Support & Tutoring
You’ll have access to a robust student-led, faculty-supervised tutoring program for music theory and aural skills. With weekly drop-in tutoring sessions and dozens of tutors who can work with you one-on-one, support is easy to find. And, once you have completed the core theory sequence, you have opportunities to be a tutor. It’s a great opportunity to gain valuable teaching experience and deepen your understanding of theory and aural skills as you help fellow students in the core sequence work through new concepts.
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.
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.
The Chandler Senior Experience
The topic of the Senior Experience in music theory will arise from your encounter, in upper-level courses, with advanced theoretical and analytical concepts, methods, and techniques. Your Senior Experience may be a substantial original (and publishable) essay; a critical exegesis of a monograph; a lecture-recital; a software application for music theory pedagogy or analysis.
Examples of recent Senior Experiences:
- Pieces written for and performed by the Lawrence Symphony Orchestra and other ensembles
- Recitals and portfolios of original music
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.
Music Theory Outcomes
Whether paired with a performance degree or as standalone study, a degree in music theory prepares you for a variety of music-related professions and graduate study.
On Any Given Day...
...discover an array of opportunities that await you at Lawrence University.
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.
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.