Chicago Musical College

In 1871, the conservatory moved to a new building which was destroyed only a few weeks later by the Great Chicago Fire; despite the conflagration, the college was again up and running by the end of the year.

One hundred and twenty-five names appeared on the faculty roster for that year, and the school opened three dormitory floors for students.

All operations moved to join the university in the now–national landmark Auditorium Building at 430 South Michigan Avenue in Chicago's Loop.

The building houses one of the finest auditoriums in the world, in addition to the Rudolph Ganz Memorial Recital Hall.

In 2000, under the leadership of new dean James Gandre, the name was changed to Chicago College of Performing Arts.