When I finally decided to take my love and passion for music to the next level, I started to look for recording schools that could open some doors for my career. This process took over a year. I looked at other schools in British Columbia, Ontario, and even Los Angeles. Once I came across the Pacific Audio Visual Institute, I knew that this was the place to meet my needs both educationally and financially. I wasn’t even living in the province while I was applying for PAVI, but the entire process was made simple and stress free by the staff. I felt comfortable asking any questions during the enrollment period (believe me, I asked a lot). They were always quick to respond. Shortly after I was enrolled, I headed to Vancouver to start a journey that I have wanted to take for quite some time.

I was extremely nervous when I began my first semester at PAVI. I had no prior experience or knowledge of the recording industry before I started. I was just a self-taught drummer who had a love for music and desire to learn more. Shortly after I started, my nerves were at ease as the classes were divided amongst first, second and, third semester students. This was perfect because whenever I needed assistance, I felt comfortable asking fellow students for help. What really struck
me was the level of knowledge that the class instructors had. I learned from some extremely intelligent individuals who are all active in the music industry in some way. I always felt comfortable asking questions in class. There was never a question that couldn’t be answered either. I truly felt that the teachers cared about the success of the students. There are several of them who I still talk to today. I consider myself lucky to have learned from those individuals.

Easily the best part of my year at PAVI was the time spent in the studio. As soon as the second semester started, I was allowed to book time in the world-class studios at Blue Wave. Students were given this time to work on other projects, record artists and talent, learn and become familiar with the equipment or just make feedback loops. Shortly after I was able to book my own time, the studios became available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I definitely took advantage of
this. Luckily, there was 24-hour facility near by that always had coffee brewing. The time that I spent in the studio was very valuable to me as this is where I learned a great deal of things that you couldn’t learn in the classroom. The most important thing that I learned while being in there was how to trouble shoot. I am sure that any engineer will tell you that, knowing how to trouble shoot while spending the least amount of time, is one of the most important skills you could have. I really enjoyed the time that I spent in the studio. I don’t know how you couldn’t with the amazing gear that’s accessible and of course, the API console in Studio A.

At the same time that I was allowed to book studio time, I was also able to intern at Blue Wave. I interned for my second and third semesters. During this time I performed tasks and jobs that you might be asked to do while working at a recording studio. I am thankful that I did intern for this time. I gained some valuable experience from it. I also volunteered for as many gigs and events as I could. Many of them were given to me through PAVI. This is very important to do. It’s a great way to get permanent gigs, network with industry professionals and gain some valuable contacts.

It wasn’t long after I graduated that I landed a job as an assistant engineer at a small recording studio in downtown Vancouver. Actually, another PAVI student and friend also got a job at the same studio at around the same time I started. As well as getting a dream job, I have also started working on a pop album with a local artist, done a number of live sound gigs and just recently worked on the set of a reality TV series where I did live sound and location recording. I couldn’t have acquired such a job without the knowledge absorbed from my time at PAVI. I am SO happy with my decision to attend the school and I highly recommend PAVI to anyone who is looking to kick-start their career. If you are serious about a career in the audio industry, look no further
than the Pacific Audio Visual Institute.

Sincerely,
Marc