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ICON’s Gap Year Program is a full-day, in-person experience for students ready to immerse themselves in the arts before college or a professional career. Offered on a semester schedule, this program provides the time, space, and expert mentorship to grow as an artist — and move forward with purpose.
Spend a transformative year at ICON — developing your artistry, building your portfolio, and preparing for what’s next. Whether you’re aiming for a top conservatory or entering the industry, ICON’s Gap Year gives you the training, support, and momentum to level up.
You’ll train in a full-day, in-person program offered on a semester schedule. It’s focused. It’s personal. It’s the launchpad you’ve been looking for.
25+ Hours Per Week of immersive coaching and coursework
Disciplines Include:
Classical & Contemporary Dance
Visual Arts
Vocal & Percussive Music
Music Composition
Theater & Musical Theater
Design & Production
Individualized Coaching:
One-on-one, in-person mentorship with ICON faculty
Small group work and technique classes
Weekly interdisciplinary collaboration built into your schedule
Career & College Prep:
Portfolio + audition video creation
College application and audition support
Masterclasses, showcases, and real-world feedback from industry pros
Guidance toward scholarships, programs, and professional pathways
You’ve graduated high school. You’re driven. And you’re not ready to settle for average. This program is designed for students who want to:
Refine their craft before college
Explore a field before committing to a 4-year program
Build connections and confidence in their discipline
Prepare for elite conservatories, scholarships, and the professional world
Classes include technique, studio time, ensemble work, portfolio/audition development, and guided independent study.
Gap Year students may live on campus in ICON’s residence hall or commute from home.
Our on-campus housing includes:
Suite-style rooms
Residential support from ICON staff
A creative, inclusive student community
Upon completing two semesters, students receive the ICON Certificate in Performing & Visual Arts Industry Fundamentals
with an Arts Area Specialization in their chosen discipline.
Live, learn, and create in the heart of downtown Iowa City. ICON’s apartment-style residence hall offers a full-day arts experience and a vibrant, supportive community where students build lifelong friendships and lasting memories.
Location: Just one block from ICON’s main building, with a residential assistant (RA) to student ratio of 1:12.
Living Style: Students are placed in shared suites with 2–3 roommates. Returning students may request preferred roommates.
Daily Life: Each floor includes a laundry room, and students take weekly grocery trips as part of independent living routines.
Wellness & Support: The Dean of Students and RA team ensure students’ daily needs are met — from academic and emotional support to health care coordination.
Beyond the Studio: The Student Life Team curates after-school and weekend experiences, including concerts, shows, outdoor festivals, and peer-led activities around Iowa City.
50% of students at Iowa Conservatory choose to live in our on-campus residential halls. While living away from home can be daunting, the boarding experience allows for students to have the unique opportunity to fully engage in our vibrant community, foster independence, and acquire valuable skills such as cohabitating with others. We are here to guide you through the journey of being a boarding student at Iowa Conservatory.
Residence halls are staffed 24/7 by residential assistants who provide support, guidance, and a sense of community to students. They ensure safety, check students in, and enforce campus policies. Our personnel also teach life skills to benefit students beyond their experience with us.
Beautiful apartment-style living complete with single, 2, or 3 bedroom units
Access to healthcare, counseling, and other medical/therapeutic needs
Classes and residential halls are within a 3-block radius
Full-time live-in residential assistants
Robust student life calendar
1:12 RA-to-student ratio
6th Grade STEAM Program
Grades 7-12 + Gap Year Visual and Performing Arts
6th Grade STEAM Program
Grades 7-12 + Gap Year Visual and Performing Arts
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