An old mill building was to be rejuvenated by the sounds of music and young users. The project for the International music school gave new direction to this old industrial precinct. Rather than create the expected keeping in mind the experimental nature of the end-use an offbeat auditorium set the tone of the unexpected while avant-garde recording studio equipment was a given. These are supported by built-in faculty rooms, classes, recording studio with built in mixing and dubbing facilities and everything that the learning curve would demand of a music student. A rich traditional art and bohemian colour palette made the rooms vibrant as did the influx of natural light in the central transition spaces by the use of skylights. The latter build on the character of the original industrial building along with the high ceilings. The challenge of achieving a high level of technical control on the spaces considering the state of the old building was a challenge but achieved by sound detailing and various acoustic materials.