Faculty
RAC provides some of the most advanced career training in Sound, Game Design and Digital Media. RAC’s instructors and guest lecturers are active industry professionals working in a wide variety of disciplines. Students are plugged into a great wealth of experience via these industry pros. Guest lecturers include successful studio owners, creative directors, production managers, producers, engineers and artists. RAC’s Sound and Music Recording program designers, teachers and guests continue to make us proud; recording, mixing and producing projects that have won Grammy, Juno, Golden Globe and Gemini awards. These pros have worked with artists such as Sting, David Bowie, Sheryl Crow, Shania Twain and Le Cirque du Soleil, to name a few. RAC Digital Media and Game Design students also benefit by learning from top New Media professionals.
RAC also uses numerous guest lecturers to provide additional views and insight in highly specialized areas of the audio recording, electronic game and digital media industries. Below is a list of some of our instructors.
Montréal
Isabelle Dussault : Lecturer
Holding a master's degree in music composition of the University of Montreal, Isabelle composes and arranges various musical styles. Besides being regularly invited as a guest speaker on various aspects of acoustics, Isabelle participates in the production of numerous short films, shows and conferences while working as a musical director.
Steve Aglitti : Lecturer
With a bachelor's degree in Electro-acoustic Studies at Concordia University, Steve is a composer and professional musician. He is also active in several studios in Montreal and has an extensive knowledge in electronics.
Vincent Cardinal : Lecturer
With a Bachelor's degree in Electro-acoustic Composition of the University of Montreal and a Major in Physics, Vincent is specialized in Mastering. He also composes, records and edits soundtracks for various and very diverse exhibitions taking place in Montreal.
Marc Couturier : Lecturer
Having completed his Bachelor in Electro-acoustics and musical technologies at Concordia University, Marc is a technician in multimedia and live sound for several festivals in the region of Montreal. He is also the head sound technician and stage technician at the Théâtre d'Aujourd’hui.
Daniel Bossé : Lecturer
An RAC gratuate, Daniel makes a career in both live sound and studio recording. He is also very active on Montreal’s stages as a musician for numerous groups, both established and emerging.
James Clemens-Seely: Lecturer
James has a Master's degree in Sound recording from McGill University and has started the Doctoral program. He is a freelance sound engineer and mixer, in studio as well as in live venues. He has worked on nearly one hundred live and studio recordings, ranging from classical music to jazz. His latest mixes can be heard on the Indie rock album Henrietta.
Jemi Sitanayah: Lecturer
Holder of a Master's degree in Sound recording from McGill University, Jemi has been an independent engineer for several years now. He exercises his talents mainly in live sound venues. Jemi is active in recording, mixing and mastering numerous concerts, as well as participating frequently in postproduction projects. His latest work has earned him world recognition at the International Tokyo Film Festival for best audio production. Jemi has also just mixed and mastering two Indonesian albums, one by the RnB artist Joeniar Arief and one by the pop artist Dea Mirella.
Joël Grelier: Lecturer
With a Bachelor in History of Art and an extensive education in audio and video, Joël is an independent sound engineer/sound designer. Joël’s craftsmanship is coveted in music and audio-post studios, as well as live sound for music and theatre venues. Joel has recently mixed audio for an advertising campaign for Toscari / Eristoff in France. On this side of the Atlantic, he was in charge of remixing the song Glissman Modibick and began pre-production for the Montreal band Curse in the woods.
Brett Leonard: Lecturer
With a Master's degree in Music technology from New York University, Brett is currently a PhD2 at McGill University’s Sound Recording program. Brett is also an independent sound engineer and makes the recording, editing and mixing for all musical styles. He is also teaching electroacoustics at McGill University. Lately, Brett worked on the production of the most recent album by pianist Elias-Axel Pettersson. The album entitled Momentum was engineered, edited and mixed by Brett before coming out on Axel Records.
