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.

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.

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

Color and Influence: Black Arts Movement to the Politics of Portraiture promotional image

Color and Influence: Black Arts Movement to the Politics of Portraiture

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 8:00am to 8:00pm
Visual Arts Building

Color and Influence: Black Arts Movement to the Politics of Portraiture
Featuring: Rodney E. Dailey II, Katrice Kelly, Maya Arthur, Shaun Mallonga, Perla Camacho Jiminez, William O'Neal II, Joanna Mak, Stephyne Weathersby, Ish Muhammad, Sarahann Kolder (Hvog), Garin Clinton Nelson, Aykeem M. Spivey

Tuesday - 04/21
Dance by Garin Clinton Nelson noon–2 p.m.

Wednesday - 04/22
Readings by Joanna Mak, Stephyne Weathersby & Ish Muhammad 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Thursday - 04/23
Opening Vocals by Sarahann Kolder (Hvog)...

Senior Recital: Lucas Wiese Ibarra, saxophone

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 7:30pm
Voxman Music Building

Senior Recital: Lucas Wiese Ibarra, saxophone

Lucas Wiese Ibarra, Alto and Soprano Saxophones
Casey Dierlam Tse, Piano

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

This concert is free and open to the public.

Color and Influence: Black Arts Movement to the Politics of Portraiture promotional image

Color and Influence: Black Arts Movement to the Politics of Portraiture

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 8:00am to 8:00pm
Visual Arts Building

Color and Influence: Black Arts Movement to the Politics of Portraiture
Featuring: Rodney E. Dailey II, Katrice Kelly, Maya Arthur, Shaun Mallonga, Perla Camacho Jiminez, William O'Neal II, Joanna Mak, Stephyne Weathersby, Ish Muhammad, Sarahann Kolder (Hvog), Garin Clinton Nelson, Aykeem M. Spivey

Tuesday - 04/21
Dance by Garin Clinton Nelson noon–2 p.m.

Wednesday - 04/22
Readings by Joanna Mak, Stephyne Weathersby & Ish Muhammad 5:30–6:30 p.m.

Thursday - 04/23
Opening Vocals by Sarahann Kolder (Hvog)...

Happy Birthday, James Dixon! promotional image

Happy Birthday, James Dixon!

Wednesday, April 22, 2026 12:00pm to 1:30pm
University of Iowa Main Library

Iowa conductor James Dixon (1928–2007) was both a conductor and a connoisseur of gourmet cuisine. In celebration of his birthday, drop by the Main Library Gallery between noon and 1:30 p.m. to pick up a sweet treat and see a pop-up display of fun vintage cookbooks and recipe pamphlets from Special Collections and Archives — all featuring tasty birthday desserts. Everyone is welcome.

While visiting, enjoy the spring 2026 Main Library Gallery exhibition Orchestrating Community: The Public Service...

View more events