Sebastien Laviolette - Alumni Spotlight

Jeremy Alves | February 6, 2026

How OIART Helped Me Turn My Passion for Music Into a Career - Sebastien Laviolette

"If you’re passionate about music production, audio engineering, or sound design, you might be wondering how to turn that passion into a full-time career. That’s exactly where I was before I found OIART (Ontario Institute of Audio Recording Technology). Now, as a professional tracking engineer at SLR Studios, working with artists in the Windsor/Detroit area, I can confidently say that OIART was the best decision I ever made."

🎥 Watch my journey with OIART and see how it changed my life!

Sebastien Laviolette sitting in front of an audio console as the lead recording engineer at SLR Studios in Windsor Ontario Canada.

Learning More Than I Expected

When I first walked into OIART, I thought I was just going to learn how to record guitars and mix songs. I had no idea how deep and hands-on the program would be. From day one, I was exposed to industry-standard recording gear, sound design techniques, and even film sound production, things I hadn't even considered before.

Unlike other schools where you only learn the theory, OIART gave me hands-on experience with real-world equipment. By the time I graduated, I wasn’t just familiar with Pro Tools, Neve preamps, and Atmos mixing- I was confident using them in a professional setting.

Real-World Opportunities from Day One

One of the biggest advantages of OIART is how well it connects students to the music and entertainment industry. Before I even finished the program, I was already making professional connections. Now, I’m tracking bands, working with vocalists, and even producing beats for artists across multiple genres.

Some days, I’m capturing live shows at Caesars Windsor; other days, I’m in the studio mixing tracks or creating new music. The variety keeps things exciting, and that’s exactly what OIART prepared me for.

Want to learn more?

Become a professional in Audio Recording in only 11 months!

Apply Now

OIART's Audio Program Includes:

✓ Small Class Sizes

✓ On Site Facilities

✓ Industry Leading Instructors

✓ Post Grad Support & Guidance

✓ Exclusive 11 Month Program

The Reputation That Opens Doors

Something I didn’t expect when I graduated was how much the OIART name carries weight in the industry. Artists and studios recognize OIART graduates as skilled and knowledgeable. I’ve had clients come into the studio and trust me right away- not because they’ve worked with me before, but because they know OIART produces top-tier audio professionals.

That kind of trust is invaluable in this business. Whether you want to work in music production, film sound, video game audio, or live sound engineering, an OIART diploma sets you apart from the competition.

More Than Just Studio Work

OIART isn’t just for people who want to sit in a studio all day. If you’re a musician, sound designer, or someone who just loves working with audio, the opportunities are endless. Because of the connections I made through OIART, I’m now also part of a touring band—something I never expected when I first enrolled.

The skills you gain here don’t just lead to one path; they open doors to a wide range of careers in music and sound, including:

Recording & Mixing Engineer
Live Sound Technician
Film & TV Sound Designer
Video Game Audio Engineer
Music Producer

The Best Decision I Ever Made

If you want to turn your passion for music and audio production into a career, OIART is the place to do it. The hands-on training, industry connections, and depth of knowledge you gain here are unmatched.

Thanks to OIART, I’m not stuck in a job I hate. I’m making music for a living, and it doesn’t even feel like work.

📢 Take the first step! Schedule a tour or apply today to join the next class of OIART students!