Name: Mark Lawley
Graduation Year(s): 1985
Major(s): Music Education
Current Position/Job Title: Private Music Teacher at The Lawley Studio
City and State: Nixa, Missouri
Tell us about your career and what you do now.
Mark Lawley is in his 40th year as a music teacher. He has served as the president of the Southwestern Division of American Choral Directors Association, Missouri Choral Directors Association and South Central Missouri Music Educators Association. He has served National ACDA on the National Standing Committee on Education and Communication. He earned his Bachelor’s degree and certificate recital award in piano from Evangel University followed by a Masters degree in conducting from Missouri State University. He is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, NAfME, ACDA, MSTA, MCDA and MMEA. Lawley is the founder of Springfield Summer Singers, Springfield Gospel Chorus, Springfield-Drury Girls Choir (now named Girls Choir of Springfield) Drury University Chamber Choir Festival, Boys Choir of Springfield Choral Festival and served on the founding board of Boys Choir of Springfield. He thoroughly enjoyed his post as artistic director of both Boys Choir of Springfield and Springfield-Drury Girls Choir both of which gave invitational performances at MMEA in 2013 and 2015 respectively. Today marks his 8th invitational performance at MMEA having given 6 MMEA performances with Willard Choral Ensembles. He enjoyed sharing the Willard Choirs in invitational performances at National ACDA in 2003 and 2007, Southwestern ACDA in 2008 and 2022 and National NAfME in 2000. He is the recipient of the Luther T. Spayde Award, South Central Outstanding District Director Award, the 2018 National Federation of State Schools Associations Music Educator of the Year Award, Willard Teacher of the Year, Willard HS Teacher of the Year, Missouri Fine Arts Academy Award for excellence in teaching and in celebration of contribution to students’ lives, the 2012 Drury Faculty Member of the Year Award, the 2016 Drury Faculty Member of the Year Award and Lifetime Membership Award from National PTA. Lawley’s path has been peppered with excellent music teachers and remarkably gifted colleagues.
His life has been enriched by a loyal companion in his wife of over 30 years, LORI! She is the glue that holds us all together. They have 3 children Devin, Drew and Brooke whom they admire immensely. Their spouses Ruthie and Meghan have brought more love into the Lawley family. All of their worlds have been turned upside down by the miraculous gift of 5 Granddappers Hudson, Gavin, Harrison, Jaden, Nolan and one Granddollie Emmalyn!
Tell us one achievement or accomplishment that stands out in your career!
Every single time a student of mine made All State Choir! That is an accomplishment that I was never able to achieve, so when one of my students makes – I am often moved to tears!
What is your favorite memory from your time as a student?
The close connection between students and also between students and faculty. The relationships were life giving and faith deepening!
How did your school help you identify/develop your calling?
All the professors had a close relationship with God. It was unmistakable in their style in the classroom. My music professors were excellent with degrees from well respected music schools like Eastman School of Music. The training I receieved at Evangel prepared me well for further studies and to begin my teaching career with assurance.
How did your experience as a student prepare you for life after graduation?
Daily chapel was required and that deepened my faith walk. There were powerful sermons preached and unforgettable moves of the spirit at the altars. God’s presence was heavy. So I began my professional life sturdied from my faith growth I received at Evangel.
What advice would you give a current student preparing for the workforce?
Learn all you can from your professors! Stay in touch with them because they are ready with sound and wise advice. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! The world will trip over itself to help you, but you have to ask!
What would you look for if you were in a position to hire new graduates from Evangel?
- Assurance
- Ability to establish a strong rapport with a wide variety of personalities.
- A peace maker
- A belief in team over self, a belief in journey over destination.