Why Iowa? A multi-generational musical performance spearheaded by Professor Mary Cohen provides learning opportunities for young musicians and excitement for seniors. Cohen supervises a partnership between the Voices of Experience Chorus and The University of Iowa.  University music students lead the chorus under Cohen's supervision.  These hands-on learning activities are meaningful for the members of the chorus and the students who develop musical leadership skills.  Cohen said the Voices-of-Experience members enjoy the chance to show the youngsters that they’ve still got it. “They view themselves as giving hope, showing children that music is indeed a lifelong activity,” Cohen said.

Music Education Program

The Music Education Program at The University of Iowa offers undergraduate certification courses for teaching music and graduate courses for the Master of Arts in Music Education and the Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education degrees. The program is nationally known for preparing excellent practitioners and scholars.

Undergraduate music majors seeking teacher certification will obtain a Bachelor of Music degree from the School of Music and certification through the College of Education's Teacher Education Program (TEP). Consult the Bachelor of Music with Certification webpage in the School of Music website for admission information and program requirements. Additionally, find information about Applying to the Teacher Education Program. Music Majors will apply to the TEP program during their sophomore year.

Undergraduate elementary education majors may obtain a specialization in music so that they are certified to teach K-8 general music. Consult the Music Area of Specialization program guide sheet for requirements.

Graduate students obtain a Master of Arts (Music Education emphasis) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Music (Music Education emphasis) through the School of Music. Entering Master's students typically hold an undergraduate degree in music, but they can pursue an M.A. plus certification.