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 II

Saturday, December 6, 2025 7:30pm
Voxman Music Building

Composers Workshop II

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

View the program here: https://digital.lib.uiowa.edu/node/952047

This concert is free and open to the public.

Handel’s Messiah, featuring UI Choirs and Symphony Orchestra  promotional image

Handel’s Messiah, featuring UI Choirs and Symphony Orchestra

Saturday, December 6, 2025 7:30pm
Hancher Auditorium

Perfectly timed to ring in the holiday season.

Handel’s Messiah is a beloved masterwork. University of Iowa student musicians from the choir and orchestra programs will come together to bring this perennial favorite gloriously to life. Hallelujah!

Music by George Frideric Handel
Conducted by David Puderbaugh

This concert will be livestreamed here: https://music.uiowa.edu/events/school-music-livestream-2

View the program here: https://digital.lib.uiowa.edu/node/952048

This event is free and non...

Double Bass Studio Recital

Sunday, December 7, 2025 3:00pm
Voxman Music Building

Double Bass Studio Recital

View the program here: https://digital.lib.uiowa.edu/node/952049

This concert is free and open to the public.

Band Extravaganza promotional image

Band Extravaganza

Sunday, December 7, 2025 3:00pm
Xtream Arena

Band Extravaganza
Featuring the Iowa Symphony Band (Richard Mark Heidel, conductor), Johnson County Landmark (Curtis Taylor, conductor), and the Hawkeye Marching Band (Eric W. Bush, director). Our special guest band this year is the Iowa City West High School Trojan Marching Band, Brian Zeglis and Ryan Middleton, directors.

General Public - $21
Youth and Senior - $16.50
UI Student - $5
Prices are inclusive of Xtream Arena ticket fees

https://xtreamarena.com/event/ui-band-extravaganza-2025/507

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