Hurtwood attracts a vast amount of musical talent because of the outstanding opportunities it affords. Elaborately staged concerts and musical showcases give singers and instrumentalists the opportunity to perform with professional musicians in front of audiences which often include agents and record companies. More than a hundred of our students take instrument and singing lessons; many of them write and perform their own material; and many a musical career has started here (including that of one famous Oscar winner!).  On the technical side, students have the opportunity to hone their skills as part of the Sound Crew for productions, which includes everything from Sound Design to operating the Front Of House mixing desk.   

Academically, the school’s focus is on Music Technology. It has one of the best-equipped and highest performing departments in the country, with four purpose-built digital recording studios including 2 Pro Tools systems with Control 24 mixing surfaces.  Equipped to professional standards with industry-standard soundproofing, acoustically-treated walls, floating floors and magnetically-sealed doors, these facilities provide a truly professional working environment.  There is also a dedicated MIDI/Audio editing suite with its own PC network running industry-standard sequencing and audio software. Here students can develop their composing and arranging skills and write music for film and television.

Students are given every opportunity to explore their creative talents and are constantly challenged to improve by the dynamic environment created in the department.  Industry professionals abound and their experience brings a cutting edge to both the teaching and the performing.