"God cares deeply about music making and reminds us often in Scripture of the power of music in proclaiming his message and offering him praise and worship,” says Dean of the Conservatory, Arts, and Communication Dr. Michael Wilder. “Music is a tool, an instrument, a language through which we proclaim the hope and love of Christ. Music is also integral to the fabric of our community of students, faculty, and the many others who are a part of Wheaton College.” 

Among the founding professors of Wheaton College was Freeborn Garretson Baker, professor of sacred music. From the College’s first year, music has been an integral part of Wheaton, and it continues to thrive to this day. The Conservatory of Music has maintained an average enrollment of more than 170 music majors per year during the past decade, with one in four undergraduate students participating in music courses, lessons, and ensembles. Upwards of 27,000 people attend musical events at the College annually. 

“The Conservatory’s professional-level expectations, training, and Wheaton’s solid liberal arts grounding—all within a thoroughly Christian context—provide one of the best academic and artistic environments a student might encounter anywhere,” says Dean Wilder. 

Yet in spite of a record of notable accomplishments, Wheaton’s Conservatory of Music has facilities that have long been recognized as in critical need of improvement. In addition, the National Association of Schools of Music reviews from past decades have cited the lack of adequate music facilities at Wheaton. 

Most of the current Conservatory of Music spaces suffer from inadequate climate control, poor sound isolation, and insufficient storage space. Many practice rooms are too small to adequately protect hearing or to offer optimal acoustics. Choral ensembles rehearse in spaces that are ill-suited for choral rehearsal; balance, intonation and other objectives of music interpretation and performance are not fully realized. Finally, the Conservatory currently operates in six different buildings across campus built from 1924-2008.

The new Performing Arts Center will house Wheaton’s Conservatory of Music and will allow for the achievement of a higher level of excellence than is possible within present facilities. Perhaps the most exciting addition will be a brand-new Concert Hall.

“With a seating capacity of 550, this venue will be the first space in the College’s history designed specifically for music making,” says Dean Wilder. “In its size, acoustical properties, and professional appointment, this space will be a vital asset for Wheaton College as well as the region and for visiting artists from all over the world.”

The new arts building design features a recital hall venue for 110 audience members as well as larger teaching studios, practice rooms, opera/music theater rehearsal spaces, recording studios, chamber music rooms, a choral rehearsal hall, a spacious lobby, and academic instructional spaces.

“With this new facility located right in the middle of campus, the hope is that it will clearly invite musical participation and artistic engagement of all students, staff, and faculty, representing an investment that will serve generations of students,” says Dean Wilder. “The building will be a highly professionalized space that clearly communicates that we have prepared a very special place for artistic experience and for music making, studying, and listening, all to the praise of our most high God.”