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

Composers Workshop III promotional image

Composers Workshop III

Sunday, March 1, 2026 7:30pm
Voxman Music Building

This concert is free and open to the public.

The Center for New Music will premiere new works by University of Iowa student composers.

Click here for program.

Event can be livestreamed here: https://music.uiowa.edu/events/school-music-livestream

It's all part of #NewWorkCity, the spring initiative by #PerformingArtsAtIowa to highlight new work created by our talented graduate students in the performing arts. Join us as we celebrate one part of the full range of creative work happening at the...

UI Jazz Combo Showcase

Monday, March 2, 2026 7:30pm
Voxman Music Building

UI Jazz Combo Showcase

Click here for program.

Join the UI Jazz Studies area for an evening of exceptional student musicianship at the UI Jazz Combo Showcase, featuring the Black Combo under the direction of Dr. Michael D'Angelo, alongside the Gold Combo and Hawk Combo, directed by Professor Curtis Taylor. Each group will perform a diverse repertoire spanning classic standards to contemporary compositions

This concert is free and open to the public.

UI Monthly Jazz Jam promotional image

UI Monthly Jazz Jam

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Tavern Blue
Jazz Studies faculty members host a monthly community jazz jam session

Faculty Chamber Recital: Piano Sextets

Tuesday, March 3, 2026 7:30pm
Voxman Music Building

Faculty Chamber Recital: Piano Sextets

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

This concert is free and open to the public. 

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