Through studio classes, individualized study, and performance experiences, you'll learn to master the bassoon and contrabassoon.

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?

Nate Scott plays a bassoon while wearing a tuxedo and bowtie.

Student Perspective


“The studio really opened me up to a lot of possibilities with the bassoon and showed me the player I could be.” 

Nate Scott ’23
Music (Bassoon Performance) 
Bonney Lake, Washington

Music & Arts

"Breathe" - a multidisciplinary water opera

Breathe: a multi-disciplinary water opera, is an ethereal production that utilizes the Lawrence University Buchanan Kiewit Wellness Center as the performance space. 

Image of a person playing the drums
Tradition

Music outdoors

Music is woven into life at Lawrence. Wander campus and you'll hear students practicing piano in lounges, violins in Warch, and horns outside.

Get performance experience in band, orchestra, and chamber music settings.

Learn more about Brigit Fitzgerald, Visiting Assistant Professor of Music.

Discover the many paths open to Conservatory graduates. 

Brigit Fitzgerald Oboe Faculty Profile

Faculty Profile: Brigit Fitzgerald

"I think it is absolutely wonderful to have different ideas of what success looks like out there." — Fitzgerald

Sarenna Sueoka, a sophomore, plays bassoon during Viking Bassoon Ensemble rehearsal.

Studio Culture

Grow your relationship with your instrument in an environment that is friendly, encouraging, and founded on trust and respect. A flexible approach to instruction means you receive individual lessons tailored to your professional goals. You'll also learn the tools of the trade, literally. The practice of reed making is unique to double reed instruments, and you’ll hone your craft in Lawrence’s own double reed workshop. 

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. 

Close up of bassoon. Student wearing shirt that reads, "Lawrence Conservatory of Music"

Catch a ViBE


The Viking Bassoon Ensemble is a performance group exclusively for bassoons. Enhance your performance skills like balance and intonation while exploring a wide-ranging repertoire and discovering traditional and non-traditional performance styles. And, of course, you'll also have access to an array of orchestras, bands, and chamber groups.

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Aerial drone shot of Bjorklunden in Door County, Wisconsin

Sound the Retreat


Bond with your fellow musicians, focus on your craft, and immerse yourself in natural beauty during retreat weekends at Björklunden, a 441-acre estate on the shores of Lake Michigan.

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.