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Lawrence University

Appleton, WI

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ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Program

Quick links

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Browse programs

Composition & music studies

Music performance

Theatre

Music education

Quick links

BMA Musical Arts

Jazz and Contemporary Improvisation

ProgramOfficial Program Page

Program snapshot

Admissions

No PrescreenAudition RequiredNo InterviewUniversity App Required

Audition format

In-Person or Virtual

Training

Study jazz performance and composition with faculty such as Jose L. Encarnacion (Director of Jazz Studies) and Patricia Darling (director of the Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble)

The B.M.A. curriculum pairs core jazz theory, improvisation, arranging, and applied jazz study with a secondary field of study (cognate), culminating in a junior half-recital and senior full recital

Performance & Productions

The Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble has earned 34 DownBeat Student Music Awards over the past four decades

Students perform in on- and off-campus jazz performances alongside classical and global ensembles

Degree Flexibility

The Bachelor of Musical Arts pairs the jazz emphasis with a secondary field of study outside music, distinct from the single-degree Bachelor of Music in Composition or Performance with a jazz emphasis

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.47

Admit rate

64%

school-wide

Grad rate

77%

Enrollment

1.4K

Earnings

$56K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$61,719

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$75,558

Before aid

Average net price

$23,401

After aid

Tuition Fees · lawrence.edu College Scorecard

Program info updated Sep 9, 4:32 PM

Program Highlights

Training

Study jazz performance and composition with faculty such as Jose L. Encarnacion (Director of Jazz Studies) and Patricia Darling (director of the Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble)

The B.M.A. curriculum pairs core jazz theory, improvisation, arranging, and applied jazz study with a secondary field of study (cognate), culminating in a junior half-recital and senior full recital

Performance & Productions

The Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble has earned 34 DownBeat Student Music Awards over the past four decades

Students perform in on- and off-campus jazz performances alongside classical and global ensembles

Degree Flexibility

Program Highlights

Training

Study jazz performance and composition with faculty such as Jose L. Encarnacion (Director of Jazz Studies) and Patricia Darling (director of the Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble)

The B.M.A. curriculum pairs core jazz theory, improvisation, arranging, and applied jazz study with a secondary field of study (cognate), culminating in a junior half-recital and senior full recital

Performance & Productions

The Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble has earned 34 DownBeat Student Music Awards over the past four decades

Students perform in on- and off-campus jazz performances alongside classical and global ensembles

Degree Flexibility

Key Info

Enrollment Term

University AppApplication

Apply

Common App Coalition App School Website

Deadline

Early application deadlineNov 1, 2026

Early Action — non-Conservatory applicantsDec 1, 2026

Early Decision II (not available for Conservatory degrees)Regular DecisionJan 15, 2027

Admissions Aid · lawrence.edu

Program AppApplication

Order

The university application must be submitted before the audition.

Deadline

Early Decision / Early Action 1 Audition RegistrationNov 4, 2026

Regular Decision Audition RegistrationJan 27, 2027

Auditions

Early Decision / Early Action 1 On-Campus

AuditionNov 14, 2026

Regular Decision On-Campus

Audition 1Feb 6, 2027

Audition 2Feb 20, 2027

OR — Recorded Video Audition

Early Decision 1 / Early Action self-recorded audition dueNov 13, 2026

Regular Decision self-recorded audition dueFeb 5, 2027

Conservatory · lawrence.edu

Audition Requirements

Repertoire List

A prepared piece in any style that highlights your individual creativity, artistic expression, and technical skill

Improvise to a pre-recorded accompaniment or online backing track from one of the following: a blues, a jazz or pop standard, or a modal piece

Repertoire: improvise over a ii-V-I progression

Repertoire: a free improvisation

Optional: compositions, arrangements, transcriptions, multi-track recordings (Logic, GarageBand, FL Studio, etc.), or ensemble performances featuring you (no specific time length)

Video

A short introductory video about yourself and why you want to study at the Lawrence Conservatory

Letters of Recommendation

One required from a private lesson teacher, general music teacher, or ensemble director, speaking to your musical abilities

Additional academic references may be submitted if desired

Resume

Optional music résumé detailing your experience, achievements, or training (upload with your application or later through the application status portal)

Audition Requirements · lawrence.edu

Verified for Fall 2027 entry

Good to Know

Application Process

Apply via Common App, Lawrence Application, or Coalition on Scoir

Early Action 2 and Early Decision 2 are not available for Conservatory degrees

Audition Registration

Registration is required regardless of audition mode (on-campus or recorded)

Access to register is provided after the application is submitted

What's The Process

Audition Format

The Bachelor of Musical Arts focuses on jazz and contemporary improvisation

Choose between an on-campus audition or a self-recorded video audition; all modes are considered equally

On-campus applicants are encouraged to participate in the Jazz Jam as part of audition day

Contact

Musicadmissions@lawrence.edu

Scholarship Info

Con Brio Award

One-time $1,000 award for students who audition in person and are admitted directly to the Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Musical Arts, or Dual Degree program

Students admitted first to the Bachelor of Arts who audition later are not eligible

School info

Snapshot

Avg GPA (W)

3.47

Admit rate

64%

school-wide

Grad rate

77%

Enrollment

1.4K

Earnings

$56K

10yr after

Costs & aid

Tuition & fees

$61,719

Before aid

Cost of attendance

$75,558

Before aid

Average net price

$23,401

After aid

Tuition Fees · lawrence.edu College Scorecard

Training

Study jazz performance and composition with faculty such as Jose L. Encarnacion (Director of Jazz Studies) and Patricia Darling (director of the Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble)

The B.M.A. curriculum pairs core jazz theory, improvisation, arranging, and applied jazz study with a secondary field of study (cognate), culminating in a junior half-recital and senior full recital

Performance & Productions

The Lawrence University Jazz Ensemble has earned 34 DownBeat Student Music Awards over the past four decades

Students perform in on- and off-campus jazz performances alongside classical and global ensembles

Degree Flexibility

Updated Sep 9, 4:32 PM