Bachelor of Music in Strings

Earn your BM in Strings

The string program at the University of Iowa carries on a long tradition of teaching excellence. Our faculty is committed to a strong educational ethic at all levels of teaching. Our string majors come from many walks of life, and whether they are performance majors, education or music therapy majors, we are committed to giving each student the best educational experience possible. Our alumni hold positions in major orchestras and chamber ensembles, and teach at universities, conservatories, and schools around the world.

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

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Program advantages

Students choose Iowa not only for the pedagogical and artistic strength of our faculty and the numerous performance opportunities on and around campus but for the excitement and vibrant community that comes with a Big Ten school.

The string program at the University of Iowa School of Music has several distinct advantages, including:

A curriculum centered on a close teacher/student relationship with weekly private instruction supported by weekly Studio Seminars.
Nationally accredited degree programs.
Undergraduate students may earn their Bachelor of Music in Performance and K-12 Music Teaching Certification or Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy, an approved program by the American Music Therapy Association.
A unique chamber music experience with the newly established University of Iowa String Quartet Residency Program. Student ensembles have worked with such notable professional quartets as the JACK Quartet, the Linden Quartet, and the Cavani Quartet during their residencies at Iowa. These residencies provide unique interaction with the quartets and in outreach performance experiences.
Master classes and performances with renowned guest artists.
Numerous opportunities and venues for solo and chamber music performance.
A dynamic string faculty who regularly perform and teach around the United States and the world.
Opportunities for intensive study of orchestral repertoire and audition preparation.
Opportunities to study and perform on baroque instruments

Requirements and program planning

download course checklist

Musicianship and theory Group piano

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
- Note: Also meets General Education Requirement for Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts and Historical Perspectives.
History of Western Music II (MUS:2302), 3 semester hours
- Note: Also meets General Education Requirement for Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts and Historical Perspectives.
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
- Note: Also meets General Education Requirement for Diversity and Inclusion and Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts.
World Music (MUS:1310), 3 semester hours
- Note: Also meets General Education Requirement for Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts.
Music of Latin America and Caribbean (MUS:2311), 3 semester hours
- Note: Also meets General Education Requirement for Diversity and Inclusion and Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts.
Advanced Jazz History (MUS:4350), 3 semester hours

Lower level applied lessons (MUS:202-), 8 semester hours*
Upper level applied lessons (MUS:302-), 8 semester hours
Major Ensemble (MUS:3180), 8 semester hours
Senior Recital (MUS:4900), 1 semester hour

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

Select 3 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
Advanced Jazz Improvisation (MUS:4710), 2 semester hours
Transcription (MUS:4750), 2 semester hours

Choose 4 semester hours of any combination between the following:

Chamber Music Residency Program (MUS:3489)
String Chamber Music (MUS:3482)

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

Recommended for string majors:

Audition Repertoire (MUS:3140), 1 semester hour
- This course can be repeated.
Wind Instrument Repair and Maintenance (MUS:3830), 1 semester hour

String majors pursuing teacher licensure may also select music education classes as music electives:

Instrumental Techniques (EDTL:3605), 6 semester hours
Instrumental Conducting (MUS:3536), 2 semester hours
Methods and Materials: Gen. Music (EDTL:3620), 3 semester hours
Instrumental Methods and Materials (EDTL:3650), 2 semester hours

Note: These are the current requirements for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Please consult the 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.

String master classes

String students benefit from a variety of guest master classes and concerts from internationally-acclaimed artists. Continue reading to learn who the guest artists are.

Nancy Buck
Jeffrey Irvine
Pamela Ryan
Peter Slowick

Zuill Bailey
Colin Carr
Bonnie Hampton
Joel Krosnick
Mark Summer

Performance opportunities

UI Symphony Orchestra
Chamber Orchestra
Opera orchestra
Chamber music and concerto competitions
Student recitals
Studio seminars
Master classes
Chamber music master classes and seminars
Numerous orchestras and performing opportunities outside the university

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.

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.

Strings faculty

Strings Area Head

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.

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School of Music

Bachelor of Music in Strings