Construction has begun on a new $7.89 million Piedmont College Conservatory of Music that will generate 20,750 square feet of space and help elevate the school’s music program to become one of the finest in the Southeast.
 
Workers are currently preparing a site adjacent to the Piedmont Chapel on Central Avenue for the project, which also includes the renovation of existing space on the lower level of the chapel. The conservatory’s two classrooms, concert hall, nine teaching studios, office space and grand foyer will be completed next fall.
 
Piedmont College’s degree programs in music performance, church music, music education, musical theatre and arts administration were begun in 1987.  Alumni of the program have been admitted to the finest graduate music programs in the country, and the college’s performing groups have achieved national acclaim.
 
“For more than three decades, our music program has produced graduates who have achieved world-class success and developed performing ensembles that have played throughout the nation,” said Piedmont College President James F. Mellichamp, who has served on the music faculty since 1982. “Now, we will have a facility that reflects our outstanding work.”
 
Mellichamp added that the college is grateful to the alumni, friends, corporations and foundations who have made gifts totaling over $7.5 million to date. College officials and alumni are raising funds to push the total across the finish line.
 
“In recent years, Piedmont has enrolled record classes and completed construction projects to enhance academic programs, student life and residential living,” said Thomas A. “Gus” Arrendale III, Chairman of the Piedmont College Board of Trustees. “The Music Conservatory will provide the finest instructional space for our students and signifies Piedmont’s growth and momentum.”
 
More than 200 Piedmont students participate in music academic programs, choirs and program. Beyond its impact on music scholars, the college serves the broader community by providing access to high-quality music and arts events in northeast Georgia. Each year, the music department hosts approximately 40 public concerts and recitals that are free to the community.
 
A single gift from a friend of the college is providing for the purchase of 22 new Steinway pianos.  As a result, Piedmont will become one of an elite group of all-Steinway schools.  This coupled with the new Conservatory building will enable Piedmont’s music program to achieve national accreditation, an achievement not possible with existing facilities.