Practical Studio Experience

Practical studio experience is OIART’s founding principle and guiding philosophy.

Twenty-eight years ago, Paul Steenhuis — an exceptionally talented musician, audio engineer and producer — recognized the recording industry’s need for high-quality, professionally trained sound engineers and music producers. In 1983, he founded OIART to provide the ideal learning environment: an intensive, efficiently orchestrated one-year diploma program delivered in a professional recording studio setting — the first of its kind in North America.

With a five to one student-teacher ratio, our instructors spend a wealth of time with students, providing highly personalized instruction. This, plus an abundance of hands-on studio time, is the reason OIART offers career opportunities beyond those of other similar programs in North America. And here’s the proof: our graduate placement rate is nearing 90%.