I got the run around from another school so I called around and Gordon at PAVI was really helpful in answering my questions. I flew out to Vancouver for an interview and wrote the entrance exam. I was very impressed with the recording studios. I had no other experience in audio other than my interest in music.

I went to school every day for four hours from 9am to 1pm. There were three semesters with 4 classes each. My first term we learned about recording in the studio, a music business management class (I learned a lot in this class) record production and a course in music theory and songwriting for communicating with producers and musicians in the studio.

The second semester we spent more time in the studio, live sound, a home studio design course, and a film audio post production class. The third semester we spent four months on Pro-tools, Logic Audio and electronic music, Photoshop – making websites, designing cd covers, creating good looking budgets and mixing in the studio.

I went into the school without any expectations because I had no experience in the industry. I didn't leave wanting anything and the school was very helpful in advising me on jobs and career choices.

The best part of the program was being in the studio and working on the console. I really enjoyed meeting session musicians and being exposed to different types of music. The school was very helpful in preparing me for my career choice. Some of the classes were also setup to help you start networking and finding work. PAVI got me an interview at Warehouse Studios and I wound up getting a job at the Greenhouse Studios on my own.

The worst part of the program was the Music Theory course, I didn't play an instrument and struggled with this course. The teacher totally helped me through that course, I wound up learning a new language so to speak. He would sit with me until I got it. I wished I had gone into it with a stronger musical background.

"The teacher totally helped me through that course, I wound up learning a new language so to speak. "

If I had to advise anyone thinking of going to PAVI I would really recommend spending as much time as you can in the studio (they are open 24 hours a day now) and volunteer for events that come through the school. Speak with as many guest lectures as you can. I got a live sound gig this way from handing out a business card and offering to volunteer for a guest speaker.

I would recommend this program. Everyone at PAVI was helpful and seemed to care about the students. They have all the tools and resources you need and you are working with professionals. PAVI is a good place to meet people. The teachers were great. I had one personality conflict with one teacher but the school let me take another class.