Music, Media & Performing Arts
“This is clearly a place where people come alive through dance, through music, through acting. I saw huge commitment on the faces of these young people; wonderful talent giving themselves to us, the audience.”
Michael Morpurgo - Award-winning children’s writer
With professional dance studios, a recording and TV studio, plus tutors with industry experience, you’ll learn the tricks of the trade in preparation for your career. The Michael Morpurgo Theatre, HRC’s 140 seat performance theatre, will allow you to showcase your talents with the help of the latest lighting and sound technology.
You couldn't ask for more specialist equipment at your fingertips than we have here. Our Music studio boasts a 64 multi-track digital desk, a huge range of dynamic and condenser microphones, tube microphone preamp, Orange & Marshall amplifiers, three digital desks, an analogue desk for recording live performances and a sound-proofed vocal booth to reduce the noise level to -30 DBS. All the practice rooms are also equipped with full acoustic drum kits, keyboards and amplifiers.
In the Media department we have a fully-functioning TV studio, private editing facilities, Mac suites, broadcast-quality television production equipment, high-end filming equipment and a variety of professional post-production software.
As a Media student you will learn how to plan productions effectively, produce/direct them and enter the post-production stage to create a final polished piece of work. You will be able to work on individual projects as well as collaborating with other students and community groups/organisations to bring productions to life and experience different parts of the Media industry.
Our Media courses are industry recognised by ScreenSkills, the industry-led skills body for the UK's screen-based industries and carries the ScreenSkills Select quality-mark which indicates courses best suited to prepare students for a career in the screen industries. This endorsement means that students have exclusive access to industry networking events, support groups, mentorships and workshops as part of their time on the courses.
Work Experience
As a Performing Arts or Music student, you’ll gain vital work experience including working on matinées and evening performances at both The Michael Morpurgo Theatre and other local theatres. HRC's Performing Arts students regularly tour local schools with productions and have previously visited Princess Alexandra Hospital to entertain the children's ward.
Our HND Music students were also proud to manage recording sessions for Lee Thompson & The Silencerz on two tracks. Lee is best known as the saxophonist and founding member of the band Madness and was very impressed with the professionalism of the students. Our students are in good company, walking in the footsteps of alumni such as George Ezra.
The Music students are also regularly employed by the college to perform at events including annual awards ceremonies, fairs and open days, as well as working with theatres and music venues.
The Media department also has a great history of offering exciting and varied live briefs to students. A group of students recently worked with the HRC Marketing team to film an interview with Harlow MP Robert Halfon. Students in this area are also sought after by members of the community to film events, weddings and corporate videos. A great example of this is their partnership with Parcelforce. The students worked closely with a team from the company to devise, plan and produce films used for in-house security training.
Key Employability Skills
- Confidence
- Creative flair
- Good communication
- Team work
- Good memory
- Ability to manage time effectively
- Problem-solving
For more information on our courses contact the Information Team on 01992 411411 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
