Welcome to the IWCC Music Department
Just the Facts
Entry: Fall or Spring
Length: 4 semesters
Award: Associate of Arts
Admission Requirements
Admission to the college is granted to all individuals who are high school graduates or the equivalent. We encourage you to review our Getting Started Checklist for specific requirements for admission.
Program Information
If you love to sing or play a musical instrument, then you may want to consider majoring in music. Through the music program at Iowa Western, you will be exposed to music theory, including the methods and materials of how music is constructed, European and American music history, and sight singing and ear training techniques. You will also learn rhythm patterns, how to read and write music, and have the opportunity to perfect your musical talents through applied music courses.
At Iowa Western, you will have the chance to gain valuable performance experience by participating in our fine ensembles. You can take the skills you learn in the music program at Iowa Western and apply them to music education, another area of fine arts or become a professional musician. Students may major in music or become involved as non-majors.
Graduates of this two-year program are awarded an Associate of Arts degree. Associate of Arts degree requirements may be in the IWCC catalog.
Another option would be IWCC's Technical Music Program which provides the basic curriculum for music majors found at any two or four-year college plus additional courses designed to create an entry-level working musician.
"The number of students in the concert choir has grown, doubling and tripling the amount that was here when I first started; so that just goes to show what kids have heard about the music department." - Jason DeLong, 2007
Course Sequence
IWCC offers many courses through the Music department. One on one private lessons, performing ensembles, music appreciation, fundamentals of music, sound technology, and music notation to name a few.
For recommended course sequence, please refer to the program guide or the IWCC catalog. Music course descriptions may also be found in the catalog.
Articulation/Transfer Opportunities
Iowa Western Community College has articulation agreements with various four-year schools, local and state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need to be a music major to receive scholarship money?
No, through auditions you may receive scholarship money to participate in an ensemble. To receive your scholarship, you must maintain a 2.5 or above grade point average and take at least 12 credits per semester.
What ensembles are offered in the IWCC department?
We have several ensembles available through audition. Concert Band is not selected thru auditions.
What do you need to prepare for an audition?
For instrumental auditions: scales, sight read and prepare a piece. For voice auditions, sing vocal warm-ups, sight read and sing a prepared piece.
Do the ensembles travel during the year?
All instrumental and vocal ensembles are great ambassadors for recruiting and representing Iowa Western Community College. We tour surrounding high schools, perform for community organizations and for music education conventions; local and national. We have traveled to Japan, New York and Branson, Missouri.
Facilities
The Music department is housed in the Arts Center on the campus of Iowa Western. Breathtaking views and a pleasant environment surround this beautiful state-of-the-art facility, which was constructed in 2001.
The facility includes:
- An acoustically excellent performance theatre with a 45' wide proscenium opening, seating 667, including two balconies
- A 45'x45' black box space, featuring the flexibility of staging and seating unique to each production
- Large music rooms
- Private practice booths
- Steinway D grand piano housed in the Arts Center
Classrooms at Iowa Western have the latest technologies for faculty to deliver quality instruction. Iowa Western's spacious classroom and laboratory facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and technology.
Our wireless network also allows students to access the internet from virtually anywhere on campus.
Scholarship Information
To recognize exceptional musical talent, the Music department offers scholarships to outstanding students regardless of major. Performance scholarships are awarded on the basis of an audition and academic achievement. If you are interested in applying for a music scholarship, please contact the Director of Vocal Music or Director of Instrumental Music to schedule an audition.
When initiating contact via email or telephone regarding a music scholarship, please include the following information:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone number
- Are you interested in being a Music Major?
- Which ensembles interest you?
Iowa Western Community College has many other scholarship opportunities available for new and continuing students. We encourage you to take a moment to explore these options by visiting our Scholarship Page - the few minutes it takes to fill out the application may literally pay off.
Performance Ensembles
IWCC Music Department offers a wide range of performance ensembles including our Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Saxophone Ensemble, Jazz Choir, Brass Quintet, IWCC Community Band, United Sound, and Black Pirate Audio.
Audition Information
If you would like to become a Music Major, please contact the Director of Vocal Music or Director of Instrumental Music to schedule an audition.
Current Performances
Our current performances for 2007-2008 includes performances at IWCC's Arts Center, civic functions and on tour.
Special Guests
The Music department invites special guests and groups to perform at the Arts Center. Guests interact with students to share their experiences and knowledge.
Come See The Music Program for Yourself!
It is important to research the program you would like to study and school you would like to attend, but it is equally important that you experience both before making your selection. We encourage you to come experience Iowa Western for yourself by scheduling a visit or attending a program day.
I want to request information
We would be glad to send you additional information about IWCC and/or the Music Programs. You just need to "click" on the link - information requested. Be sure to include your program major.
Contact Information
Arla Clausen, Program Chair
Director of Vocal Music
2700 College Road, Box 4-C
(712) 325-3726 or 1-800-432-5852, ext. 3726
Christine Hitt
Director of Instrumental Music
2700 College Road, Box 4-C
(712) 388-7147 or 1-800-432-5852, ext. 7147
Return to the Iowa Western Community College Academic Program Page