Piano at Lawrence is excellence in performance.


Excellence in performance is made possible by transformative community engagement, genre-defying entrepreneurial concerts and projects, award-winning jazz, and a tight-knit community that is passionate about the piano and keyboard instruments. You can explore concentrations in pedagogy, collaborative piano, and jazz.

Grow your artistry, build your technical facility, and expand your musical possibilities in a community of empowerment, collaboration, and support. Hone and challenge your performance skills with a diverse array of solo, chamber, and ensemble experiences. Dig into the transformational power of music through community outreach. Become the versatile and entrepreneurial musician the world needs. Where will your musical journey take you?

Jonathan Bass sits on a piano bench next to a piano.

Student Perspective


“I appreciate the wide range of opportunities that are available to me at the Lawrence Conservatory. I have taken lessons in both classical and jazz piano, played in multiple chamber music settings, played in a jazz combo, sang in choir, and competed in multiple solo piano competitions.” 

Jonathan Bass ’24 
Music (Piano Performance), French and Francophone Studies
Greenville, Wisconsin

Image of a person playing a grand piano
Event

Jazz Jams

Every Monday in Warch Campus Center, students come together to play jazz from 9:30 p.m. until midnight.

From competitions to recitals to community engagement, performing and collaborative piano opportunities abound. Discover opportunities with ensembles.

The program is led by world-renowned pianists and supported by exceptional visiting artists.

Discover the many paths open to Conservatory graduates. 

Michael Mizrahi standing by student playing piano

Studio Culture

When Lawrence pianists talk about their program, the word “close” comes up quite a bit. You’ll work hard together in lessons, recitals, coaching, and studio classes, and bond with weekly studio dinners, department meet-ups, and weekends at Bjorklunden. You'll perform for one another and faculty in studio classes and collaborate in chamber ensembles. Piano at Lawrence helps you figure out who you are as a musician and what kind of musical life you want to build for yourself, whether that is being a concert pianist, running your own studio, collaborating with new music groups, teaching at a university, playing at the local jazz club, and many other options. No matter your goals, you are welcome here.

So many ways to shine

Piano students compete in and win high-level competitions like MTNA and Schubert Club, attend prestigious festivals, and perform on renowned stages.  

Student plays piano. Her reflection is shown on the piano.
Harpsicord with lid open

100+ pianos, harpsichords, & clavichords

Pianists at Lawrence have access to a variety of keyboard instruments, including harpsichords, Steinway pianos, organs, and more. Pianos can be found throughout campus, including in the Warch Campus Center, and in student residence lounges.

A musical life awaits. Take the next steps by applying and auditioning.

The best way to find out if Lawrence is the university for you is by visiting.

Your virtual tour starts at the Arch but be sure to check out Conservatory, to explore learning and performance spaces.

reflected light shining on sheet music

The Power of Collaboration


What happens when you combine a world-class conservatory with a world-class college? An unmatched undergraduate musical education. At Lawrence, the Conservatory and College experiences are intertwined. Multiple degree options let you be your own muse by connecting your musical passions with your academic interests. 

4 pianists playing pianos on stage

Grand Concerts


Immerse yourself in the music created by members of the piano program with performance videos.

The Lawrence Jazz Ensemble performs on the stage of Memorial Chapel.

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Downbeat Awards for Jazz Ensemble

Lawrence's musicians have been consistently recognized by the prestigious Downbeat Awards.

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