Earn your BM in Brass

Learn more about pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Brass at the University of Iowa School of Music.

For additional information or questions on the brass area, contact Jonathan Allen.

Already applied and admitted to the university? Prepare to audition with the School of Music.

Requirements and program planning

Download course checklist

Course Offerings

  • Musicianship and Theory I (MUS:1201)*, 4 semester hours
  • Musicianship and Theory II (MUS:1202), 4 semester hours
  • Musicianship and Theory III (MUS:2203), 4 semester hours
  • Musicianship and Theory IV (MUS:2204), 4 semester hours
  • Group Instruction in Piano I (MUS:1211)**, 1 semester hour
  • Group Instruction in Piano II (MUS:1212)**, 1 semester hour
  • Recital Attendance (MUS:1210), 6 semester hours
  • History of Western Music I (MUS:2301), 3 semester hours
    • Also meets General Education Requirement: LVPA and HP
  • History of Western Music II (MUS:2302), 3 semester hours
    • Also meets General Education Requirement: LVPA and HP
  • Techniques of Conducting (MUS:3625), 2 semester hours

*Entering students who do not have Advanced Placement (AP) or transfer credit should enroll in MUS:1201:0002, and take Placement Exam A, administered online in the summer before the start of the fall semester, to determine readiness for the sequence. Learn more about this process.

**Students will take a piano placement exam and may place out of one or both Group Piano classes based on their proficiency.

Select one of the following:

  • Jazz Cultures America and Abroad (MUS:1009), 3 semester hours
    • Also meets General Education Requirement: VSD and LVPA
  • World Music (MUS:1310), 3 semester hours
  • Music of Latin America and Caribbean (MUS:2311), 3 semester hours
    • Also meets General Education Requirement: VSD and LVPA
  • Advanced Jazz History (MUS:4350), 3 semester hours

    • Lower level applied lessons (MUS:20--), 8 semester hours*
    • Upper level applied lessons (MUS:30--), 8 semester hours
    • Major Ensemble (MUS:3160), 8 semester hours
    • Senior Recital (MUS:4900), 1 semester hour

    *A maximum of 6 semesters (12 s.h.) in lower-level applied instruction is allowed.

    Select three semester hours from the following theory-based courses

    • Form and Analysis (MUS:2206), 3 semester hours
    • Introduction to Jazz Improvisation (MUS:3001), 3 semester hours
    • Instrumentation (MUS:3220), 2 semester hours
    • Arranging for Band (MUS:3665), 2 to 3 semester hours
    • Intermediate Jazz Improvisation (MUS:3710), 2 semester hours
    • Jazz Theory (MUS:3750), 2 semester hours
    • Counterpoint before 1600 (MUS:4200), 3 semester hours
    • Counterpoint after 1600 (MUS:4201), 3 semester hours
    • Keyboard Harmony (MUS:4210), 1 to 2 semester hours
    • Transcription (MUS:4750), 2 semester hours

    Select three semester hours from these:

    • Form and Analysis (MUS:2206), 3 semester hours
    • Introduction to Jazz Improvisation (MUS:3001), 3 semester hours
    • Instrumentation (MUS:3220), 2 semester hours
    • Arranging for Band (MUS:3665), 2 to 3 semester hours
    • Intermediate Jazz Improvisation (MUS:3710), 2 semester hours
    • Jazz Theory (MUS:3750), 2 semester hours
    • Counterpoint before 1600 (MUS:4200), 3 semester hours
    • Counterpoint after 1600 (MUS:4201), 3 semester hours
    • Keyboard Harmony (MUS:4210), 1 to 2 semester hours
    • Transcription (MUS:4750), 2 semester hours

    Wind Chamber Music (MUS:3485), 1 semester hour

    Choose from any music (MUS) courses, except those closed to music majors.

    Note: These are the current requirements for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Please consult your advisor for the requirements you will be held to based on your entry year.
    • Communication and literacy
      • Rhetoric, 4 semester hours
      • Interpretation of Literature, 3 semester hours
      • World Language, 0 to 16 semester hours
    • Natural, qualitative, and social sciences
      • Natural Sciences, 7 semester hours
      • Quantitative or Formal Reasoning, 3 semester hours
      • Social Sciences, 3 semester hours
    • Culture, society, and the arts*
      • Diversity and Inclusion, 3 semester hours
      • Historical Perspectives, 3 semester hours
      • International and Global Issues, 3 semester hours
      • Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts, 3 semester hours
      • Values and Culture, 3 semester hours

    *Music majors may use up to three music courses (MUS) toward completing the General Education Requirements.

    Create your academic path

    You'll find degree overviews, requirements, course lists, academic plans, and more to help you plan your education and explore your possibilities.

    View General Catalog

    Current course list

    The MyUI Schedule displays registered courses for a particular session and is available to enrolled students. The list view includes course instructors, time and location, and features to drop courses or change sections.

    View Current Courses

    Brass faculty

    Jonathan Allen

    Jonathan Allen

    Title/Position
    Trombone
    Assistant Professor of Instruction
    Brass Area Head
    Katy Ambrose

    Katy Ambrose

    Title/Position
    Horn
    Assistant Professor
    Michael Gause

    Michael Gause

    Title/Position
    Trumpet
    Assistant Professor
    Portrait of John Manning

    John Manning

    Title/Position
    Tuba/Euphonium
    Associate Professor
    Associate Director, Instructional Support & Enrollment Management

    Practice and perform

    Need to book a music room, request an accompanist, check out audition information, rent a locker, or use a recording studio? Visit the Music Callboard for all scheduling and policy information.