School of Music Timeline

1886
D.W. Coolidge, professor of music, piano, organ, and harmony, begins one person department of music with thirty-one piano students and two organ students. Tuition: $8 per term.

1900
School of Music is established, offering bachelor’s degrees. Most classes are held in Friendly Hall, also the university’s dormitory.

1921
For the first time, music faculty has its own building, including a recital hall (currently known as Beall Hall) designed by Ellis F. Lawrence, architect and founder of the UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts.

1951
South wing added to the Music Building for offices, studios, and classrooms.

1967
Chamber Music Series founded by School of Music professor Edmund Cykler.

1969
Oregon Bach Festival cofounded by School of Music professor Royce Saltzman and conductor Helmuth Rilling.

1973
Internationally renowned Jürgen Ahrend organ completed. Recital hall named Beall Hall in honor of Robert Vinton Beall, whose bequest funded construction of the organ.

1978
North and east wings added to the building for rehearsal and practice rooms, offices, and studios.

1996
Beall Hall renovation and new seat campaign completed.

2001
Legislative bonding approved for a $15.2 million building renovation and expansion, with $7.6 million to be raised from private sources.