Devoted teachers, a diverse curriculum, a rich history, strong community relationships, extensive performance opportunities, a musical community – these are the distinguishing characteristics of the Lawrence Community Music School. Founded in 1874, the Lawrence Community Music School is a nonprofit division of Lawrence University and a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education. While its primary function is to provide outstanding musical opportunities for citizens of the Fox Valley, it also maintains close ties to the community as a member of the Fox Arts Network, provides outreach and support to area school music programs, and provides Lawrence Conservatory music education students guided opportunities to hone their teaching skills. Our teachers have extensive training in pedagogy as well as performance experience. Two-thirds of our teachers hold masters or doctoral degrees; well over half of our teachers have taught in the Community Music School for more than ten years. Guest teaching artists augment Community Music School instruction with master classes and recitals. Because we believe that music-making is a life-long experience, Community Music School programs are available to students from birth through adulthood. Within the Community Music School website you will find information on private and small group instruction, early childhood music classes, ensembles for children and adults, world music opportunities, professional development seminars for music teachers, performance workshops, and summer camps. Need-based tuition assistance is available to ensure access to all of our programs.
