How Our Alumni Are Shaping The Audio Industry

How OIART Graduates Are Contributing Across the Industry

OIART graduates don't just find jobs in audio. They earn credits on major releases, work inside respected studios, and help build the sound of film, television, and games.

In music, alumni have worked at studios such as Noble Street Studios, Revolution Recording, and Warehouse Studios, with credits on recordings and tours for artists including Drake, The Weeknd, Taylor Swift, Shawn Mendes, Justin Bieber, Paul McCartney, Metallica, and The Tragically Hip.

On screen, graduates have contributed to film and television post-production on titles including Dune, Joker, The Handmaid's Tale, Vikings, and Dexter.

In games, alumni have worked with studios and on titles including Ubisoft, EA Games, Digital Extremes, Assassin's Creed, Halo, FIFA, and Battlefield.

And in broadcast, graduates have built careers with organizations including CBC, Bell Media, Solotech, Clair Global, and Formosa Group.

For most students, this is the first thing they realize when researching audio engineering programs: the field is far larger than a single room with a mixing console.

Audio Careers Go Far Beyond The Studio

The most common misconception about audio engineering is that every career happens inside a recording studio. In practice, many OIART graduates spend their days in concert halls, theatres, arenas, hotels, and on touring productions.

They've worked in venues and productions including:

• Roy Thomson Hall
• Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts
• Stratford Festival
• Barclays Center
• Horseshoe Tavern

They've also supported tours and events for artists including The Rolling Stones, Arcade Fire, Blue Rodeo, and Death Cab for Cutie, and large-scale productions such as the MTV Video Music Awards. Others have built careers with live and event companies including Encore Global and Princess Cruises, proof that an audio career can lead just as easily to a stage, a festival, or a cruise line as to a studio.

Becoming More Than Just a Student

One thing many graduates talk about after leaving OIART is how immersive the experience feels. With small classes, hands-on projects, direct access to instructors, and extensive time working across 8 studios, students learn by doing instead of sitting in large lecture halls.

For many students, it’s the first time they feel surrounded by people who share the same passion for music, sound, and creativity. Along the way, students challenge each other, collaborate on projects, learn from one another, and often build industry relationships that continue long after graduation.

“Everybody is willing to help each other out. There has not been anybody who is gatekeeping their project. Anybody I've asked, ‘Can I see what you're doing?’ has been like, ‘Yep, absolutely.’”

Margo, OIART student

What Graduates Say About the Experience

Graduates often describe OIART as the place where their passion became something real. For many students, it’s the first time they feel fully immersed in a creative environment surrounded by people who share the same goals and interests.

“No words can describe my experience at OIART. Not only was I taught by the best, but I was surrounded by some of the best people I will ever meet, people who I will remain connected to throughout my career and beyond. There is nothing about my experience at OIART I would change for the world. I’m proud to be part of the OIART Alumni. Thank you!” — Taylor Cambridge

“I came to OIART because I was serious about working in the audio industry. From what I could gather from research I did prior to applying, OIART had the most well rounded program. After spending a year of my life immersed in this great program, I have realized that it is significantly better than I could have ever imagined. On top of the professional education/guidance they provide, the whole atmosphere made this such an enjoyable experience; it really is a great community to be a part of. These past 11 months will always hold a special place in my heart.”  — Andrew Doidge

“My time at OIART was by far the most fun I’ve ever had learning anything in my life. The faculty is phenomenally skilled, and care deeply about each individual student’s success. Not only do the faculty care, but with such small class sizes and a massive post-graduate network, all of your peers just want to see you succeed. OIART is a way of life, and everyone has your back.” — Alex Robillard

The Rise of Independent Creators

Today’s entertainment industry gives graduates more opportunities than ever to build their own path. Independent artists, podcasters, content creators, and game developers all rely on skilled audio professionals.

For students who want to become a music producer, this creates exciting opportunities to take on multiple creative roles, including:

• recording engineer
• editor
• beat maker
• mixer
• collaborator
• content creator
• creative director

Graduates who understand both creative and professional workflows are in a strong position to adapt and grow across multiple areas of the industry.

See What Life at OIART Looks Like

For students considering a music production school in Canada, seeing the environment firsthand can make a huge difference. From studio sessions and live sound setups to student projects and graduate stories, OIART’s YouTube channel gives prospective students a behind-the-scenes look at what learning in a professional audio environment actually feels like.