Anonymous donor funds professional music studio at Tulane

The Newcomb Department of Music in the Tulane School of Liberal Arts will soon have its first professional level music recording studio and production space thanks to support from an anonymous donor and the Undergraduate Student Government.

The space will be located in Dixon Hall on the uptown campus where both students and faculty will have access to the new isolated recording space and professional recording control room. 

Plans are in place to turn a former band rehearsal hall into a 21st-century facility.  Along with acoustic and HVAC improvements, the studio will be furnished with cutting-edge equipment for music recording, production, mixing and editing. Proposed capabilities for the new space include the ability to record ensembles with professional level microphones and pre-amplifiers in up to 24 individual channels and the mixing of projects in surround sound. 

“I may have a passion for finance, but I am also interested in music. Having a music studio will allow me to explore that interest.”

Harrison Eisberg, Tulane sophomore

Both students and faculty are extremely excited about the project and the impact it will have on music education at Tulane and the city.

Rick Snow, professor of practice in the Newcomb Department of Music, said the renovation will create a space on par with some of the best music studios in the city.

“This resource has the potential to be a destination music studio for a city and university overflowing with musical talent,” said Snow.

Students agree. 

Jasmine Davidson, a sophomore double majoring in communication and music believes the music studio will be a way to celebrate music and expression.

“It will give any student at Tulane an opportunity to create a professional recording," said Davidson.

And this goes for students in schools outside of liberal arts as well.

“At Tulane it is important for students to take classes in every school,” said Harrison Eisberg a sophomore who majors in finance. “This allows you to explore your interests. I may have a passion for finance, but I am also interested in music. Having a music studio will allow me to explore that interest.”

The anonymous donor has issued a $250,000 matching challenge grant. Additional donations will pay for teaching, equipment upgrades, operations and upkeep of the music recording studio.

To contribute, visit the Wavestarter page for this project or contact Kassie Cosgrove at kcosgrove@tulane.edu.