• The first floor of the Billman Music Pavilion will come to life thanks to a generous contribution from Byron and Dolores Cook. image

    The first floor of the Billman Music Pavilion will come to life thanks to a generous contribution from Byron and Dolores Cook.

  • The Percussion Area will move from the basement to an 870 sq ft. two-story rehearsal hall, thanks to Marcella Schalon’s generous support to name this transformational space. image

    The Percussion Area will move from the basement to an 870 sq ft. two-story rehearsal hall, thanks to Marcella Schalon’s generous support to name this transformational space.

  • For the first time, the College of Music will have a courtyard and lobby for events and networking, thanks to the generosity of Drs. Lou A. and Roy J. Simon. image

    For the first time, the College of Music will have a courtyard and lobby for events and networking, thanks to the generosity of Drs. Lou A. and Roy J. Simon.

  • Room 120, the only large ensemble rehearsal hall, will be transformed into the Selma and Stanley Hollander Vocal Arts Hall for Choral/Opera and Student Recitals. image

    Room 120, the only large ensemble rehearsal hall, will be transformed into the Selma and Stanley Hollander Vocal Arts Hall for Choral/Opera and Student Recitals.

  • A view from West Circle Drive of the new Billman Music Pavilion, named in recognition of lead donor Dr. James K. Billman, Jr. image

    A view from West Circle Drive of the new Billman Music Pavilion, named in recognition of lead donor Dr. James K. Billman, Jr.

  • The MSU Jazz Studies Program will be enhanced with premier rehearsal and performance facilities, thanks to Craig and Lisa Murray's generous support to name this dynamic space. image

    The MSU Jazz Studies Program will be enhanced with premier rehearsal and performance facilities, thanks to Craig and Lisa Murray's generous support to name this dynamic space.

    The Billman Music Pavilion

    MSU College of Music holiday video 

    Heading into 2020, the MSU College of Music debuted a holiday greeting uniting old with new in “Gather Together,” a unique 360° version of video and ambisonic sound featuring a special Spartan rendition of Auld Lang Syne, sung in the Simon Courtyard between the Music Building and the Billman Music Pavilion. See video on YouTube.

    The Billman Music Pavilion will rocket the college forward by adding 37,000 square feet of new space to the existing Music Building and renovating another 8,500 square feet in MSU music facilities. Many individuals have collectively worked very hard toward a long-term incremental facilities improvement plan that will serve students, faculty, staff, and the broader community well into the future. We have realized a new Cook Recital Hall, renovated Fairchild Theatre, and now this new facility and renovated space in the Music and Music Practice buildings will enhance our student learning with advanced acoustical engineering and custom designed spaces within a climate-controlled environment.

    Music Pavilion Increases facility by more than 40%

    • 37,000 sq. feet of new space with 8,500 sq. feet of renovated space
    • $35 million project with a goal of $17.5 million privately raised dollars and $17.5 million provided by the University
    • Construction Manager: The Christman Company; Architect: Bora Architects; Acoustician: Kirkegaard Associates
       

    Construction time-line and milestone dates:

    • June 2018 Construction begins
    • September 2018 Completion of Hart Recital Hall demolition
    • October 19, 2018 Groundbreaking Celebration
    • September 2019 Music Building room 120 renovations complete
    • September 2019 Billman Music Pavilion shell construction complete
    • April 2020 Billman Music Pavilion addition complete and dedication ceremony
    • July 2020 Existing facility renovations complete
       

    With thanks to all those who have led this ambitious project - particularly the ongoing support of private donors, whose contributions foster our bold vision for the future - we invite you to follow along on our journey through stories and video and share in the excitement of this new day in Music at Michigan State University.

    Lead and Major Donors

    James K. Billman
    Lead donor, Music Pavilion

    Craig and Lisa Murray
    Performance and Rehearsal Hall
    Outdoor Terrace

    Dick and Ruth Charles
    Atrium Lobby

    Byron and Dolores Cook
    First floor of the Billman Music Pavilion

    Selma and Stanley Hollander
    Vocal Arts Hall for Choral/Opera & Student Recitals

    Marcie Schalon
    Percussion Rehearsal Hall

    Drs. Lou A. and Roy J. Simon
    Outdoor Courtyard

    Billman Music Pavilion Giving                                              Billman Music Pavilion News