Student Perspective
“It was high-level music study within the context of a well-rounded liberal education that taught me so much more than just how to play fast notes on the piano. In particular, professors Michael Mizrahi, Dominica Chang, and Cathy Kautsky have regularly gone out of their way to open doors for me—and then to give me advice about how best to walk through those doors.”
Jonathan Bass ’24
Music (Piano Performance), French and Francophone Studies
Greenville, Wisconsin
A Musical Journey | This is Lawrence
As a student in the Conservatory of Music, Martha McDonnell ’14 found a way to balance her two distinct musical interests: classical violin performance and fiddling. Her unique skill set landed her a spot in Sting’s musical The Last Ship before she had even graduated, and she’s since performed on Broadway in Steve Martin’s Bright Star.
The Science of Samba
Immersing yourself in music from around the world can take you far in your musical education. For Ben DePasquale, research into samba and drumming took him all the way to Brazil!
Take your musicality to the next level through a wide variety of courses.
The music performance program awards a bachelor of music degree.
Learn from world-class musicians who perform on some of the globe's most celebrated stages.
Discover Programs & Studios
The music performance program offers many opportunities in wide variety of studios.
Touring Reimagined
Be part of a new approach to touring with Presto. Award-winning ensembles give world-class performances while also building meaningful collaborations with local organizations in destination cities. Experience a life-changing tour that focuses on the transformational power of human connection through music. Build bridges between communities, be inspired to think bigger about what you can do with your music, all while taking part in a professional style tour as an undergraduate.
Performance & Ensemble Opportunities
Performance and ensemble opportunities abound, from large orchestras to small chamber ensembles, choirs to jazz bands. Explore a diverse range of styles and repertoires and take part in professional performance alongside your peers.
Celebrated performers from around the globe visit Lawrence. Experience their work and learn directly from them in master classes.
The Chandler Senior Experience
Music Performance majors will give at least two recitals during their time at Lawrence: a half-recital (30 minutes) during junior year, and a full-recital (60 minutes) during the senior year. Repertoire requirements will differ with each specific studio.
Examples of recent Senior Experiences:
- Senior Recital: Works by Brahms, Debussy, Piazzolla and Vivaldi
- Senior Recital: Works by Navarro, Copland, Vaughan, Williams and Rossini
- Listen to the Children: A Senior Voice Recital Featuring Works by Britten, Barber, Bellini, Humperdinck, Joyce-Walter and Mahler
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.
Music Performance Outcomes
Crescendo into post-Lawrence life ready for a variety of musical jobs and advanced study.