A project two-and-a-half years in the making, the studio was funded by the Hunter Music Academy, which donated nearly $80,000 each to Kurri, Cessnock and Mount View High Schools when it was closed in 2012.

The money was enough to construct the fully-integrated recording studio complete with a production room and an adjoining keyboard studio that will be used for music lessons. 

Principal David Hunter said that the value of music within the school could not be underestimated and that every single student will benefit from the new addition. 

“Since introducing our creative and performing arts faculty a few years ago, we have seen such growth and a real richness brought to our school,” he said.

“This is just a real asset and a top-class facility that will definitely get a lot of use.”

Former public officer of the Hunter Music Academy, Karen Shannon, was given the honour of unveiling the recording studio’s plaque and said that it was great to see the money put towards such a worthy cause. 

Former Kurri High School student and country music artist Kirsty Lee Akers was one of the first to make the most of the new studio.

Joined by current Kurri High School student Jayde Borkowski, the pair recorded a special rendition of original song ‘Just Don’t Call Me Baby’ that was mixed and produced by Year 12 student Kai Sommerville. 

Ms. Akers said that the studio would act as a great incentive for more students to study music.

“We definitely didn’t have anything like this when I was at school,” she said.

“A lot of people never studied music because there wasn’t a good enough reason to.

“I had to teach myself guitar and the first time I visited recording studio, it was the most daunting experience of my life.

“If I had had something like this it definitely would have prepared me better for my professional career.”