Faustino Díaz Mendez, trombone
Tom Curry, tuba

View the program here: https://digital.lib.uiowa.edu/node/951311

This concert is free and open to the public.

Your Brain on Music promotional image

Your Brain on Music

Thursday, October 16, 2025 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Voxman Music Building

This event features presentations from two UI School of Music faculty members and a performance by the local therapeutic singing group, Tremble Clefs Iowa, whose members include individuals with Parkinson's disease, caregivers, and family members.

"Rhythm, Voice, Connection: The Power of Music Therapy" presented by Abbey Dvorak, PhD associate professor of music therapy

"Music as Emotional Signal," presented by Joshua Albrecht, PhD, assistant professor of music theory

UI Choral Collage promotional image

UI Choral Collage

Friday, October 17, 2025 7:30pm
Voxman Music Building

UI Choral Collage

This concert will be livestreamed here: https://music.uiowa.edu/events/school-music-livestream.

This event is free and open to the public.

View more events