Program Overview
At Lawrence, you will experience individualized saxophone instruction in our supportive saxophone studio and Conservatory community while enjoying the breadth of a nationally recognized liberal arts education. In the saxophone studio, you will develop your artistry to the highest level, explore a breadth of musical traditions, and discover your voice as an artist-teacher.
As a saxophone student, you perform regularly with our concert and jazz ensembles, perform and teach in weekly studio classes, curate and present solo recitals, and collaborate with peers in chamber ensembles. Whether your goal is a future in performance, teaching, graduate study, arts leadership, or another field, the Lawrence saxophone program equips you with the musical, intellectual, and professional skills to thrive.
Program Highlights
Connect Music and Academic Study
Combine conservatory-level musical training with a rigorous, nationally recognized education across the arts and sciences.
Earn Two Degrees in Five Years
Complete both a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Arts through Lawrence’s five-year dual-degree program.
Prepare for Multiple Paths
Develop the artistic excellence and intellectual versatility to pursue a wide range of musical and professional opportunities.
Perform Early and Often
Build experience through concert bands, jazz ensembles, chamber music, solo recitals, and masterclasses.
Spotlight
Lawrentian Spotlight
Student Perspective
“When you shop around for colleges [as a musician], the professors are practically the only thing that matters. I came to Lawrence specifically for professors José Encarnación and Steven Jordheim… My success is largely due to their guidance.”
Jasper Kashou ’24 Music Education, Music Performance (Saxophone) Cedarburg, Wisconsin
Types of Degrees
Saxophone students can pursue a Bachelor of Music in Performance, with options to add a minor in pedagogy or an emphasis in jazz and improvisational music. Students interested in becoming licensed school music teachers can pursue a Bachelor of Music in Music Education while studying saxophone as their primary instrument.
Lawrence’s distinctive dual-degree program allows students to earn both a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Arts in another discipline. Popular complementary fields include Business & Entrepreneurship, Neuroscience, Biology, Mathematics, and Psychology.
Advising
At Lawrence, academic advising helps you shape an educational experience that reflects your interests, goals, and aspirations. Your faculty advisor will support you as you plan your path, connect with campus resources and communities, and make informed decisions that prepare you for a meaningful and fulfilling future.
Faculty
You’ll be in good hands with professors who combine world-class artistry with a passion for teaching.
All Faculty
Joseph R. Connor (he/him)
Instructor of Music
Joseph is a saxophonist, educator, and collaborator focused on presenting the music of living composers. Joseph has performed in solo, chamber, and ensemble settings in venues across the United States…
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Jose L. Encarnacion (He/Him/His)
Associate Professor of Music and Director of Jazz Studies
jose.l.encarnacion@lawrence.edu
José L. Encarnación leads the jazz improvisation classes, directs the LU Jazz Band, coaches jazz small groups, teaches applied jazz saxophone, coordinates the jazz performance program and Chairs the Jazz…
View Full ProfileLearning Spaces
As a saxophone student at Lawrence, you will spend your days learning and performing in a variety of inspiring musical spaces. You present solo recitals and chamber music concerts in the intimate setting of Harper Hall and perform large-ensemble concerts in the magnificent Lawrence Memorial Chapel. Access to professional recording services allows you to create audition materials, document performances, and build your artistic portfolio.
You will also have access to the Chandler Senior Experience Fund and the Steven Jordheim Fund for Musical Exploration to design and pursue projects to grow as a saxophonist and artist. Past student projects have included (but not limited to) commissioning new music, concert tours, recording projects, and summer festival study.