Jean-Philippe Nault: Lecturer
Possessing a Bachelor's degree in electro-acoustics from Concordia University, when Jean-Philippe is not teaching he devotes his time to sound recording and mixing numerous bands at DNA Creations Studio, which he owns and manages.
Boris Petrowski: Lecturer
Holding a Master's degree in composition from University of Montreal, Boris is a composer, sound designer and artistic director. Boris has collaborated with internationally renowned artists such as Michel Legrand, Alain Lefevre, Zachary Richard and many others who have worked at MIXART studio, which Boris owns and manages. He's presently arranging songs for Jeff Breau & Marie-Ève Janvier and Marie-Hélène Thibert. He's also composing the sound track for a documentary and completing a commissioned piece for Cello.
Carlos Prieto: Lecturer
Holder of a Master's degree in sound recording from McGill University, Carlos is the sound engineer for the dynamic Canadian record label ATMA Classique. Adding to his Felix award in 2011, Carlos has seen his work rewarded by an Opus prize for classical album of the year with Bruckner's 8th Symphony performed by l'Orchestre Métropolitain de Montréal conducted by Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Carlos has also jus earned three Juno nominations, including classical album of the year (solo or chamber ensemble) with Amici chamber ensemble, classical album of the year (large ensemble) with Les Violons du Roy and classical album of the year (vocal or choral) with Karina Gauvin.
Daniel Lagacé : Lecturer
Three years of studies in physics and acoustics at Concordia University and the University of Manitoba led Daniel to be the sound engineer and sound designer for various projects with The Tanuki Project, Robert Charlebois, André Gagnon, Jorane, Daniel Lavoie, and the NFB. Nowadays, Daniel is the sound designer for 26 août 2010, a movie documentary. This movie is a follow-up to 5 septembre 1962, a film tribute to some of the most renowned pioneers in the domain in the province of Quebec. He worked as well on the sound design and editing of Vapor, a short film by Kaveh Nabatian. It has recently been named amongst the top-10 2010 short films by the Toronto International Film Festival and was nominated for a Genie award.
Doyeun Ko: Lecturer
Holding a Master's degree in Sound Recording, Doyuen is currently in PhD2 at McGill University. Amongst his different independent sound engineering projects, Doyuen has been awarded numerous scholarships and distinguished prizes, and is also regularly invited to give conferences on a variety of subjects in the audio realm. His latest took place in Tokyo where Doyuen (and Brett Leonard) presented their unique 22.2 surround sound system for use in production for music and film. This system is the first of it’s kind..
Guillaume Déziel: Lecturer
Guillaume Déziel, loves to cultivate relationships with innovators in the music industry, and has fun in calling himself "The Casque Bleu" of music. " Since 1994, the year he received his diploma in Music, Guillaume has blazed a trail that has passed through recording studios, business law, entrepreneurship, management and publishing. He worked as Director of Business Development, Acquisition and distribution of content for Bell Mobility. Guillaume is now sharing his knowledge and explores new ways to market music. The results speak for themselves and can be seen with the marketing of the band Misteur Valaire.
Kyria Kilakos: Lecturer
After studying for three years in anthropology at Concordia University, Kyria later co-founded Indica Records, one of Canada's leading and most successful young independent labels where she acts as General Manager. For over 10 years now, Indica has been producing and promoting indie artists from Canada: Dobacaracol, Priestess, Grimskunk, Les Trois Accords, Les Vulgaires Machins and abroad The Cat empire, Joseph Arthur, The Heights, Tryo. Armed with the mandate of supporting independent releases for great touring bands lacking major label support in Canada, Kyria has expanded her activities and repertoire to encompass a variety of genres including folk, pop, indie, world and electro-rock.
