Lawrence Dwyer

Larry Dwyer is an Associate Professor of the Practice in Jazz at the University of Notre Dame, serving as Assistant Director of Bands and Director of Jazz Studies. He holds a B.A. from Notre Dame (1966), a Master's in Music Education, and doctoral studies from the University of Illinois. His expertise spans jazz pedagogy, improvisation, and ensemble direction.

His professional career includes performances with the South Bend Symphony Pops Orchestra, collaborations with jazz legends like Thad Jones and Sarah Vaughan, and leadership of his own jazz trio. He has composed works such as the religious jazz trilogy ('The Old Beelzebub Blues,' 'Lord Save the Sinner,' 'The Abha Kingdom') and orchestral arrangements of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and others, performed by major orchestras.

Prior to Notre Dame, Dwyer taught in South Bend public schools and served as Director of Jazz Studies at Concordia University in Montreal. His work emphasizes bridging jazz performance with academic rigor, reflected in his roles directing university bands and jazz ensembles.