The school's on-campus enrollment of approximately 470 music majors is large enough to sustain strong programs in all areas of specialization, yet small enough to ensure the individual attention essential to each student's development.

The faculty consists of highly trained artist-teachers in each specialization area and scholars of international distinction. Faculty ensembles in residence include the Iowa Woodwind Quintet and the Iowa Brass Quintet. Private lessons with faculty members are offered in all band and orchestra instruments, voice, piano, and organ.