From the songs we stream to the games we play and the movies we love, audio is behind it all. Someone’s capturing it, mixing it, cleaning it up, and making it sound amazing. And in 2025, those “someones” are in high demand.

At OIART, we train sound professionals who do more than just fiddle with gear. We give music lovers the tools, studio time, and one-on-one coaching to turn their passion into a full-time career. 

Keep reading to learn how this school of audio engineering program breaks down into real-world skills, why employers hire our grads, what kind of projects students work on, and how our facility feels more like a studio than a school.

What Sets OIART Apart From Other Audio Engineering Programs

There are so manymusic engineering programs out there, but few are like OIART. We’re not a giant lecture hall or a “watch someone else touch the gear” kind of place. We’re a tight-knit, immersive community where every student gets real-time access to professional equipment, starting on day one.

• Class sizes are small, so every student gets plenty of one-on-one attention. Even if you’re new to pro audio gear, you won’t be left behind. Instructors meet you where you’re at and help you build confidence.
• Every instructor has strong industry experience and knows what employers are hiring for right now. Many have worked on records, live tours, and post-production projects that you might already be familiar with. They’re great teachers and active professionals who bring real-world expectations into the classroom.
• You’ll spend more hours in the studio than any other audio engineering school in Canada. From tracking live bands to mixing sound for film, you’ll do it all, not just watch someone else do it.
• You’ll graduate with a stacked portfolio, not just course credits. Whether you’re into music, film, games, or podcasts, you’ll leave with a demo reel that effectively highlights your talent. It’s hands-on, client-grade work that proves your skills and helps you stand out to future employers or clients.

OIART lives and breathes sound. What does that mean for you? More mic time, real projects, and confidence when you step into the field.

Inside the Curriculum: The Skills That Shape Future Producers and Engineers

To become a music producer, you’ll need technical skills, creative instincts, and a thorough understanding of how sound works across different environments. You’ll learn all this and more with OIART’s curriculum.

Our program covers a broad spectrum of skills, from recording music in the studio to editing dialogue for film and mixing audio for games. You’ll gain experience across all major areas of audio production, which means you’re not locked into one path. 

You’ll graduate with options, ready to take on roles in music, media, gaming, or live events. Since each skill area builds on the next, you’ll develop a flexible mindset and a toolkit that grows with you.

Studio Recording and Mixing

Students learn how to capture and shape audio like the professionals, by:

• Using a wide range of mics and placement techniques
• Understanding signal flow, EQ, compression, and FX routing
• Mixing multitrack sessions using Pro Tools, Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) and top-tier outboard gear
• Getting hands-on time in real studio environments, not just on a laptop

Early projects might include tracking live drums, recording vocalists, or remixing a multitrack session from a past commercial release. These assignments help you build a portfolio you can show to employers. 

Along the way, instructors give detailed feedback that sharpens your ears and strengthens your decision-making skills as a mixer or producer.

Live Sound

Sound doesn’t just live in a studio; it moves. We train students to handle concerts, performances, and events of all sizes. Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Set up and run full FOH (front-of-house) and monitor mixes
• Work with PA systems, wireless rigs, and analog/digital consoles
• Mix live shows in OIART’s dedicated performance spaces
• Troubleshoot on the fly, just like you’ll need to in the real world

Live sound work requires split-second decisions and a calm mindset. We place students in real gig situations, where things don’t always go perfectly, and that’s intentional. 

You’ll learn to adapt to unexpected feedback loops, missing inputs, or artist requests mid-show. Some students even run sound for school-wide events, giving them a taste of what touring or venue work is really like.

Post-Production for Film, TV, and Games

Today’s sound engineers need to understand more than music. We dive into sound design, editing, and immersive storytelling. You’ll get hands-on experience with:

• Recording and layering Foley, ADR, and environmental sounds
• Syncing dialogue and effects to picture with frame-level precision
• Building scenes in surround sound and immersive audio formats
• Learning game audio Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), MIDI controllers & Specialized VSTs for mixing and mastering

Acoustics and System Design

Knowing how sound behaves is essential, especially when mixing or setting up in a new space. You’ll develop real-world acoustic skills like:

• Learning how to tune a room for clarity and accuracy
• Analyzing reflections, absorption, and resonance
• Understanding how to design playback or recording spaces that work
• Building confidence in troubleshooting acoustic issues in the field

This well-rounded approach means students graduate ready for whatever the industry throws at them — music, games, film, or live events.

