A Stage for Excellence
Here at Washburn University we possess some of the finest performance venues and music technology labs in the country. White Concert Hall, and The James Hurd Recital Hall are considered to be two of the best live acoustical performances facilities throughout the United States. These venues are equipped with the latest technologies and provide exceptional musical settings for all types of performances and audiences. Our music technology labs provide students with the opportunities to develop skills in piano, experience the latest music writing platforms, and explore music education software.
Garvey Fine Arts Center
The Garvey Fine Arts Center serves as the cultural hub for the arts in Topeka. Home to Washburn University’s Departments of Music & Theatre and Art, as well as the Mulvane Art Museum, the center is a vibrant destination for artistic expression, education, and community engagement. The facility features some of the region’s premier performance and exhibition venues and hosts a wide range of university and civic events. The Garvey Fine Arts Center is also home to the Topeka Symphony Orchestra and the internationally recognized Sunflower Music Festival, making it a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape.
Elliot Hill White Concert Hall
White Concert Hall is the centerpiece of Washburn University’s Garvey Fine Arts Center. With seating for more than 1,200 patrons, the hall is widely regarded as one of the finest acoustical performance venues in the country and has earned a reputation for exceptional sound quality and audience experience. White Concert Hall serves as the primary performance venue for the Department of Music & Theatre and is home to the Topeka Symphony Orchestra, the internationally acclaimed Sunflower Music Festival, and a wide variety of university, community, and civic events. Its elegant design and outstanding acoustics make it a premier destination for performers and audiences alike.
James Hurd Recital Hall
James Hurd Recital Hall is the newest performance venue in Washburn University’s Garvey Fine Arts Center. This intimate 180-seat hall is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and offers exceptional acoustics ideally suited for chamber music, solo recitals, lectures, and other small ensemble performances. Its distinctive design and flexible configuration accommodate a variety of performance settings, creating a unique and engaging experience for both performers and audiences. The hall's close proximity between stage and seating fosters a personal connection, allowing for an immersive and memorable artistic experience.
Music Technology Lab
The Music Technology Lab is a state-of-the-art instructional space designed to support both classroom learning and individual creative projects. The lab is equipped with 17 Yamaha full-size electronic keyboards and Macintosh computers, providing students with access to modern music technology resources. A Yamaha group education controller and individual headset stations allow instructors to communicate seamlessly with individual students, small groups, or the entire class, creating an efficient and interactive learning environment. A large display connected to the instructor workstation enables the presentation of instructional materials and demonstrations. The Music Technology Lab serves as a versatile facility for group piano instruction, music technology coursework, and a wide range of student projects.
White Concert Hall
Music Events
GET IN TOUCH WITH The Department of Music & Theatre
Music Program
Garvey Fine Arts Center, Room 211
Washburn University
1700 SW College Ave.
Topeka, KS 66621
Phone & Email
785.670.1511
music.theatre@washburn.edu
