Music Building Updates: Enhanced Acoustics and Practice Spaces

Even amidst Utah’s drastic shifts in weather, construction workers on the east side of BYU campus are continuing their work on the new School of Music building. This new building will come with special acoustic features. “The Concert Hall will be a very unique performance space because it is built to amplify the sound out into the audience. We do not have to use microphones to carry the sound artificially around the auditorium,” said Associate Dean Rory Scanlon. “Our audiences will be thrilled to find the acoustic range built into all the music spaces for performances.” The construction workers attending to the building are using a unique cement pouring technique and hollow wall systems to prevent sound transference between rooms. “While we have had to rely frequently on amplified sound within our current performance halls, this new building is being built to support sound naturally so the audience can hear the music as originally performed,” said Scanlon. In addition to the improved acoustics, plans for the music building include a large lobby with seating for students to lounge in, as well as a small stage for ‘music at midday,’ a tradition in the HFAC.

“There will be more access to musical instruments overall to enhance music students’ education,” said Scanlon. View the progress of the building’s construction through live footage.