RAC Sound and Recording graduate, recording engineer Luke Leveille and Canada’s “singing astronaut” Colonel Chris Hadfield addressed a conference of 500 school counselors this month in Toronto. On November 10, 2014 the Ontario School Counselors Association (OSCA) hosted its annual conference at the International Plaza in Toronto. This OSCA conference was titled Creating Pathways to Success. Luke spoke first, relating his experience growing up in a small town in Ontario and always dreaming of a career in music. He moved to Toronto and attended RAC. Upon graduation from RAC, Luke went on to intern at Phase One Studios,which, after much work, landed him a position at Noble Street Studios as an assistant engineer. Luke has worked on recording projects for Drake, Wiley and The Weeknd as well as many others. When asked about what he most valued from his education at RAC, Luke says “RAC provided great practical experience for all the fundamentals. I didn’t really know how a compressor or signal flow worked until I came to RAC and was taught properly. The key was having it all spelled out and getting a professional perspective on the fundamentals”. Luke’s advice to young audio professionals on how to make your way in the Music Industry is that “Music has to be front and centre in every decision you make. When you commit to it, you’ve got to keep doing it. Keeping at it is the most important thing”.
Colonel Chris Hadfield, called the “most famous astronaut since Neil Armstrong”, has become a worldwide sensation for his many accomplishments in aeronautics, not least among them performing David Bowie’s A Space Oddity live from space. Col. Hadfield is the first Canadian to operate Canada’s famed Canadarm as well as being first Canadian to perform two spacewalks. As keynote speaker, Colonel Hadfield often referred to Luke’s story, relating to how he, like Luke, had grown up in a small Ontario town and was inspired along the way to dream big dreams and work tirelessly to realize them, and how key it is to choose wisely the person you wish to become. The recipient of many awards and honours, Col. Hadfield is, as well as being an engineer, pilot and astronaut, a singer and guitarist. A quote form Col. Hadfield- “Decide in your heart of hearts what really excites and challenges you, and start moving your life in that direction… Look at who you want to be, and start sculpting yourself into that person… doing things that suit you in a profession you believe in. Don’t let life randomly kick you into the adult you don’t want to become.”
These two men had the opportunity to share their stories together- one with an already long and distinguished career and the other still at the beginning of what is proving even now to be an amazing journey. We at RAC appreciate and are happy to point out that Luke’s and Col. Hadfield’s shared passion for music and technology brought them together to encourage others to follow their passions and live their lives to the fullest, no matter what stage of life they are at.
Recording Arts Canada grads are working around the world in Sound and Music Recording companies, Film and TV Post, Game Design, Music Labels, and so many other creative fields. Click here to see a list Recording Arts Canada grads and where they work.
If you’re serious about your music and your future, applying to Recording Arts Canada is the best decision you’ll make to achieve your goals. Click here to apply to RAC.
