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The MacPhail Center for Music will move into its new flagship building next month, near the Mill City Museum and the Guthrie Theater in downtown Minneapolis. 

Teachers, administrators and various community supporters have been getting a sneak preview of the new facility to see what they have to look forward to when it opens to the public on Jan.  5, 2008. 

The new $25 million school has a six-story tower with 56 studios, as well as a state-of-the-art performance hall. Other features include a new recording space, small performance areas,  and facilities to meet the needs of the school's Suzuki and music therapy programs. 

The MacPhail's current home is an old building on LaSalle St. near Orchestra Hall, where it's been for the past 87 years. Paul Babcock, MacPhail's executive vice president, says that building is too small and too outdated to meet the school's growing needs. 

Among the more mundane improvements are better temperature and humidity control, and parking spaces for staff and guests. 

The new building is specifically designed for music education and performance, with enhanced acoustics and technology.  

Classical Minnesota Public Radio host Julie Amacher recently toured the new MacPhail building with a group of staff members and contributors. Vice President Paul Babcock was the tour guide.

Gallery

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Violin teacher Mary West "kept it beautiful"

MacPhail Center for Music breaks new ground

Cathy Wurzer and Dominic Papatola discuss the new Macphail Center

Julie Amacher

Author

The MacPhail Center for Music will move into its new flagship building next month, near the Guthrie Theater in downtown Minneapolis. MPR's Julie Amacher recently took a tour of the state-of-the-art facility.

Describes the construction of the new school

Paul Babcock describes the building's unique construction

Describes the construction of the piano studio.

MacPhail Music Center director Paul Babcock

Talks about the acoustic doors on the practice studios.

Describes features of the new performance hall.

New MacPhail Center closer to opening

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