What Employers Are Looking For in 2025

Studios and production companies don’t hire based on potential; they want people who can deliver from day one. OIART builds its program around real-world expectations. Employers want graduates who:

• Know their gear and aren’t afraid to use it
• Understand the creative and technical sides of audio
• Can work in collaborative, fast-paced environments
• Communicate clearly and solve problems on the fly

OIART students leave with hundreds of hours of hands-on experience, working under pressure, just like they will in the field. 

Hear It From the Grads: OIART Success Stories

Don’t just take our word for it; ask the people who’ve walked through our doors and into the industry. Our grads work across Canada and beyond, making noise in some of the most exciting places.

“I had an amazing experience working with proven audio professionals (the teachers) and other up and coming students to give myself a great skillset. I feel prepared, and I enjoyed every moment. It's a great feeling when you are excited to be at school and the work doesn't feel like a burden, it gets you excited to see what else you can do with audio ” — Mitchell Hamm

"This past year has been the best school year I have ever had by a long shot. The whole curriculum was well-designed and engaging. All the staff members are passionate about what they do and are always great to talk to. If you are considering getting into the audio industry and don't know where to start, i cannot recommend OIART enough.” - Jonathan Leistico

“OIART effectively bridges the gap between creative freedom and pragmatism. The incredible staff fosters an environment where you can explore what you want to explore, while always being held to a realistic professional standard. When reading these Google reviews before I applied, this place seemed too good to be true. It is.” — Ellis Dix

"OIART prepared me for the industry at large. It not only gave me the resources I needed to pursue a career in Live Audio, but also, in any field of audio. OIART is a great kickstart for your career in sound, wish I could go back!” - Devon

“OIART is an exceptional institute with an outstanding learning environment, offering vast real-world experiences, well-maintained audio equipment, and positive instructors with countless years of experience in the audio industry. Their dedication to preparing students for the audio industry is unmatched, ensuring readiness for entry-level positions post-graduation. I highly recommend OIART to those aspiring to embark on a career in audio.” — Michael McCormick

From indie studios to international sound stages, OIART grads are showing up, plugging in, and making waves.

Designed for Music Lovers, Not Just Techies

You don’t need to know how to run a patch bay or name every plugin to apply. OIART is for people who love sound, whether you’re a musician, a bedroom beatmaker, or someone who can’t stop tweaking levels in your head.

We start with the basics and build your skills from the ground up. You’ll grow alongside classmates who are just as passionate and curious as you are, but may have totally different styles or goals. That diversity is what makes the experience even stronger.

Learning Where the Pros Work

One of the first things people say when they visit OIART is, “This doesn’t feel like a school.” That’s because OIART designed it to sound and run like a real production house. Inside our campus, you’ll find:

• Multiple fully equipped recording studios with industry-standard consoles
• Dedicated live rooms, isolation booths, and mixing suites
• Post-production labs with full surround sound monitoring
• Soundproofed classrooms, editing bays, and collaborative workspaces

When you train in a facility that mirrors the real world, stepping into a job doesn’t feel like a leap but more like a continuation. Check out our virtual tour or book an in-person campus visit to see the difference.

What Happens After You Graduate? OIART’s Career Support

OIART’s support doesn’t stop when classes do. We help connect grads to internships, gigs, and long-term opportunities with studios, production companies, venues, and post houses.

Instructors often refer standout students directly to their network, which includes labels, game studios, live venues, and post teams. Whether you’re looking for freelance gigs or full-time employment, we help position you to stand out. Many students get work lined up before they’ve even finished their final term. 

That’s the benefit of being known in the industry for producing reliable, skilled, job-ready talent.

Ready to Turn Your Love of Sound Into a Career?

If you’ve got the passion, we’ve got the path. OIART is where music lovers learn to master the tools and techniques that shape today’s audio landscape.

We’re not just a sound engineering course; we’re a community, a creative space, and a launchpad for careers in music, games, film, and beyond.

See why OIART leads the way in Canada’s sound engineering education.

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