University of Memphis Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art Music Facility
Scheidt Family Music Center will feature expansive performance hall and more
October 27, 2017 - The University of Memphis today broke ground on the new Scheidt Family Music Center, a 40,000-sq. ft. music center that will allow the UofM to immediately increase student recruitment and grow the pool of UofM music graduates.
"Demand for the University's music program has increased exponentially, and the old Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music can no longer adequately serve students and faculty," said President M. David Rudd. "No other school in the state comes close to matching the breadth and depth of programs available through the Scheidt School of Music. Our faculty sets a high bar for creativity and excellence in music, and in engaging and preparing our students for careers in ways other programs simply cannot. We're excited to welcome a new facility that provides an educational environment commensurate with the quality of our instructional program."
The state-of-the-art facility will double the size of the current Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, and feature an expansive performance hall and significant enhancements in technology and acoustics. Dedicated tailored laboratories for innovation and artistic expression will allow faculty to structure the educational experience to best serve students.
With its prominent location on Central Avenue, the Scheidt Family Music Center will redefine the campus arts corridor and reflects the University's commitment to a vibrant performing arts scene in Memphis.
The new facility will offer a number of benefits to the institution and the community, including:
- New opportunities for prospective students and faculty: The new facility will dramatically increase our classroom, performance, recording
and rehearsal space, allow us to significantly expand recruitment efforts and matriculate
more talented students. Additionally, the new site will allow us to better accommodate
existing faculty and welcome new experts and instructors into the program.
- Improved educational programming: Our faculty and world-famous performers will be better able to guide the careers
of students and push artistry to a new level through innovation and exploration, while
developing the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed after graduation. Additionally,
the incorporation of new technology throughout the facility will encourage more guest
artist and conductor collaborations, connect students and instructors with programming
from top universities and conservatories in the world and allow our students to be
immersed in the latest trends and advances in music.
- Stronger public-private partnerships: A revamped Music Center provides an opportunity to strengthen existing partnerships
with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Opera Memphis and foster new relationships
with other local arts organizations that will enhance the student experience through
quality internships, mentorship programs and guest lecture series.
- Enhanced community offerings: Visitors to the new Music Center will find that it is an exceptional venue for experiencing outstanding performances by our students and faculty, as well as concerts from visiting artists.
In 2000, Honey and Rudi Scheidt made a transformational gift to the Music Department, which was renamed the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. More than 400 students are enrolled in 29 areas of concentration for bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees.
For more information about the School of Music, click here.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Chuck Gallina | cgallina@memphis.edu | 901.678.1756