Music Majors
The University of Northern Iowa educates the largest number of music education students of any institution in the state. More Iowa music teachers have degrees from UNI than any other institution.
The School of Music at UNI offers a bachelor of arts degree in music and bachelor of music degrees in performance, composition-theory and music education.
Majors:
Music, B.A.
Performance: Track A-Instrumental, B.M.
Performance: Track B-Vocal, B.M.
Composition-Theory, B.M.
Music Education: Choral/General Music, B.M.
Music Education: Instrumental Music, B.M.
Music Education: Jazz, B.M.
Minors:
(Click major/minor/certificate title to see typical courses for the program)
The School of Music at the University of Northern Iowa has a strong tradition of excellence. The school combines Northern Iowa’s strength as a teaching university with numerous performance opportunities to create a well-rounded program for its students. Much of the success of UNI’s music students is due to exceptional teaching and coaching in classrooms and studios by a diverse, renowned faculty.
Many UNI music undergraduates win top prizes in area contests and earn coveted honors at major national and regional competitions. Graduates of UNI’s School of Music occupy key positions in public schools, colleges and universities, symphony orchestras, opera companies and the music industry. Many graduates secure teaching and research assistantships and compete successfully with other performers at prestigious graduate schools.
The area of music offers many opportunities and choices. The road you choose could range from teaching to merchandising to performing. The following list gives an idea of what careers are available to musicians:
Teaching
Pre-kindergarten, elementary, middle or junior high school, high school
College (usually requires significant graduate-level study)
School and college music administration
Independent/private studio
Community ensembles: bands, choruses, orchestras, musical shows
Performing:
Classical areas
Symphony orchestras, chamber groups, solo recitalist
Operas and choruses
Recording artist or back-up player/singer
Administration work for large ensembles and organizations
Armed Forces; playing, singing, directing, administering, teaching in one of the many organizations in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard
Popular music
Playing, singing, recording
Churches and synagogues; playing, directing, singing of music for worship services
Other areas
Music business and service
Music instrument repair
Publishing, librarianship, therapy, communications
Sheet music and instrument sales
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Excellent ensemble performance opportunities with regularly scheduled national and international tours
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Solo and group performance opportunities, including student recitals, competitions and possible professional experience, such as playing with the Waterloo/Cedar Falls Symphony Orchestra
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Outstanding and dedicated faculty who know and care about their students
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Faculty members who enhance UNI’s music program through their varied backgrounds as teachers, performers, composers and scholars
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Small classes that foster camaraderie between students and faculty
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An excellent jazz program including the award-winning Jazz Band I (winner of several Downbeat Magazine CD awards)
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Participation in workshops presented by well-known professional jazz and classical musicians
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School of Music Student Advising Board
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Opera/music theatre performances
Russell Hall
Currently under renovation, many classes take place in Russell Hall. More Information
Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center
The GBPAC has several state-of-the-art classrooms, practice rooms, and auditoriums. More Information
The UNI School of Music offers more than $200,000 in scholarships to more than 150 students each year. Auditions for entrance to the School of Music and for scholarship consideration are normally scheduled in February and March. Interested students are encouraged to apply early. Prospective music students may also apply for general UNI scholarships.
More information on department scholarships can found at Financial Aid.