As we have officially rung in the New Year, many are looking forward to new beginnings. For the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, that beginning is the Scheidt Family Music Center.
Ground broke on the new construction project this past fall, with the expected opening in 2022.
At 40,000 sq. ft, the Scheidt Family Music Center will be double the size of the current music building; enabling the ever-growing program to continue its upward trajectory. The larger building will offer more stage space, high-capacity seating, more rehearsal spaces, classrooms and modern laboratories. It also features significant enhancements in technology and acoustics.
The design team responsible for the Scheidt Family Music Center consists of Memphis-based companies Archimania and Fleming Architects, and Chicago-based theater designer Schuler Shook. Some of Archimania’s recent work can be seen at the new Midtown location for Ballet Memphis. Schuler Shook, who also worked on the Ballet Memphis location, will be helping with the acoustics in the new music center.
The Scheidt Family Music Center will provide a plethora of opportunities for the School of Music, not just for students but the city at large through community engagement. The new music center will provide an opportunity for the School of Music to strengthen existing relations with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Opera Memphis, as well as foster new relationships with other local arts groups. This venue will provide a high-quality performance space that will be beneficial for the students, as well for visiting artists.
“The new Scheidt Family Music Center will be such an amazing addition to our city’s musical life. It will be the destination for music in our entire region,” said Professor Mary Wilson, Professor of Voice at The University of Memphis.
As the only doctoral degree-granting Music program in Tennessee the University of Memphis sets the standard for music education in the Mid-South, and with this new building sets the standard even higher than before.
“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.”
“We have a terrific School of Music, and with this additional building and all the resources it will contain for our students, the sky is the limit,” said Dr. Kyle Ferrill, Professor of Voice at the University of Memphis.
If you wish to help contribute to the Schiedt Family Music Center project, contact Laura Hall for more information.