Lawrence Johnson 
Associate Professor of Music / Department Chair | Southern Utah University
Cedar City, UT, UNITED STATES
Specializing in the international phonetic alphabet, french diction, and German art song literature
Biography
Dr. Lawrence Johnson is chair of the music department at Southern Utah University. Outside of his work and teaching at SUU, he enjoys performing and was an international finalist in the Luciano Pavarotti International Voice competition in Philadelphia. Possessing degrees in both voice and piano performance, he has accompanied and conducted numerous concerts, operas, recitals, and shows.
Some of his favorite operatic roles include Rodolpho in “La Bohème,” and the title roles of Werther and Don José in Bocelli’s “Carmen.” Dr. Johnson has had the privilege of working with such distinguished luminaries as Sherrill Milnes, Mignon Dunn, Martin Katz, Elly Ameling, Geoffrey Parsons, and Tony Randall.
Dr. Johnson earned a bachelor of arts degree in music at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. At Northwestern University, he earned a master’s degree in music in voice performance, and a Ph.D. in music in voice performance.
Media
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Industry Expertise (2)
Education/Learning
Music
Areas of Expertise (8)
French Art Song Literature
German Art Song Literature
Performance
Voice Performance
Piano Performance
Vocal Performance
International Phonetic Alphabet
French Diction & Literature for Singers
Education (3)
University of Wisconsin La Crosse: B.A., Piano Performance
Northwestern University: M.A., Voice Performance
Northwestern University: Ph.D., Voice Performance
Accomplishments (3)
Wisconsin State NATS Winner
National Association of Teachers of Singing
Chicago regional finalist
Metropolitan Opera Auditions
International Finalist
Luciano Pavarotti International Voice Competition
Affiliations (2)
- National Association of Teachers of Singing
- National Association for Music Education
Links (2)
Media Appearances (6)
SUU presents "We Make Joy" concert
The Independent: A Voice for Utah online
2018-12-03
“When the SUU music department comes together in a large collaboration, it’s always a very special event,” said Dr. Lawrence Johnson, chair of the music department at SUU. “The ‘Make We Joy’ concert will be a festive celebration of the season and will showcase many of SUU’s music ensembles. You won’t want to miss it!”
SUU Music Ensembles Take Cedar City by Storm
SUU News online
2018-10-30
Dr. Lawrence Johnson, Chair of the Department of Music at SUU, shares, "The small ensembles of the SUU Department of Music afford more opportunities for our talented students to show off their skills and musicianship in ways that large ensembles may not. Not only does the limelight focus more directly on these individual instrumentalists in smaller groups, but it also provides a chance to delve deeper into the chamber music works and share these gems composed by the masters of today and throughout music's treasured history. We hope you enjoy experiencing these more intimate performances as we showcase our dedicated music students!"
SUU vocal students move to semi-finals
The Spectrum online
2018-05-25
Dr. Lawrence Johnson, Chair of the Department of Music at SUU, said, “This is an incredible feat. They had to advance through a NATS local chapter round, a Cal-Western Regional round, and finally a national YouTube round in order to be in the top 14 singers in their categories, competing against hundreds of singers throughout the United States, truly making them the ‘best of the best’ of the nation's college singers. We are extremely proud and excited for our singers who are able to compete at such a high level and represent the teaching and artistic excellence at SUU.”
Different worlds come together with production of 'Carmina Burana and Selected Works'
St George News
2018-02-26
“SUU’s production will be no exception,” Johnson said, adding: "After weeks of intensive rehearsals of this challenging music, the reward is going to be extraordinary when the students and faculty show off their talents and hard work. It may be decades before you see and hear again this grand of an undertaking of this unique masterpiece in our corner of the world, so be sure not to miss it."
SUU Music Faculty Present Soirée Faculty Recital
SUU News online
2017-10-04
Dr. Lawrence Johnson, Chair of the Department of Music at SUU, said, "It is always a privilege for the music faculty to share their talents with the community; after all, music needs an audience to be fully appreciated and we consider our faculty recitals to be a gift to our audiences. We are continuing the moniker Soirée in keeping the long tradition of evening concerts with a gathering of friends and aficionados, dating back to the early 1800's during the time of Chopin. We hope you will attend this year's recital in SUMA and enjoy an evening of beautiful music."
Music Faculty Hosts Soiree Recital at SUMA
Southern Utah University online
2016-09-28
Of this performance, Dr. Lawrence Johnson, associate professor of Music, said, “This year's faculty recital will be of special note. We are dedicating this performance to the memory of our colleague and dear friend, Shane Summers, whom we suddenly lost this past August. There will be music specifically written for and also dedicated to Shane, as well as a short video presentation.” Summers passed away unexpectedly in August. Students, faculty, and community members can take this time to remember his life and the deep impact that he had on SUU’s community.
Courses (5)
MUSC 1400/2400/3400/4400 Individual Applied Music instruction
Private lessons in vocal or instrumental music. 12 half-hour lessons.
MUSC 1410/2410/3410/4410 Individual Applied Music Instruction
Private lessons in vocal or instrumental music. 12 fifty-minute lessons and a required studio class.
MUSC 2670 German Diction & Literature for Singers
This course is designed to teach students the correct standardized singing pronunciation of German by utilizing the International Phonetic Alphabet. Students will learn pronunciation rules as well as study German Art Song Literature.
MUSC 2680 French Diction & Literature for Singers
This course is designed to teach students the correct standardized singing pronunciation of French by utilizing the International Phonetic Alphabet. Students will learn pronunciation rules as well as study French Art Song Literature.
MUSC 6910 Directed Readings in Music Education
Student will work with professor on music education topics mutually agreed to by the student and professor. A contract will be made and must be approved by the Graduate Music Education Committee.
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