Faculty Profile: Patty Darling
“I’ve gotten very interested in collaborative work with my students, in meeting them where they are.“ — Darling
Faculty Profile: Matt Turner
“I want you to take more risks. I want you to push yourself.” — Turner
Faculty Profile: Bill Carrothers
“‘There are only two kinds of music, good and bad.’ I can take everybody where they are.” — Carrothers
Faculty Profile: Nadje Noordhuis
"Studying trumpet at Lawrence means that you can study exactly the music that you are interested...I haven’t come across any other school that is like this." — Noordhuis
Program Experience
Build a world of music and art through study, performance, and collaboration. Guided by award-winning musicians, explore diverse jazz traditions and global music. Customize your path with individual guidance and opportunities for composition, improvisation, and music production.
Jazz Small Groups
Immerse yourself in jazz improvisation and performance. Collaborate with peers in small groups and receive expert coaching. Explore classic jazz styles and create your own original music.
24/7 Jazz
You have so many opportunities to perform. From regular recitals and weekly jam sessions in the Campus Center to Lawrence's signature Jazz Celebration Weekend. Plus, hit a high note with a variety of performance groups ranging from small, student-designed ensembles to one of Lawrence's award-winning jazz ensembles.
Notes to emphasize
You can choose from concentrated Emphasis in Jazz tracks in both music performance and composition majors.
Perfect Harmony
Combine a world-class college with a world-class conservatory. One of four degree options, the innovative Bachelor of Musical Arts with an emphasis in jazz and contemporary improvisation gives you the flexibility to master your musical craft and pursue other passions that spark your curiosity.
A musical life awaits. Take the next steps by applying and auditioning.
The best way to find out if Lawrence is the university for you is by visiting.
Your virtual tour starts at the Arch but be sure to check out Conservatory, to explore learning and performance spaces.
Live from Appleton!
From works composed by faculty and students to jazz standards, get a taste of the performance experience.
Learn from the Greats
Some of the greatest jazz performers in the world perform at Lawrence as part of the Performing Arts Series and signature Jazz Celebration Weekend. You not only have opportunities to see them perform, you can learn from them in master classes.
On Any Given Day...
...discover an array of opportunities that await you at Lawrence University.
The Chicago Gig
Play with your professors in the classroom and on tour. Students hit the road to gig in Chicago and share the stage with the faculty jazz quartet.
Jazz Jams
Every Monday in Warch Campus Center, students come together to play jazz from 9:30 p.m. until midnight.