Alumni Perspective
“Nothing compares to classroom experience as we train the next generation of life-changing music educators. The Lawrence-Edison Lab School partnership is a dream come true.”
Leila Ramagopal-Pertl ‘87, Music Education Instructor at Lawrence University & Appleton Area School District
Music Education
Appleton, Wisconsin
Jose Corey Torres '12 | Lawrence Music-Maker
Lawrence alumni reconnect with the Appleton community during the annual Mile of Music festival, participating in music education workshops and performances.
Amsterdam School of Music
Combine a large conservatory with a bustling global city and take advantage of all the musical opportunities Amsterdam has to offer from classical to contemporary.
A Cutting-Edge Curriculum
Learn culturally responsive and inclusive teaching methods in a supportive community. Discover creative, innovative, and dynamic teaching approaches. And you'll have access to a full instrument library and music education repertoire to develop your music teaching skills.
Professional Development
Take part in professional education conferences—or host your own! You can travel to the Wisconsin Music Educators Association Conference, or help organize Lawrence's annual Music Education Symposium. Be a part of the Mile of Music Education Team or the Backyard Groove, two signature programs that bring music-making into our community.
Learn By Teaching
To become a truly inspiring teacher takes practice, so you will begin to practice the art of teaching in your very first music education class. From there you will hone your teaching knowledge and skills in a wide variety of settings until you are ready to student teach. In this culminating experience, you will work side by side with incredible mentor-educators in K-12 classrooms as well as Lawrence faculty.
High-Level Performance
Perform at the highest level both in the classroom and on the stage. Many of music education majors also pursue performance majors. Your performance possibilities are practically endless.
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.
The Chandler Senior Experience
Student teaching is the culminating Senior Experience for music education students. You will be placed for a period of 18 weeks at the secondary and/or elementary level, and will work closely with a mentor teacher to gain professional knowledge and skills to prepare you for state certification licensure in Wisconsin. You will also create a professional electronic portfolio that includes lesson plans, a philosophical statement, resume, assessments, audio and video examples of your teaching—all of which will demonstrate your range and scope as a top-class music educator.
Examples of recent Senior Experiences:
- Suzuki in Argentina
- Ewe drumming and dancing in Ghana
- Samba drumming Brazil
- Penny whistle pedagogy in Ireland
Music Education Outcomes
Education happens at all levels in many ways, including music education.
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.