The Hugh A. Glauser School of Music is preparing to undergo a major renovation project with hopes of creating collaborative spaces for its students, prepping and finalizing a multi-stage construction project plan. 

“We have talked with the contractors and architects,” said Director of the School of Music Sarah Labovitz. “Each member of the team has their design ideas, and they all have a common goal, to make the space better for our students.” 

Renovating the D and E corridors is the biggest part of the project. The hope is to turn the corridor into a common area for the music students. 

“Music is a creative endeavor,” she said. “Creative folks are more inspired when they are in an atmosphere that promotes creativity. We need to have a place for our students to feel inspired that is outside of the classroom.”

Students can utilize the area for a multitude of activities including studying, congregating with peers or just having a place to sit in between classes, Labovitz said. 

“There are materials original to the building that have withstood the test of time,” she said. “We’re not going to be replacing those things, we’re just improving on what is already there.” 

The Board of Trustees approved one million dollars to be allocated toward the renovation. The estimated completion date of the construction is in the summer of 2024. 

Megan Dawson, project manager for the office of the University of Architecture, is overseeing the renovation project.

She works directly between the school of music and the design-build team to help formulate the scope of the project. An architect, contractor, interior designer and team of engineers will create this new vision for the school of music, Dawson said.

“When you walk through the school it looks outdated, you can tell it’s been quite a long time since there have been major renovations,” she said. “Small items have been upgraded here and there however, I think this is the first time the school will be getting updated to this extent.  

Dawson is excited for the students to make use of the new space upon its completion. 

“We are looking to be as efficient as we can, with the dollars that we have, to touch as many areas as we can and bring the school of music new life,” she said.      

Abigail Kinney is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].