Polk State Music students perform and record at Full Sail University

Polk State College Music students recently took their learning beyond the classroom during a visit to Full Sail University, where they performed and recorded in a professional studio. The experience offered valuable insight into both the creative and technical sides of the music industry, as well as a firsthand look at the studio setting faculty and staff aspire to replicate in Polk State’s Winter Haven Fine Arts (WFA) Building.

The opportunity allowed students to engage directly with industry-level equipment and workflows while gaining exposure to potential academic and career pathways. For many, it was their first time in a professional recording environment.

“The opportunities you get here [at Polk State] are really valuable,” student Joshua Castro said. “[The program] has taught me a lot of things about myself as a musician but also about life.”

A member of the Polk State Jazz Band, Castro added that his passion for music is rooted in the sense of community it creates. The Jazz Band recorded at Full Sail along with the Polk State Symphonic Band. Students called it an eye-opening experience.

“Just going there and being able to learn new things that I didn’t know [helped me] see how this could work into my future,” said student Kenuel Abiles.

Polk State offers the Associate in Arts degree with transfer intents in several areas, including music, theatre and visual arts. General education courses paired with world-class training in The Arts prepare students to transfer seamlessly to a four-year university, such as Full Sail, to continue their art education and careers.

At Polk State, faculty and staff advise students that their education does not need to stop here.

“I would encourage other students to be part of the Polk State Music Program because it’s a stepping stone to where you want to go,” Castro said. “It’s a good start to get to your future.”

Faculty and staff also benefited from the visit as they research the potential development of a recording studio in the WFA Building, which has undergone significant renovations and serves as a state-of-the-art facility for music and art students. They observed professional studio layouts, equipment and processes firsthand, bringing back ideas and best practices for future planning.

“We are dedicated to experiential learning opportunities both on campus and through external partnerships,” Professor of Music Tom Witek said. “These opportunities allow students to better understand the expectations of advanced study and creative careers.”

By combining classroom instruction, performance experience and exposure to professional settings, Polk State continues to provide students in The Arts with meaningful opportunities to explore their interests, build skills and create careers. More information is available online at polk.edu/the-arts and by emailing twitek@polk.edu.