Prepare for a life of music creation.

Want to compose for a string quartet, write music for a percussion ensemble, or delve into electronic composition? You can. As you strive toward shaping and achieving your goals, you’ll be guided and mentored to forge your own individual path with composition. With a focus on craft and technique, you’ll have the knowledge and support you need to explore and discover the many possibilities inherent in your work.

Grow your artistry, build your technical facility, and expand your musical possibilities in a community of empowerment, collaboration, and support. Become the versatile and entrepreneurial musician the world needs. Where will your musical journey take you?

Brock Daumler poses with some of his music compositions in the background.

Student Perspectives

“You get to meet people from different disciplines. I hang out with jazzers, and all these different majors. I feel like that isn’t typical for most music schools.”

Brock Daumler ’23
Music Composition
Green Bay, Wisconsin

Explore Life After Lawrence
Academics

Find Your Voice at Lawrence

Lawrence Conservatory Voice Students share their connection with music and performance. From the stage to recording studio, students share how they find and develop their unique voice at Lawrence.

Explore Courses 

Discover an array of courses that will teach you composing, arranging, orchestration, and more.

Composition Courses

Expert Faculty

Talented composers will guide you on your composition journey.

Meet Our Faculty

See Major Requirements

Explore what comprises a major in music composition.

Requirements
Asha Srinivasan, music composition faculty, poses on Lawrence Main Hall Green

Faculty Profile: Asha Srinivasan

“In composition lessons, I think of myself as an educated sounding board.” — Srinivasan

Watch Profile
Patty Darling, jazz improv faculty, sitting at a piano with the beginnings of a composition on sheet music.

Faculty Profile: Patty Darling

“I’ve gotten very interested in collaborative work with my students, in meeting them where they are.“ — Darling

Watch Profile
Matthew Turner, jazz improv, faculty practicing piano with student

Faculty Profile: Matt Turner

“I want you to take more risks. I want you to push yourself.“ — Turner

Watch Profile
Patty Darling, music composition instructor and jazz ensemble director, works with music composition student on a composition.

Musical Mentoring

The composition studio encourages your individuality to shine through each note you write. Faculty help you develop into a mature, professional composer with a unique point of view. Engage in sophisticated and nuanced artistic interaction and analysis. Be supported and guided while being pushed outside of your comfort zone to discover the true extent of your potential and possibilities. Your individual artistry is respected as faculty help you focus on craft and technique to develop a sound that is truly your own.

Screen display of a multitrack Logic session.

Tools of the Trade

You’ll have access to a wide array of tools and technology, including an electronic music studio and software like Finale, Sibelius, and Logic Pro.

Composers observing an ensemble rehearsing their work.

New Music, Your Music

With a studio recital every term, the New Music at Lawrence concert series, opportunities to write for one of the large ensembles, workshops, and more, you have so many opportunities to write, perform, and experience composition and performance.

An instructor pointing at music notation on a projection screen.

Pride in Your Work

You’ll be prepared for a life of music creation, whatever your path. Faculty work with you to prepare a portfolio that showcases your best work, including impeccable score notation and high-quality recordings that represent your achievements.

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
Full orchestra and choir in concert black dress fill the stage of the Lawrence Chapel during the Master Work Concert

Performance & Ensemble Opportunities

Performance and ensemble opportunities abound, from large orchestras to small chamber ensembles, choirs to jazz bands. Explore a diverse range of styles and repertoires and take part in professional performance alongside your peers.

Discover Ensembles

Explore Jazz Opportunities

Interested in jazz composition? Lawrence offers an award-winning jazz & improvisational music program.

Loading...

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
A graduation cap decorated with a piano keyboard and the phrase, "Here I Am, Here I Go".

Music Composition Outcomes

A blend of academic understanding and musical skill creates diverse career paths for composition students.

Explore Conservatory Outcomes

Explore Upcoming Performances

View More Events