Community programs

The UI School of Music aspires to meaningfully engage the public through our many performances and presentations, both on campus and across the state of Iowa. We aspire to be at the heart of cultural life at the University, in the community and region, and beyond.

Public Programs

The mission of the University of Iowa Community Music Lesson Program is to provide high-quality musical instruction for community members who want to begin or continue musical study. Lessons are available to students of all ages and instruction levels.  Private lessons are taught by University of Iowa faculty members and approved graduate and undergraduate music students.

Student/ Parent Handbook

All instructors are highly qualified teachers and performers who are supervised by the University of Iowa School of Music and who have undergone a criminal background check. Please note that teaching privately within the facilities of the School of Music outside the Community Lesson Program violates university policy. 

All community music lessons should be registered and paid for through the online portal or in person at Voxman. This is the only way to ensure that you are taking lessons with a qualified instructor who has been approved by the University of Iowa School of Music.  If you have questions about any of the program’s policies or procedures, please contact the School of Music at 319-335-1603.

REGISTER HERE

Parent waiver form

A parent or guardian must be present for lessons taught with students under the age of 18. Parents are encouraged to attend the lesson or may remain in the hallway in close proximity to the studio where the lesson is taking place. Parents who opt not to attend the lessons will be required to sign a waiver form.  This form should be returned to your instructor.

Program administrator

Amanda Stout

Iowa Summer Music Camps offer students musical training and experience beyond what may be available in their home schools, including group instruction, master classes, and classroom instruction in many phases of instrumental music. The entire program, together with a preview of life on a major university campus, is an invaluable experience for young people, not only in music but also in human relations.

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Are you looking for a chance to sing with motivated high school singers throughout eastern Iowa? Do you want to develop your singing technique, sight singing skills, and musical knowledge while performing great music? The University of Iowa Youth Chorale might be for you!

The UI Youth Chorale (UIYC) is made up of motivated high school singers who are committed to making great music with students throughout the area. These students will be joined by 13 Music Education students from the University of Iowa who will sing with the group and serve in leadership roles. Cost is $10 for participation with scholarships available to any student who may need one. We simply ask that students commit to attending all rehearsals (outside of school-related music conflicts) throughout the semester.

Rehearsals will be held on Tuesday evenings in the University of Iowa Voxman Music Building. Additional optional small groups (e.g., Barbershop or Sweet Adelines) may meet immediately prior to or after this rehearsal time. We will hold a free public concert at the end of the semester for friends and family members.

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The University of Iowa Pre-College Piano Conservatory (PCPC) is dedicated to creating the ideal environment for beginning to advanced students who want to learn piano, while providing teacher training for graduate students in the University of Iowa Piano Pedagogy and Performance programs.  Conservatory students will receive lessons from some the country's elite young piano pedagogues under the guidance of Dr. Alan Huckleberry.  Additionally, students will receive group lessons, covering topics such as sight-reading, ensemble playing, theory, and improvisation. 

We strive to not only teach our students piano, but we also believe that playing the piano also provides a tool to help develop confidence, concentration, stage presence, the ability to express oneself, integrity, responsibility, judgement, and respect.

Requirements and plan of study

All students will need a tuned acoustic piano for daily practice. The University supplies warm up rooms for students prior to individual lessons, but does not have daily practice facilities for PCPC students.

Each student will receive 15 individual 45-minute lessons and 15 group lessons of 50 minutes each over the course of the semester. Students should expect to arrive early for those lessons with all of their materials ready to play. Summer lessons are available in four and six week sessions at a prorated fee.

Students should expect to do daily practice. The amount of practice time will vary from student to student. It is very important, especially in the beginning that parents practice with their child. This will help establish good habits and reinforce the importance of music study. Students will receive weekly assignment sheets, and at the end of each semester parents will be given a report on the progress of their child.

Performance opportunities

Each semester, students will participate in Conservatory Recital in addition to a master class with the renowned University of Iowa faculty. All PCPC teachers are members of Music Teachers National Association (MTNA), providing students with the opportunity to take place in local festivals and competitions. Students are  also invited to attend University performances as audience members.

The Brian Cretzmeyer Trust for Young Musicians

Enriching the quality of life through the support of music education for children

The Brian Cretzmeyer Trust for Young Musicians is dedicated to providing access to quality music instruction for children - especially those who might not otherwise have the opportunity. Currently, the Pre-College Piano Conservatory at the University of Iowa School of Music is a major recipient of funding by the Trust: providing the tuition for high-quality classical music instruction for young children, and at the same time providing hands-on teaching experience for university students under the direct supervision of the university's piano pedagogy faculty.

The Brian Cretzmeyer Trust for Young Musicians is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization soliciting tax-deductable private contributions for the benefit of young musicians. Contributions to the Trust are tax-deductible. Please consult your tax advisor to determine the tax deductibility of your gift. 

Registration

Students are accepted on a space-available basis, and the number of students accepted into the conservatory is limited. For information on space availability please email Dr. Alan Huckleberry.

Tuition and fees

Tuition covers group and private lessons, recitals, and master classes. Tuition is now payable via credit or debit card during the online registration process. Tuition is $600.00 per semester and is due in full prior to the beginning of the semester.

Oboe Reed Making for Everyone is a designated time for oboe reed help, education, and adjustment open to everyone. Students and adults of all ages may join this class with UI faculty and students. You may attend as many or as few sessions as you are able.

Fall Semester Dates

October 10, 17, 24, 31

November 7, 14, 21

December 5, 12

Location

Voxman Music Building

Room 3353

REGISTER HERE

Annual Public Programs

We offer an array of annual workshops, clinics, and camps, for learners and community members of all ages, including events like:

Hire a Musician

We believe University of Iowa music students are exceptional performers and educators, and we hope they are able to serve your needs! This hiring service provides musicians for individuals and organizations seeking performers for weddings, receptions, parties, and other special events both on and off campus. 

Once your request is received and processed, you will receive an email and begin communication with the School and the performer(s) of your choice to discuss fees, repertoire, and other details.

Please note: We maintain this as a service to our students and to community members who wish to privately hire musicians. Once paired with a musician, you must make logistical and payment arrangements directly with students. Neither the School of Music nor University of Iowa bears responsibility for arrangements made or services provided. 

Questions? Please call (319) 335-1315 or email music@uiowa.edu