Hackley Opens New Recording Studio

Tarrytown, N.Y.

Hackley School has opened a new recording studio, expanding the creative possibilities available to students on the Hilltop: a dedicated, professional-quality space to develop original work and give student ideas new ways to be heard.

Located in the Allen Center for the Creative Arts and Technology, the studio was designed to support learning across Hackley. Entire classes are slated to use the space, while individual students and smaller groups are already pursuing faculty-supported projects. Because the studio is not tied to any one course or program, it can serve a wide range of academic and extracurricular interests.

The studio was made possible through the generosity of parents Charles and Rachel Song P ’28, whose support helped realize Hackley’s vision for student creativity and connection. “We are grateful to be part of the Hackley community,” shared Charles and Rachel. ”We hope this studio becomes a place where students and teachers can test ideas, tell their stories and start conversations that can lead to deeper connections.” 

“What excites me most about this space is the opportunity for students to make it their own,” said Charles Franklin, Head of School. “Here, students will explore ideas and learn from one another. The communication and analytical skills they will build are essential to their overall development, and I am incredibly grateful to the Songs for helping us create this opportunity for our students.”

The studio can also support student-led podcasts and clubs, along with projects connected to classroom learning and other aspects of school life.

Among the first projects underway is Hackley’s first school-wide podcast, hosted by Mr. Franklin. The first episode brings Mr. Franklin together with three members of the Senior class for a conversation about their Hackley experiences and perspectives on student leadership. A second episode broadens the discussion, bringing Hackley’s division leaders together to consider leadership across the School. The podcast is one early example of what the recording studio makes possible. 

Beginning Oct. 5, 2026, Enter Here: The Hackley Podcast will be available to watch on YouTube and listen to on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.