Alexandre Giorgi: Lecturer
Alexandre is an independent sound engineer and artistic director. With his highly versatile skill set, Alexandre is frequently called to mix, produce, compose, arrange, post-produce, teach and sound design. Alexandre has collaborated with Sony Music, BMG, Polydor, RCA, Furtive Records, M10, Apokalypse Records, Première Classe, Arachnée Productions, Studios Plus XXX, Studios Marcadet, Studios CoppeliaTF1, M6, Wanadoo, Add a Dog, ETF, Arpèges, Accetis International, and with artists such as Spheres, Khoma, Llewlyn, Oslo, Fouchtra, Monsif, Ellysgarden, Bertrand Louis, ACWL, Lézard, Cattleya, Undercover Slut, Oragenraje, Pit Baccardi, Neg Marrons, Tandem, S’Kadrille.
Eric Gaskell: Lecturer
Eric is a PhD4 in the Sound Recording program at Mc Gill University. His independent sound engineering projects have led him to work across Canada, the United States and Germany. An active researcher, lecturer, guest speaker and sound engineer, Eric's extraordinary knowledge goes beyond merely manipulating devices; he also creates them. Winner of the prestigious Thermionic Culture Pullet prize, his contributions to the audio culture highly valued and regarded by his peers.
Mathieu Tessier: Lecturer and Head Instructor
An RAC graduate, Mathieu specializes in postproduction but also participates in the production of animated movies and independent short films as well as in several multidisciplinary artistic projects. His bright artistic traits and his profound knowledge of audio make Mathieu a coveted collaborator.
Simon Jodoin: Instructor
An RAC graduate, Simon is the head technician at MEGA-REX studio located on the south shore of Montreal. He also works in live sound and regularly performs as a musician. Simon was recently appointed by Martin Deschamps to choose equipment for his new studio.
Jérémi Proulx: Instructor
An RAC graduate, Jérémi is very active in the live sound field, both as a musician throughout Quebec, and as a live sound technician in Montreal. As an accomplished guitarist possessing a broad knowledge of various musical styles and genres, coupled with his skills in audio, Jérémi offers a wealth of resources to all students.
Sébastien Dalphond: Instructor
An RAC graduate, Sébastien is a live sound technician in Montreal and in the Laurentians. He is also a musician and a composer and and makes sound recording for independent short films. The rigor and preciseness with which Sébastien approaches audio technologies have proven to be extremely beneficial to all our students.
Jessica Desjardins : Instructor
An RAC graduate, Jessica is an assistant sound technician at Mega-Rex studio. Jessica, a multi-talented musician (drummer, signer) has been song-writing, interpreting and playing in different bands and venues since 1998.
Jean-Sébastien Laliberté: Instructor
Jean-Sébastien, an RAC graduate is a drummer and sound technician in various venues in Montreal. His original approach to music and the use of its different devices give students a sense of freshness and constant renewal when guiding them through their apprenticeship.
Lindasy Vargas : Instructor
Lindsay is an accomplished musician. After obtaining a degree in music, he pursued his education at RAC. Highly knowledgeable in both music and in audio, Lindsay is an independent sound technician in various venues and a music teacher in a private school.
Marc-André Daigle : Instructor
Guitarist in two bands, Marc-André is a RAC graduate. His solid skills and knowledge regularly bring him to record and mix projects for different bands, styles of music and venues in Montreal as well as in his native New-Brunswick.
Carl Boyer-Cléroux : Instructor
An RAC graduate, Carl is active in Montreal mainly as a live sound technician and as a musician and composer. He participates regularly in recording and mixing projects. His specialized skills in electronics makes Carl a important resource for students and faculty alike.
Giancarlo Da Soghe : Instructor
An RAC graduate, Giancarlo is an independent mixer but dedicates mainly his talents to building several studio devices like compressors, preamplifiers or any other equipment useful for music recording.
Lauré Lussier: Pedagogical coordinator
With a Bachelor's degree in classical and electro-acoustic composition from University of Montreal and Bachelor's degree in Classical Percussion from McGill University, Lauré has been an active member in the music community since 1979: Percussionist in different symphony orchestras and ensembles, studio musician and owner of a studio for creation where he composed music for various projects, he also worked as a copyright consultant for several years. Lauré has been active in teaching and pedagogical coordination since 1995.
