What do you get when you combine a world-class conservatory of music with a world-class college of liberal arts? A university uniquely designed to train the innovative and adaptable musicians of the future.

The Lawrence Conservatory prepares you for the opportunities and challenges of our rapidly-changing world. With four degree options, integrate intellectual virtuosity with musical virtuosity in a supportive, creative community that will empower you to find your unique musical path. 

Conservatory Areas of Study

Interested in the college? Explore the College.

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Student playing bass on stage at LUaRoo

Bass

Instrument
bassstringsstand-up bassstand up bass
Student plays bassoon in class

Bassoon

Instrument
bassoonwoodwindwoodwindsreeddouble reed
Cello players

Cello

Instrument
cellostringstringsbass
Student playing clarinet in Warch Campus Center

Clarinet

Instrument
clarinetwoodwindreedsingle reed
Hand holding pencil marking notations on sheet music

Composition

Major
music compositioncomposingcompositioncomposer
Dancers dancing

Dance

Conservatory Program
danceballetmovement
Students playing flutes in Warch Campus Center

Flute

Instrument
flutewoodwindpiccolo
Student playing guitar at Cultural Expressions.

Guitar

Instrument
guitarstringsbassbass guitarjazz
A harp.

Harp

Instrument
harpstrings
Students and faculty play horns on Memorial Chapel exterior steps

Horn

Instrument
hornhornsfrench hornsousaphonebrassenglish horn
Student plays drums in classroom

Jazz & Improvisational Music

Conservatory Program
jazzimprovisationcomposing
People play isntruments outside in front of Lawrence Chapel

Music

Major
Minor
music
Students dancing in Music Education class

Music Education

Major
music educationband teacherchoir directorchoir teacherteachereducationmusic ed
Member of the Flute Ensemble is playing a flute

Music Performance

Major
musicperformanceperformingmusic performance
reflected light shining on sheet music

Music Theory

Major
Minor
music theorytheory
Gamelan rehearsal on stage

Musicology

Conservatory Program
musicologymusicethnomusicologyworld musicmusic history
Close up of oboe being played during oboe studio lesson.

Oboe

Instrument
oboewoodwindreeddouble reed
Many students on stage during opera performance

Opera Theatre

Conservatory Program
voicevocal artsvocal
Close up organ keys and music sheets

Organ

Instrument
organkeyboard
Close of of a hand holding drumsticks and cymbal

Percussion

Instrument
percussiondrumsdrumdrumming
Milou (Emmylou) de Meij ’19 is pursuing a double degree

Piano

Instrument
pianokeyboard
Student playing saxophone

Saxophone

Instrument
saxophonesaxtenor saxtenor saxophonealto saxalto saxophonebaritone saxbaritone saxophonereedsingle reedwoodwind
Trombone player

Trombone

Instrument
trombonebrass
student playing trumpet during Jazz Weekend performance

Trumpet

Instrument
trumpetcornetbrass
Student playing euphonium

Tuba and Euphonium

Instrument
tubaeuphoniumsousaphonebrass
students playing viola

Viola

Instrument
violastrings
Violin student playing in Lawrence Memorial Chapel

Violin

Instrument
violinstrings
Estelí Gomez, Assistant Professor of Music, works with student during a studio class

Vocal Arts

Instrument
voicevocal artssingingvocal
Horn player performing at the Viking Room

Beyond Lawrence

There's never been a more exciting time to be a musician in this world than right now. We're really looking at how your musical life and your musical dreams can manifest through entrepreneurial practice. Lawrence's students have the opportunity to actually lead change in our industry as they go out into the world beyond.

Watch the Video
Mariachi Ensemble plays outside the Banta Bowl during the President's Tailgate

Lawrence Conservatory Experience

Powerful preparation for a musical life. That’s our promise to you. From technique to performance, you’ll experience a culture of creativity that grounds you in core musicianship while letting your musical imagination take flight.

Explore the experience
The Lawrence Symphony Orchestra rehearses for Fred Sturm Jazz Celebration Weekend

Award-winning ensembles

Whether it’s a sweeping orchestral arrangement from a concert hall, a mariachi halftime show, or an outdoor jazz trio, our ensembles offer you so many opportunities to shine on stages large and small.

Discover ensembles
John Holiday works with a student at Lawrence Conservatory of Music

Renowned Faculty

Our Conservatory faculty are musicians who are at the top of their craft. You’ll learn from them as mentors—and play with them as colleagues.

Meet the faculty

Audition and Apply

Student playing a saxophone on stage

Degree Options

Score your own musical journey. Choose from a Bachelor of Music, a Bachelor of Arts in Music, the popular Double Degree that grants a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Arts, and the Bachelor of Musical Arts. Our four degree options offer you the flexibility to ensure your education suits your individual path.

Learn about degrees

Making Music
23

Major Ensembles

Put the perform in performing arts with our ensembles, from soaring symphonies to funky jazz.

Academics
Top 50

Best Undergraduate Teaching

Lawrence recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a college for best undergraduate teaching.

Conservatory
7

Downbeat Awards for Jazz Ensemble

Lawrence's musicians have been consistently recognized by the prestigious Downbeat Awards.

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