Brian Lawrence

Student 2021 Class > Brian Lawrence

Brian Lawrence

Brian Lawrence was born and raised in Bellevue, Washington, and currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Equally skilled on both piano and woodwinds, Brian cherishes the opportunity to be a multi-instrumentalist.

Brian is currently a Graduate Assistant in the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Division of Jazz and Commercial Music. He plays tenor saxophone in the acclaimed UNLV Jazz Ensemble I in the 2021 DownBeat Student Music Award-Winning Vinnie Falcone Organ Quartet, and directs UNLV Jazz Ensemble 3. Brian also was recently recognized as the 2021 DownBeat Student Music Award Soloist Winner in the Graduate Blues/Pop/Rock Category.

Brian holds a Bachelor of Music Degree in Broad Area Music Education from Central Washington University, and a minor through the William O. Douglas Honors College. While at CWU, Brian had the opportunity to travel and perform at the 2015 Monterey Jazz Festival, 2013 Jazz Education Network Conference, in the Czech Republic, Whistler, British Columbia, and numerous engagements around the Pacific Northwest. Brian has also worked at the Stanford Jazz Workshop, as a musician for Princess and Holland America Cruise Lines, and toured the U.S. with “The Carpenter’s Tribute featuring Michelle Whited.”

Also active as a composer and arranger, Brian’s works have been featured by Grammy-winning saxophonist Tia Fuller, at the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Boeing Classic PGA Golf Tournament, and a Seattle Seahawks halftime show. Brian also writes and produces many arrangements for Carnival Cruise Lines, works for local jazz ensembles, and educational materials.

In addition to performance and writing, Brian is passionate about music education. Brian spent 3 years teaching public school music in the Bellevue and Mercer Island School Districts, and has taught numerous clinics and summer workshops. He hopes to hold a Director of Jazz Studies position one day at a University.