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.
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
Course Offerings
Required course placement
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.
String master classes artists
Violin
- Frank Almond
- Charles Castleman
- Paul Kantor
- Jeremy Kittel
- Sally O'Reilly
- David Perry
- William Preucil
- Stanley Ritchie
- Sheryl Staples
- Almita Vamos
Viola
- Nancy Buck
- Jeffrey Irvine
- Pamela Ryan
- Peter Slowick
Cello
- Zuill Bailey
- Colin Carr
- Bonnie Hampton
- Joel Krosnick
- Mark Summer
Double bass
- Robert Black
- Christopher Brown
- Diana Gannett
- Sydney King
- Andrew Kohn
- Edgar Meyer
- David Murray
- John Patitucci
- Paul Sharpe
- Anthony Stoops
- Hans Sturm
- Chunyang Wang
Chamber music
- American String Quartet
- Arianna Quartet
- Ariel Quartet
- Brentano String Quartet
- Kenji Bunch
- Calder Quartet
- Cavani String Quartet
- Chiara String Quaret
- Daedalus Quartet
- Emerson String Quartet
- Dalí Quartet
- Fry Street Quartet
- Jupiter Quartet
- Kronos Quartet
- JACK Quartet
- Jasper String Quartet
- Joel Krosnick
- Jupiter String Quartet
- Lark Quartet
- Linden String Quartet
- Anne-Marie McDermott
- Miro Quartet
- Pacifica Quartet
- Navah Perlman
- Caroline Shaw
- David Schifrin
- St. Lawrence String Quartet
- Ying Quartet
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
Anthony Arnone
Scott Conklin
Elizabeth Oakes
Volkan Orhon
Christine Rutledge
Katie Wolfe
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.