Performing Arts
Develop your creative potential through the Performing Arts.
The Dance, Music, and Theatre, academic programs in HCC's Liberal Studies Division are committed to helping you develop your individual creativity and artistic viewpoint.
In this department, you are provided a solid foundation of theory and technique, exposure to aesthetic and cultural diversity, collaborative skills, practical experience on and off the stage, and ample opportunities for performance. The learning process is strengthened by faculty who are both excellent teachers and practicing artists, and who know what it's like to develop artistically, meet deadlines, and juggle responsibilities.
Dance
HCC’s associate degree in Dance Performance prepares students for transfer to a four-year university bachelor’s program in dance. Our Dance Program produces and hosts multiple events each season:
- The Dance Faculty Showcase, which features the choreographed work and performance of HCC dance faculty members and choreographed work and performance of HCC students
- The Howard County Dance Festival, which provides opportunities for local dancers to learn, share, and enjoy their craft
- The HCC Dance Company Concert, which features choreographed work of guest artists and instructors, creating dance pieces for HCC students
- Howard Community College is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance.
Music
No matter your age, abilities, or background, HCC is a sound choice to study and create music for a lifetime. Whether you're interested in music education, history, performance, or even music technology, start by checking out one of our fast-growing music program at HCC. The Music Department has earned a reputation in the local and regional music community for excellence, opportunity, and value. Here are some of the reasons why we can help you reach for your dreams:
- Our outstanding faculty are both experienced, caring teachers and accomplished, active musicians.
- We host leading-edge instructional facilities, including soundproof teaching studios, digital music labs, and practice rooms with virtual venue acoustics from cathedrals to arenas.
- We offer live performance experiences in student ensemble or spotlight concerts on campus in the acoustically-engineered 119-seat Monteabaro Recital Hall of the Horowitz Visual and Performing Arts Center, in college theatre productions, or off-campus orchestras and competitions.
- You can enjoy immersive opportunities for learning and networking with professional musicians through the department's Music Concert Series featuring performances and master classes from internationally-acclaimed guest artists, an extensive schedule of faculty concerts, and community partners.
- Our curriculum is designed for transfer to a bachelor's degree or conservatory music program. Many HCC music students have continued their studies at prestigious institutions including Peabody Conservatory, Longy School of Music of Bard College, and the Shenandoah University Conservatory.
- You can participate in The Music Institute, a noncredit community music school for all ages to receive expert instruction from department faculty through private lessons, beginner classes, various ensembles and choirs, and operatic training.
- We are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Theatre
The Theatre Department presents a variety of performances showcasing students throughout the year, including fall and spring plays and musicals, touring children’s theatre, showcases, and outdoor Shakespeare performances. For theatre majors, the Theatre Associate of Arts Transfer Degree is designed for students intending to complete a bachelor's degree. HCC’s theatre program is nationally accredited through the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST).
A letter of recognition in Theatre/Performance is awarded for students who have demonstrated basic competencies in the area of theatre performance through a series of designated courses,
For more on the available programs, see the following: