Small College America - Brian Pertl, Dean of the Lawrence Conservatory of Music

🎙 Small College AmericaEpisode Title: Radically Responsive Music Schools – A Conversation with Brian PertelGuest: Brian Pertel – Ethnomusicologist, author, and Dean of the Lawrence University Conservatory of MusicHosts: Dean Hoke & Kent BarndsEpisode SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Dean Hoke and Kent Barnds talk with Brian Pertel about his remarkable journey from Lawrence University student to Microsoft executive, and then back to Lawrence as Dean of the Conservatory of Music for 17 years. Brian shares how small colleges can foster innovation, collaboration, and cultural change in ways large institutions can’t match. He offers candid reflections on integrating liberal arts and music education, cultivating a culture of possibility, and empowering both students and faculty to take creative risks.Key Topics & TakeawaysLawrence University’s Distinctive ModelOne of the first U.S. coeducational institutions (founded 1847) Conservatory founded in 1874, celebrating its 150th anniversary 1,500 undergraduates; 400 are music majorsStrong integration of liberal arts and world-class music trainingSignature five-year dual degree program (music + another field) Brian Pertel, From Trombone to Tech Graduated with degrees in trombone performance & EnglishWon the Thomas J. Watson Fellowship – studied Aboriginal didgeridoo in Australia & Tibetan music in NepalSixteen-year career at Microsoft, leading media acquisitions and integrating multimedia into digital productsLessons for students: prepare for a world and jobs that don’t yet existKey Points: Building a Culture of Creativity Leadership principle: see the full potential in every studentFaculty hiring based on whole-person qualities and collaborative mindsetEncouraging students to launch new ensembles and cross-disciplinary projects (e.g., heavy metal ensemble, fiddle music in a classical setting)Shift from lecture-based learning to collaborative, creative environments Faculty Recruitment & EngagementLook for faculty who are excited to teach, collaborate, and explore outside their specialtiesFoster an environment where experimentation and interdisciplinary partnerships thriveThree Pieces of Advice for Small College LeadersBring joy, optimism, and transparency to leadershipShare challenges openly to build trust and collaborationCenter campus culture on creativity and possibility rather than fearStudent Success StoryViolinist/fiddler “Martha” developed her passion for fiddle music while at LawrenceBuilt a student following, auditioned for Sting’s The Last Ship, and won the role by adapting in real-time during the auditionNow a successful Broadway musician blending classical and fiddle expertiseWhy ListenIf you’re a small college leader, faculty member, or advocate for liberal arts education, this episode offers a blueprint for transforming campus culture into one that nurtures creativity, agility, and bold thinking.Resources & LinksGuest: Brian Pertel – Author of Radically Responsive Music SchoolsLawrence University Conservatory of Music: WebsiteSmall College America Podcast: LinkedIn