About Lawrence R. Mumford

The French philosopher Jules Combarieu once said, "Music is the art of thinking with sounds."

But music is more than thought - it is also the language of the soul. 

​

Lawrence Richard Mumford, who lives in greater Los Angeles, is an award-winning composer

with music published by eight different companies. 

​

"Very cinematic and translucent... there’s a Gershwinesque sense of contentment mixed with moments of bittersweetness, and a towering, Vaughan Williams-like pastoral solidity," said New York Music Daily, referring to his Of Times and Seasons. After its Chicago premiere, one reviewer called his Range of Light

“a stunning portrait of the Sierra Nevada.”  His Freedom Crossing (Short Symphony No. 2)  was called

“ ...eloquent...a centerpiece among other works on the program.”  Upon accepting a number of his vocal pieces, a publisher said, “We are so pleased to offer you contracts...thank you so much

for the opportunity to promote your beautiful music...”

Mumford's symphonic compositions have been premiered across the US and played regularly on some of the largest radio stations in the country. A set of orchestral themes were heard on daily broadcasts in over 50 cities for more than fourteen years. Thirteen of his pieces have recently reached the winner's circle, finalist, or semifinalist stage for The American Prize, and many have been presented at national conferences. An album containing one of his songs reached #1 on a Billboard playlist

and was later named “Record of the Year.”  

He completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Composition at the University of Southern California, where his instructors included Robert Moore, Frederick Lesemann, and Morton Lauridsen. He studied film scoring, in classes or private lessons, with Jerry Goldsmith (d. 2004), Earle Hagen (d. 2008),

and, through USC’s film scoring program, David Raksin (d. 2004). He also did doctoral work in composition at Indiana University, earned a Master's in composition in one year at Baltimore's Peabody Conservatory, and graduated Phi Beta Kappa from George Washington University with a Bachelor's degree in music theory and minors in voice and piano. He was part of an ensemble that premiered one of the last works by the great American songwriter Irving Berlin (d. 1989); and he was an invitee to a master class given by

Aaron Copland (d. 1990).  

In addition to composing, Mumford serves as a university composition professor and also maintains a small private piano teaching practice. For about a decade he was a church music director and organist.

His favorite hobby is sailing - he is a certified instructor -

and his wife Donna is both his biggest fan and his best advisor.

​