The building was created by the architectural firm Saucier + Perrotte Architectes, in association with Menkès Shooner Dagenais LeTourneux and began construction after the music program celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2004.

[9] The first floor comprises a spacious lobby with a mezzanine, and the Tanna Schulich Hall, an intimate performance venue with seating for 187 people.

He said, originally in French, "It is as if the McGill campus is playing the role of a geological plate that moves the urban grid, which is accentuated by the design of the building."

The east facade is clad in black and grey zinc, with long strip windows, and a large glazed opening into the library entry space.

[13] The west facade is made up of matte and polished aluminum which reflects the Strathcona Building adjacent to it, while a series of punched windows evoke the music rolls of antique mechanical pianos.

The front facade, which faces south toward Sherbrooke Street, is made almost entirely of glass, allowing ample daylight into the lobby, libraries and conference spaces.