His compositions have been performed in the U.S. by several ensembles, including Twentieth Century Players, Ventura County Symphony, Ventura Civic/Youth Orchestra, CalArts Wind and Percussion Ensemble, and a number of chamber ensembles.  Mr. Lawson’s Harp Sonata received premieres at Florida State University, the XII Foro Internacional de Musica Nueva, and at the International Harp Festival.  His String Trio was performed in the 1992 Ernst Block Music Festival.   

In 1995, he was commissioned to compose an environmental soundscape that was performed as part of the Ventura Music Festival.  Mr. Lawson was music director/founder of the Ventura City Hall concert series for 11 seasons, and was music director/conductor of the Channel Island Chamber Orchestra.  From 1981 to 1988 he was associate conductor of the Ventura County Symphony and Ventura Civic Youth Orchestra.  Mr. Lawson has been guest conductor of numerous orchestras and chamber ensembles including the New Twentieth Century Players, the Antelope Valley Symphony and the South Coast Chamber Orchestra.