Dr. Alonza Lawrence

Bio

Alonza Lawrence has extensive experience as a vocal performer and studio teacher and has led several school, community, and church choruses. Past teaching experiences include serving as the Associate Instructor for the African-American Choral Ensemble of Indiana University; vocal coach, rhythm coach, accompanist, and soloist for the Emmy award-winning “Amen, Music of the Black Church!” PBS concert documentary; music educator and chorus director in the Virginia public schools; Artistic Director of the Boys Choir of Hampton Roads (Virginia), and the Minister of Music for several churches  in Virginia and Indiana. He has also performed with the Virginia Symphony, the I. Sherman Greene Chorale, and the Virginia Opera. 

Dr. Lawrence’s work and research bridges the gap between Eurocentric and Afrocentric music practices. Areas of special interest include Classical Voice, Musical Theater, Opera and Afrocentric Voice and Piano Performance (Gospel, R&B, Soul, Pop, etc.). Since joining the Voice Faculty at the University of Illinois in 2022, he serves as a professor of voice, contemporary vocal performance, Gospel studies, and a vocal coach for the Lyric Theater.

Dr. Alonza Lawrence earned both his Doctorate of Music and his Master of Music from the Jacobs School of Music of Indiana University, and he holds a Bachelor of Music Education from Norfolk State University.