Montana Melody
Renovations to Ensure Historic Music Building Remains Center of Education, Performance and Community
The first space dedicated to the study of music on the University of Montana campus opened in 1914 and consisted of a single room on the third floor of Main Hall too small to fit a piano.
Today, after more than a century of growth, the University’s School of Music is part of its College of the Arts and Media, and it occupies more prominent real estate.
The current Music Building, with its distinctive grand piano shape and louvered limestone exterior walls resembling piano keys, is one of the most visited academic facilities on campus. Each semester, it serves roughly 200 music majors, along with hundreds of non-major students. Throughout the year it also hosts live performance events as well as state, national and international competitions, festivals and music camps.
But the building is in need of crucial renovations. While important improvements were completed in 2021 — the first updates since its opening in 1953 — additional upgrades are still necessary to fully meet contemporary and future needs.
Now, an effort is underway to continue modernizing this essential space, guaranteeing it remains home to a thriving group of talented student musicians, educators and critical thinkers, and continues to serve as a vital hub for innovative music education and cultural connection in Montana and beyond.
This priority initiative for UM comes on the heels of those major 2021 improvements, made possible after leadership gifts from three generous donor families — the McCammon family, Diana and Richard Nash and Sue Talbot. Their giving helped to expand and update disability access, capacity, practice room amenities and safety features.
“For many, the Music Building serves as the front door to the University of Montana,” said Dr. Jennifer Cavanaugh, Dean of the College of the Arts and Media, “welcoming countless students for their first experience on a college campus, providing a vibrant home for music majors, minors and non-majors alike, and serving as a cultural gathering place for the Missoula community and the region.”
Additional planned enhancements will renew and reimagine state-of-the-art rehearsal, education and performance spaces.
The campaign seeks to inspire $7.25 million in private giving to unlock a $7.25 million match from the 2025 Montana State Legislature. Together, this public-private partnership will make the building more comfortable, accessible, collaborative and empowering for students, performers and citizens of all ages.
Music has long served as a bridge between campus and the larger community. The continued support of loyal donors will ensure the Music Building remains a center for education, performance and creative expression — a place where the School of Music encourages students to explore future careers, faculty to foster excellence and people to celebrate how music connects us all.
Needed renovations include:
• Modernized acoustic design and increased access to the Music Recital Hall
• New Music Recital Hall audio, video and lighting equipment
• Lobby expansion and aesthetic enhancement
• Classroom upgrades, including integrated audio and visual systems, flexible furnishings, new windows and light fixtures, and enhanced soundproofing
• Increased sound isolation between floor levels
• Improved soundproofing, safety and accessibility in student practice rooms
To support the Music Building renovations campaign, contact Kia Liszak, Director of Development for the College of the Arts and Media, at 406-243-7466 or kia.liszak@supportum.org.