Through studio classes, individualized study, and performance experiences, you’ll learn to master the bassoon and contrabassoon.

Grow your artistry, build your technical facility, and expand your musical possibilities in a community of empowerment, collaboration, and support. Hone and challenge your performance skills with a diverse array of solo, chamber, and ensemble experiences. Dig into the transformational power of music through community outreach. Become the versatile and entrepreneurial musician the world needs. Where will your musical journey take you?

Nate Scott plays a bassoon while wearing a tuxedo and bowtie.

Student Perspective

“The studio really opened me up to a lot of possibilities with the bassoon and showed me the player I could be.”

Nate Scott ’23
Music Performance (Bassoon)
Bonney Lake, Washington

Explore Life After Lawrence
Music & Arts

"Breathe" - a multidisciplinary water opera

Breathe: a multi-disciplinary water opera, is an ethereal production that utilizes the Lawrence University Buchanan Kiewit Wellness Center as the performance space. 

Image of a person playing the drums
Tradition

Music outdoors

Music is woven into life at Lawrence. Wander campus and you'll hear students practicing piano in lounges, violins in Warch, and horns outside.

Performance Opportunities

Get performance experience in band, orchestra, and chamber music settings.

Explore Ensembles

Expert Faculty

Learn more about Brigit Pacher, Visiting Assistant Professor of Music.

Meet Our Faculty

Create a Musical Life

Discover the many paths open to Conservatory graduates.

See Outcomes
Brigit Fitzgerald Oboe Faculty Profile

Faculty Profile: Brigit Pacher

“I think it is absolutely wonderful to have different ideas of what success looks like out there.” — Pacher

Watch Profile
A teacher watches as a student plays bassoon.

Studio Culture

Grow your relationship with your instrument in an environment that is friendly, encouraging, and founded on trust and respect. A flexible approach to instruction means you receive individual lessons tailored to your professional goals. You’ll also learn the tools of the trade, literally. The practice of reed making is unique to double reed instruments, and you’ll hone your craft in Lawrence’s own double reed workshop.

close up of students' hands playing drum and filling a test tube

Multiple Degree Options

What happens when you combine a world-class conservatory with a world-class college? An unmatched undergraduate musical education. At Lawrence, the Conservatory and College experiences are intertwined. Multiple degree options let you be your own muse by connecting your musical passions with your academic interests.

Discover Degree Options
A conductor leading a small ensemble of musicians playing bassoons.

Catch a ViBE

The Viking Bassoon Ensemble is a performance group exclusively for bassoons. Enhance your performance skills like balance and intonation while exploring a wide-ranging repertoire and discovering traditional and non-traditional performance styles. And, of course, you’ll also have access to an array of orchestras, bands, and chamber groups.

Learn about ensembles
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Apply and Audition

A musical life awaits. Take the next steps by applying and auditioning.

Apply Now

Visit Our Campus

The best way to find out if Lawrence is the university for you is by visiting.

Schedule Your Visit

Visit Virtually

Your virtual tour starts at the Arch but be sure to check out Conservatory, to explore learning and performance spaces.

Start Your Tour
Aerial drone shot of Bjorklunden in Door County, Wisconsin

Sound the Retreat

Bond with your fellow musicians, focus on your craft, and immerse yourself in natural beauty during retreat weekends at Björklunden, a 441-acre estate on the shores of Lake Michigan.

Discover Björklunden

Explore Upcoming Performances

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