Toronto
Tony Rivers: Sound and Music Program Co-ordinator
Tony has an impressive history in both management and education. With an MBA from the University of Western Ontario, Bachelors Education Ontario Teaching Certificate (Honour Specialist in Physics) and Bachelors of Science (Physics) from the University of Toronto, Tony is well versed in education. Coupled with over 20 years of management experience, Tony's solid understanding of the student experience, both challenges and opportunities, allow him to assist RAC students in their development as professionals.
Brian Nevin: Lecturer/Lab Instructor
With over 25 years of Audio Industry experience, Brian brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the classroom. Having worked extensively in the Post Production side of the field (Mutant X, Beverly Hills 90210, Relic Hunter), Brian provides a depth of understanding in the real world applications that are taught at the College. Brian’s affiliation with many of the local Sound Studios (Q-Music, Keen Music, Phase One, Cherry Beach) also helps to open doors for Program Graduates.
Stephen Traub: Lecturer
Stephen is a Senior Mixing Engineer, having held that post with Crunch Recording in Toronto for many years. Stephen lectures at the College on a part-time basis. With over 20 years of front line experience, combined with over 12 years of teaching, he has developed a superb training style that imparts very complex material in an easy to understand manner.
Bruce Fleming: Lecturer
Bruce comes to us from the Audio for Television arena (Alliance Atlantis, Manta Sound) with a 20+ year history in the industry. Bruce owns and operates a studio inToronto. Teaching at the College on a part-time basis, Bruce provides an excellent introduction to the various elements of Post Production Audio work.
William Van Ree: Lecturer
Providing instruction in the Electro-Techniques and Live Sound Re-inforcement courses within the Sound and Music Recording program, RAC students benefit from William's 35+ years of Engineering experience. William worked as a Program Producer for the Radio market (CJRT FM, Jazz 91 FM) for over 20 years along. He also has over 10 years of experience in advanced technical service on audio production technologies with Phillips Audio.
Nick Krewen: Lecturer
For 35 years, Nick has covered the music business as one of Canada's most authoritative entertainment and award-winning writers and a regular contributor to Grammy.com, The Toronto Star and SOCAN's Words And Music to name a few. As an acute industry observer, Nick introduces the student to the important elements of contracts, negotiation and overall business savvy that are necessary to the success of any recording industry career, breaking it down in nuts 'n bolts terms for a realistic look at today's constantly evolving recording profession and offering a solid, comprehensive foundation for those entering the biz.
Steve Payne: Lecturer/Lab Instructor
Steve’s background is pure “Rock and Roll”. Being a member of a successful band himself (two albums on the shelves), he has also worked with a wide range of recording artists in studios both here and in Los Angeles (EMI, Chemical, Vespa, Vyner Road and Phase One to name a few). Steve’s extensive work with professional recording sessions, combined with a laid back teaching style, provides a studio training experience that is second to none.
Margaret Spence: Lecturer
Margaret is the owner of a Human Resources Consulting Firm here in Toronto, and offers her Professional Coaching services to RAC students to help prepare them for the career they have chosen. Margaret worked for several years at BMG, one of the world's biggest labels. With over 15 years of coaching and job placement experience in the field of Audio, Margaret is able to accelerate the job search process for students who have truly committed themselves to the Industry.
Carl Horton:
Carl has produced over 400 jingles, several music scores for full length feature films, and is an accomplished performance musician in both classical and jazz music. A very experienced computer music programmer, Carl provides great depth and experience to our faculty.
Bill Banham: Lecturer
Bill is the former President of Virgin Music Canada. Bill's lectures in RAC's Music Business course help our students acquire critical information related to the creation, distribution, and protection of content. RAC is pleased to have an experienced person like Bill sharing his knowledge with our students.
