7 Reasons Why Students Are Attending OIART After High School

Why OIART Stands Out as Canada’s Leading Audio Engineering School

Students across Canada typically compare recording schools before deciding where to study. OIART stands apart because it’s a specialized school of audio engineering, not a general arts program with an audio track. Four decades of training professionals, plus facilities rivalling pro studios, make it the go-to choice for music students in Canada.

Gear from Yamaha, Waves, SSL, and acoustically treated studios ensures students track full bands, program synths, and mix like pros. With a strong graduate employment record, OIART provides students with a direct path from high school to a career, solidifying its place among the top music production schools in Canada.

A Day in the Life of an OIART Student

Days are creative, varied, and hands-on. Mornings might start with lectures on signal flow, audio theory, or critical listening. By late morning, students are in studios tracking live drums, adjusting levels on a mixing console, or programming beats.

Afternoons include small-group labs, one-on-one instruction, and hands-on practice with live sound, MIDI controllers, or film audio editing. With classmates who share your drive, collaboration is constant, and evenings often include project work, rehearsals, or preparation for live sessions.

This balance of theory, practice, and collaboration mirrors professional workflows, giving students a realistic industry experience right out of high school.

OIART Graduate Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from the students who’ve turned their passion into a career:

“I always had musical ideas in my head, but I was never able to express them in a medium. I would use my video camera to record myself playing my compositions live on guitar and piano. After attending OIART, I acquired the techniques and knowledge necessary to produce the music the way I want it to sound through recording, editing, and mixing. I now use the computer (Pro Tools) as an instrument and tool to put together the music I write, instead of my video camera. 

My favourite thing about OIART was the community of teachers and students; it was the only school I’ve attended where everyone shared a common interest. I got to collaborate with a lot of people (teachers included!) who were into the same things as myself and ended up creating some really cool stuff; from sound designing for short films to creating rap songs.” - Steven Li.

“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 they care deeply about each 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.

“Fantastic school, amazing faculty and course content that sets you apart from the competition.

If you have any thoughts about pursuing audio as a career, you need to come to OIART.” - Jeff Folkes.

Building Skills Beyond the Classroom

True growth happens in the studio. Recording a live band teaches mic placement, artist communication, problem-solving, and making quick decisions under pressure.

Teamwork is key; students rotate roles as producer, engineer, and musician, mirroring the real industry. Each project contributes to a professional portfolio that demonstrates your ability to track, mix, and produce across various genres and media.

Graduates leave ready to create, produce, and engineer across any genre or setting. From studio recordings and live performances to film and media projects, students are equipped to turn opportunities into real-world results.

Why Early Admission Helps

Jumping into OIART straight out of high school gives students a major advantage in skills and career momentum. Instead of spending years in general education courses, you dive right into industry-level training, gaining hands-on experience that most of your peers won’t get until later.

Starting early also means building your professional network sooner. You connect with instructors, visiting industry professionals, and classmates who share your passion for music and audio. These connections often become collaborators, mentors, or even job leads once you graduate.

Early admission also helps maintain your momentum. While friends in traditional programs are still completing general courses, OIART students are already tracking, mixing, and producing, building a portfolio that demonstrates real-world ability. By the time your peers catch up, you’ll have practical experience, a polished portfolio, and a head start on entering the industry as a confident, capable professional.

Take Control of Your Future in Sound. Apply to OIART Today

Your passion deserves a serious path forward. High school grads ready to train in real studios, with real gear and mentorship, find their career in music at OIART. Classes are limited, so applying early secures your spot and gets you ahead of the curve.

This is your chance to turn what you love into what you do. Take the leap and reserve your seat in the next class and launch your music career today.