Liberty University’s new 130,000 sf School of Music and Concert Hall is situated at the ceremonial head of the growing campus’ new arts quad. For the first time in the University’s history, the departments of music and performing arts and worship have been co-located in the same building, consolidating various academic programs into what is now the 7th largest music program in the country.

The new 1,600 seat, state-of-the-art concert hall serves as the centerpiece of the campus’ burgeoning music program. Supporting a music program that encompasses a dynamic spectrum of musical pedagogy, the Concert Hall is well-suited for both orchestra performances and amplified worship acts. Conceived as a finely-tuned, wood-lined chamber for natural acoustic musical performances, the Hall can also be configured to support a wide range of amplified events through sound dampening measures that can be deployed throughout the chamber.

Liberty University’s new 130,000 sf School of Music and Concert Hall is situated at the ceremonial head of the growing campus’ new arts quad. For the first time in the University’s history, the departments of music and performing arts and worship have been co-located in the same building, consolidating various academic programs into what is now the 7th largest music program in the country.

The new 1,600 seat, state-of-the-art concert hall serves as the centerpiece of the campus’ burgeoning music program. Supporting a music program that encompasses a dynamic spectrum of musical pedagogy, the Concert Hall is well-suited for both orchestra performances and amplified worship acts. Conceived as a finely-tuned, wood-lined chamber for natural acoustic musical performances, the Hall can also be configured to support a wide range of amplified events through sound dampening measures that can be deployed throughout the chamber.

Cutting-edge digital technology enables Liberty to alter the acoustical properties of the room to suit any event taking place, from soloists and orchestras to large praise bands. A three-stop orchestra pit, custom immersive lighting, and integrated A/V design allows for flexible configuration and, in particular, permits the lower parterre to be configured as a large lecture space when musical performances are not scheduled. The hall’s size and unparalleled flexibility make it well-positioned to become the region’s premier venue for many years to come.

Students and instructors from a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs meet and collaborate in a range of learning spaces, including: individual practice modules, small group practice rooms, teaching studios, commons rooms, traditional classrooms, and choral, percussion, and band practice rooms – each painstakingly designed to produce the perfect physical space for musical performance.



Cutting-edge digital technology enables Liberty to alter the acoustical properties of the room to suit any event taking place, from soloists and orchestras to large praise bands. A three-stop orchestra pit, custom immersive lighting, and integrated A/V design allows for flexible configuration and, in particular, permits the lower parterre to be configured as a large lecture space when musical performances are not scheduled. The hall’s size and unparalleled flexibility make it well-positioned to become the region’s premier venue for many years to come.

Students and instructors from a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs meet and collaborate in a range of learning spaces, including: individual practice modules, small group practice rooms, teaching studios, commons rooms, traditional classrooms, and choral, percussion, and band practice rooms – each painstakingly designed to produce the perfect physical space for musical performance.



Students and instructors from a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs meet and collaborate in a range of learning spaces, including: individual practice modules, small group practice rooms, teaching studios, commons rooms, traditional classrooms, and choral, percussion, and band practice rooms – each painstakingly designed to produce the perfect physical space for musical performance.

The Concert Hall and School of Music's significant central location on campus gives the program a new sense of allure and helps to promote and publicize the arts within the University community. The design encourages students and visitors alike to explore and participate in the various musical activities housed throughout the building by opening performance spaces to public view. A generous multi-level promenade stitches together the main building’s public spaces and academic programs, while indoor/outdoor connections integrate the vibrant life of the building into the landscape and campus beyond.

The Concert Hall and School of Music's significant central location on campus gives the program a new sense of allure and helps to promote and publicize the arts within the University community. The design encourages students and visitors alike to explore and participate in the various musical activities housed throughout the building by opening performance spaces to public view. A generous multi-level promenade stitches together the main building’s public spaces and academic programs, while indoor/outdoor connections integrate the vibrant life of the building into the landscape and campus beyond.

A generous multi-level promenade stitches together the main building’s public spaces and academic programs.
Students and instructors from a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs meet and collaborate in a range of learning spaces, including: individual practice modules, small group practice rooms, teaching studios, commons rooms, traditional classrooms, and choral, percussion, and band practice rooms – each painstakingly designed to produce the perfect physical space for musical performance.

Anchoring the academic wings of the School of Music are the 250 seat band room and the stepped 150 seat choir recital room – featuring carefully-tuned spaces for practice and performance. Instructors in each of the School’s five specialty areas – voice, guitar, piano, instrumental, and songwriting – work out of sound-isolated teaching studios that allow for the small group instruction so fundamental to music education. These studios are arranged around associated commons spaces, where larger groups from each of the specialty areas can gather to practice and study.

Four 40 person classrooms support the more traditional learning objectives of the music program and can be scheduled by the University for classes outside of the School of Music. In addition to the main concert hall, two recital rooms (100 and 50 seats respectively) provide professional-caliber listening and recording spaces that can be used for both academic purposes as well as more intimate public shows. A space for recording is provided and will be outfitted at a later date.

Anchoring the academic wings of the School of Music are the 250 seat band room and the stepped 150 seat choir recital room – featuring carefully-tuned spaces for practice and performance. Instructors in each of the School’s five specialty areas – voice, guitar, piano, instrumental, and songwriting – work out of sound-isolated teaching studios that allow for the small group instruction so fundamental to music education. These studios are arranged around associated commons spaces, where larger groups from each of the specialty areas can gather to practice and study.

Four 40 person classrooms support the more traditional learning objectives of the music program and can be scheduled by the University for classes outside of the School of Music. In addition to the main concert hall, two recital rooms (100 and 50 seats respectively) provide professional-caliber listening and recording spaces that can be used for both academic purposes as well as more intimate public shows. A space for recording is provided and will be outfitted at a later date.

Anchoring the academic wings of the School of Music are the 250 seat band room and the stepped 150 seat choir recital room – featuring carefully-tuned spaces for practice and performance.
Anchoring the academic wings of the School of Music are the 250 seat band room and the stepped 150 seat choir recital room – featuring carefully-tuned spaces for practice and performance.
A generous multi-level promenade stitches together the main building’s public spaces and academic programs.

The Concert Hall has exceeded our expectations in every way. Acoustically, it is world class. The diversity of the hall as a multi-purpose space provides the opportunity to use the room in practical teaching application and professional presentation on a daily basis. It is a truly remarkable venue for classical and commercial music presentation. We are thrilled to call the space our home.

– Vernon Whaley Dean of the School of Music

Client: Liberty University

Location: Lynchburg, VA

Discipline: Arts

Completion: 2016

Size: 130,000 SF

Awards Received

2018 Interior Design Merit Award
AIA Virginia

2018 Interior Design Excellence Award: First Place Educational/Institutional
IIDA Virginia/West Virginia

2016 Project of the Year - Class III
Steel Erectors Association of America

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