Rob Sanzo: Lab Instructor
Rob has worked with a number of successful artists including Sum 41 and Danko Jones. Many of the acts Rob has worked with have gone on to produce Gold Records. Rob owned and operated Signal to Noise studios in Toronto after graduating from Ryerson University. Rob's patient and skilled style of instruction is greatly appreciated by RAC students.
Jules DaBoll: Lab Instructor
Since graduating from RAC, Jules has been working as a senior audio engineer at Technicolor, a global giant in film and television production. With extensive experience working in audio-post for film and tv for the past 10 years, Jules possesses great insight into production, and passes that knowledge onto RAC students.
Game Design and Digital Media Faculty:
Ryan Parcels: Program Integrator After graduating from RAC’s Sound and Music Recording program, top of class with honours, Ryan began his professional career as a Lab Instructor / Teaching Assistant, which let to his current position as Integrator. Students and staff appreciate his relaxed but professional attitude. Ryan is currently the Program Integrator for both the Digital Media and Game Design program. Barry Nanthaveth: Instructor Having worked on shipped games for the Nintendo DS, and Sony PSP, and currently a game developer at Erratic Games, Barry has a penchant for making fun, and interactive games. With 10 years of computer programming experience, and a focus on creativity, Barry's approach to game creation is appreciated by students. Jason MacIsaac: Instructor A writer, designer, educator, Jason MacIsaac has been in the videogame industry since 1995. He started out as a game designer for Microforum, where he did script, dialogue and design. In 1996, he became Editor-in-Chief of Gamesmania, then a multi-lingual videogame magazine. He has written for the The Globe & Mail and Digital Journal. Jason currently serves as the Executive Editor of ElecPlay.com, the official website of The Electric Playground, the long-running videogame and entertainment TV show hosted by Victor Lucas. He also sits on the Steering Committee for the Toronto Chapter of the International Game Developers Association. Milan Pavlovic: Instructor Holds a master’s degree in illustration. He is an award-winning illustrator/graphic designer specializing in illustrations for children, advertising, animation, editorials and comics. Milan has 9 solo shows and over 50 group shows under his belt, and has his work regularly published in Europe. Larry Adlon: Instructor With a fine arts degree from York University, Larry began his career in the early '90s creating the wacky computer generated segments for the ‘Beetlejuice’ cartoon series, and ‘Robocop’ the series. With animated effects for a variety of commercials and shows under his belt, he later moved on to create visual effects and monitor display animations as part of the in-house effects crew for a variety of television series. Andrew Woloszyn: Instructor Holding a Bachelor of Computer Science from the University of Waterloo, Andrew has always been an avid gamer and was always curious as to how they function. His industry experience includes lead programmer for Frozen North Productions and is currently the Lead programmer at Digital Extreme. Teodora Ilie: Instructor An Honours graduate of McMaster University with a combined degree in Multimedia, Theatre and Film. She has worked as an assistant director on such productions such as ‘Billy Bishop Goes to War’, ‘Molotov’, and ‘Breaking Point’. Teodora has worked on features and short films around the country. Lyndsey Westfall: Instructor With a bachelors degree in Marketing and Public relations from George Brown college, Lyndsey is an Advertising and social media expert whose marketing work experience range from MySpace, MSN, Nike, and the MMVA’s. Students benefit from Lyndsey’s organized and professional style of teaching. Hafiz Kassam: Instructor With more than 10 years of game programming experience with such companies as E-axis.com Inc. and Cerebral Vortex Games, Hafiz is a Graduate in Game Design from IAOD. Hafiz is a rarity in the Game Design world because not only is he a game programmer, he is also a designer. Hafiz runs his own company, named Q- Kmber games. Hafiz has had many various Flash games published such a ‘Froggy Feast’ and ‘Chicken Jockey’. Aaron Ong: Instructor Aaron’s work experience is one that spans different mediums. As well as working as a character and level designer for various Video games, he has also worked as a Storyboard artist. Aaron is also currently creating his own comic book that will be available later this year.