10 Things to Know About the TCU Music Center and Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU

The TCU Music Center is an invaluable new asset to the School of Music. In addition to housing the world-class Van Cliburn Concert Hall at TCU (VCCH at TCU), the TCU Music Center provides state-of-the-art rehearsal rooms and learning resources for TCU’s band, orchestra and percussion programs.

Ahead of the School of Music’s April 2022 celebrations to mark the TCU Music Center and VCCH at TCU grand opening, get acquainted with this shining jewel in Fort Worth’s cultural crown.

1. The TCU Music Center has transformed the east side of campus, joining the Mary Couts Burnett Library, J.M. Moudy Visual Arts and Communication Building, Rees-Jones Hall and Fine Arts Building to develop the Creative Commons where students can enjoy new green space and common areas, much like the Campus Commons on the campus’ west side.

2. The Orchestra Rehearsal Hall is the first dedicated rehearsal space for the TCU Symphony Orchestra in its 100-plus-year history.

3. Designed as a box within a box, the Percussion Studio’s suite isolates sound transmission and ensures the rehearsal rooms are acoustically independent.

4. The Band Rehearsal Hall is the largest “classroom” on campus at 5,000 square feet. When health and safety guidelines allow, the entire 200-plus-member Horned Frog Marching Band can practice inside together for the first time ever.

5. Six open practice rooms on the second floor feature scheduling panels so students can reserve private space to rehearse individually. The Percussion Suite includes six more dedicated practice rooms on the first floor.

6. The TCU Music Center serves hundreds of music majors and hundreds more non-music majors. It even has a dedicated lounge for students to spend their downtime on campus.

7. Named for the legendary pianist and Fort Worth native, the VCCH at TCU honors Van Cliburn’s many contributions to classical music. Notably, the 16th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition will hold its preliminary and quarterfinal round concerts at the VCCH at TCU.

8. With thanks to The Cliburn and TCU Special Collections, you can learn about Cliburn’s career and impact in the interactive Van Cliburn Life & Legacy Exhibit located on the second floor. The exhibit features an interactive touchscreen and memorabilia, including his Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award and Presidential Medal of Freedom. You can also enjoy an interactive virtual experience on the Van Cliburn Life & Legacy website.

9. The impressive, yet intimate, VCCH at TCU has 717 seats—each offering an extraordinary acoustic experience—and you can put your name on one via the School of Music’s Seat Campaign.

10.  If you see a ring of light glowing from the crown of the TCU Music Center building, you’ll know it is performance night at the VCCH at TCU.

Check the online TCU calendar to join the School of Music at an upcoming performance at the VCCH at TCU.