Today, we welcome Brian Pertl, an innovative academic leader, ethnomusicologist, and for 17 years, served as the Dean of the Lawrence Conservatory of Music in Wisconsin. A Lawrence University alumnus himself, Brian returned to his alma mater after a successful career at Microsoft, where he led the Media Acquisitions Group and helped shape the integration of music and multimedia across the company’s digital platforms. 

At Lawrence, he gained national recognition for reimagining music education, championing interdisciplinary learning, and launching new degree programs. During Pertl’s tenure, the Conservatory’s ensembles received over 40 national accolades from esteemed organizations such as the National Opera Association, The American Prize, the American Choral Directors Association and Downbeat Magazine.

Brian is the author of Radically Responsive Music Schools, a call for cultural transformation in music education. His work embodies the power of small colleges to inspire, innovate, and lead. 

1. Unique Aspects of Small Colleges. Brian, many of our listeners may not be familiar with Lawrence University or its Conservatory. What makes Lawrence distinct in the landscape of small colleges—and what aspects of its mission and student community help it stand out nationally?
2. Your Journey from Microsoft to Lawrence. Your background is fascinating—you went from studying sacred chant and didjeridu to a high-level role at Microsoft. What drew you back to Lawrence and into small college leadership? What did you hope to accomplish?
3. Student and Alumni Engagement. Over your 17 years as Dean, how did you engage with students while they were on campus, and how did you stay connected with them after graduation? Were there programs or practices that helped build a lasting community?
4. Faculty and Student Recruitment. Were you directly involved in recruiting students and faculty? What qualities did you look for, and how did you communicate the Conservatory’s culture and values to those considering Lawrence?
5. Culture Change and Leadership. In your book Radically Responsive Music Schools, you argue for cultural—not just structural—change in higher education. What advice would you give small college leaders who want to reimagine their campus culture?
6. Student Success and the Relevance of Music Education. Brian, could you share a student success story that truly exemplifies, in your view, the mission and impact of the Lawrence Conservatory? Reflecting on your journey, what do you believe are the essential elements that make a music education program important in today’s world?

Brian, thank you for being with us today. For those listening, if you’d like to learn more about Small College America, go to our LinkedIn site, where you can find details on upcoming episodes, contact us, and suggest topics you’d like us to cover.

This episode of Small College America is made possible with underwriting support from Perspective Data Science, a firm specializing in AI-powered tools and data solutions, including the Financial Compass platform.