The Lawrence University Conservatory of Music offers three degree programs:
Bachelor of Music DegreeIf you want music as the primary focus of your studies, the B.Mus. degree offers the most rigorous musical training. You can major in performance, music education or theory/composition. About two thirds of your academic classes will include lessons, classes such as music theory and history, and ensembles. Academic classes outside of the Conservatory will comprise the remaining third of your studies, giving you a focused, but well-rounded education. Earning a B.Mus. degree (compared to a B.A. degree with a major in music) demonstrates to potential employeers or graduate schools that you have achieved the highest level of musical training at Lawrence.
Five-year B.A. and B.Mus. double-degree programLawrence offers a combined B.A./B.Mus. degree program that offers an innovative course of study allowing you to pursue both your musical and academic interests. In this rigorous program, you will complete all of the requirements for each degree in five years. The B.Mus. course of study will combine lessons, classes such as music theory and history, and ensembles while the B.A. course of study will include general education classes and an academic degree of your choice. The combination of a nationally-ranked liberal arts college with a leading conservatory of music makes Lawrence's double-degree program a unique opportunity to study both music and academics at a high level.
Bachelor of Arts with a major in musicPursuing a B.A. degree with a major in music gives you the opportunity to take a liberal arts approach to the study of music, with an emphasis on learning about music along with advanced musical training. Roughly one third of your academic experience will be devoted to lessons, classes such as music theory and history, and ensembles. Another third of your program will be devoted to general education classes. The final third allows you to pick up a second major or a minor, or take other coursework of specific interest to you. The B.A. degree with a major in music shows that you have completed your musical studies and training in the context of a liberal arts education, and you have aquired a broad based set of skills and experiences.