Program Overview
With Lawrence’s liberal arts approach to teacher preparation, you will discover a comprehensive, collaborative, and forward-thinking program that prepares you to transform lives through exceptional music teaching in contemporary, diverse learning environments. Find inclusive best practices, foundational skills, and creativity are woven into all degree coursework. Upon successful completion of student teaching in schools, students receive a broad K-12 music certification through two possible areas of emphasis: Choral/General OR Instrumental/General.
Music educators from Lawrence University are in high demand; urban, suburban, and rural schools, public and charter. Graduates of the Bachelor of Music in Music Education at Lawrence have a strong track record of teaching in Wisconsin, across the United States, and at international schools worldwide.
Program Highlights
Learn from Experienced Educators
Study with accomplished faculty who bring professional teaching experience, creative practice, and expertise in music education pedagogy.
Teach in Schools from the Start
Build real-world skills through early teaching experiences in area schools and prepare for the needs of today’s classrooms.
Shape a Path Around Your Interests
Explore your own areas of interest while continuing to grow through performance, academic study, and hands-on teaching.
Take Your Teaching Abroad
Study abroad or complete part of your student-teaching experience in another country, with eligible students receiving reduced tuition after completing degree coursework.
Spotlight
Lawrentian Spotlight
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 Curator for Mile of Music Music Education Appleton, Wisconsin
Types of Degrees
In the Conservatory of Music, students major in music education as part of the Bachelor of Music degree. Since state professional licensure includes all areas of music in grades K-12, students will choose between two areas of emphasis: choral/general OR instrumental/general.
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
Matthew R. Arau (he, him, his)
Associate Professor of Music Education and Associate Director of Bands
Dr. Matthew Arau, author of the bestselling book, Upbeat! Mindset, Mindfulness, and Leadership in Music Education and Beyond, and founder of Upbeat Global, is an Associate Professor of Music and Symphonic Band…
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Loren Dempster (He/Him/His)
Instructor of Music
Loren Kiyoshi Dempster uses a combination of cello, computer, electronics, composition, improvisation, notated scores, movement, and world music influences to create, teach and perform music. He has created and performed…
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Shannon Gravelle (she/her)
Assistant Professor of Music – Choral Studies
Dr. Shannon Gravelle is assistant professor of music in the Conservatory of Music at Lawrence University, serving as Director of Choral Studies and music education faculty. In the summer, she…
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Stephanie J. Kapsa (She/Her/Hers)
Lecturer of Music
stephanie.j.kapsa@lawrence.edu
Dr. Kapsa has had the joy of teaching elementary general music, since 2002, with students from Minnesota, Missouri, Texas, and Wisconsin. Recently, she has had the opportunity to work with…
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Brigetta F. Miller (she/her)
Associate Professor of Music
brigetta.f.miller@lawrence.edu
Brigetta is an Associate Professor of Music at Lawrence University and currently serves as the 2026-27 chair of the Music Education department in the Conservatory of Music. She is praised…
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Ceon Rumphs
Instructor of Music
Ceon D. Rumphs currently serves as Instructor of Music at Lawrence University, where he is the conductor of the Wind Ensemble and teaches coursework in conducting and orchestration. A native…
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Phillip A. Swan
Professor of Music and Director of Choral Studies
PHILLIP A. SWAN is Director of Choral Studies and Musical Director for LU Musicals. Dr. Swan primarily conducts Cantala; directs LUVS—LU Vocal Spectrum (jazz, early, contemporary and world music); teaches courses…
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Matthew L. Turner
Instructor
Matt Turner is widely regarded as one of the world's leading improvising cellists. Equally skilled as a pianist, Turner performs in numerous styles and has shared the stage in the…
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Students in music education at Lawrence are active participants in a variety of areas within the Conservatory of Music.
