Derrick Lawrence

Derrick Lawrence serves as Assistant Professor of Practice in Vocal Arts & Opera at the University of Southern California, bringing decades of international performance experience to his academic role.

His musical training was completed at:

• North Carolina School of the Arts
• Juilliard School
• Curtis Institute of Music

Specializing in opera and vocal performance, Lawrence maintains an extensive repertoire of over 80 roles spanning from Mozart's Figaro to Wagner's Wotan. His artistic focus centers on classical vocal technique and dramatic interpretation within European and American operatic traditions, with particular expertise in German and Italian repertoire.

His distinguished career has been recognized through:

• Grace Bumbry Award
• Mario Lanza Award
• George London Award
• Sullivan Foundation Award
• Richard Tucker Jacobson Study Grant
• 2006 Zelt Prize for Outstanding Classical Artists
• Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions (1991)

Lawrence's performance history includes collaborations with major orchestras such as the Cleveland Orchestra and Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, alongside appearances at prestigious festivals including Edinburgh Festival and Blossom Festival across global venues from Carnegie Hall to Concertgebouw Amsterdam.