Hello from the School of Music!

Our new issue of Iowa Music Magazine is all about collaboration. The cover story, "Making the Connection," looks back on the meaningful impact of visiting Hancher Auditorium artists here in the School of Music. Through thoughtfully curated workshops, lectures, lessons, coaching sessions, master classes, and even joint performances, Hancher residencies offer incomparable opportunities for our students and faculty to connect in life-changing ways with artists who are recognized worldwide as musical masters.

You can read about a selection of our other collaborative endeavors, from our global partnerships with institutions and artists abroad to our podcast collaboration with the Carver College of Medicine--and our newest graduate degree program in collaborative piano!

We are proud that this issue also includes a treasure trove of enhanced digital content, so nearly every story in the magazine has a QR code that you can click or scan with your smartphone to access videos, extra articles, and music recordings to expand what’s on the page. You can also access all of the extras in one place on our Rita Benton Music Library website.

Don't miss the moving video stories of residencies with Steven Schick, Jessie Montgomery, and The Crossing. Pour something warm in your mug and watch them all--it's 20 minutes of inspiring musical connection!

Hope you enjoy our stories, and that 2026 treats you well, wherever you are.

Warmly,

Tammie Walker, D.M.A.
Director, School of Music