The Academy of
Production & Recording Arts
Earn Your Diploma In Audio Engineering & Production Arts
Located in Calgary, Alberta
Do you have an interest in the entertainment industry?
Do you love music, movies, TV and radio? Are you a “behind the scenes” type of person?
Do you love music, movies, TV and radio? Are you a “behind the scenes” type of person?
About APRA
The Academy of Production & Recording Arts (APRA) is a school geared towards teaching professional audio engineering and production techniques. Since 1997, a detailed curriculum has been offered to those seeking careers in sound for radio, television, recording, film & video, internet, gaming, live shows, clubs, concert tours and new media production. Operating out of one of the top studios in Canada, APRA has the distinct advantage of always being at the leading edge of technology and production. APRA instructors are themselves firstclass engineers and producers, and The Beach recording facility, including multi million dollar studios, serves as home base for APRA students and their projects. In small classes, students learn and work at the top of the education ladder. Guided by experienced professionals in a world-class facility, they are surrounded by the sound, media and production business every day. The environment is professional yet unique, and students can rest assured that they are learning in a place that will help them achieve their personal and professional goals.
What is the Diploma In Audio Engineering & Productions Arts All About?
INSTRUCTORS
The instructors are not just teachers, but accomplished professionals in their own right. APRA instructors are industry pros with backgrounds as musicians, performers, producers and technicians. The APRA staff is without a doubt the cream of the crop from the western Canadian production community. Along with being APRA instructors, the instructors are also working engineers at The Beach, which means that the students will be getting their instructions from engineers using current techniques and practices in the industry.
Derek Sylwestrzak, Instructor & Chief Engineer
Derek Sylwestrzak is the Chief Engineer at The Beach studios. He has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry from Paul Brandt, Heather Locklear, Nas, Common, Usher and the legendary Ben E. King. Derek not only works as one of the engineers, he is also a veteran teacher with 12 years experience, which makes him a great resource for our APRA students.
Paul Schreve, Instructor & Supervising Sound Editor
Paul Schreve was born and raised in South Africa. Paul made his way to Canada in 2008 to pursue a career in audio. He now works as Supervising Sound Editor at The Beach studios and has been an instructor at APRA for 8 years. Paul definitely keeps himself busy; having worked on many projects ranging from feature films (4 of which have been recognized at international film festivals around the world), short films, radio commercials, album projects, TV commercials & series. Paul’s positive energy shows in the classroom and in the studio!
Ryan Koichopolos, Instructor & Engineer
Ryan is a graduate of the Academy of Production and Recording Arts, and has been engineering projects for The Beach and instructing at APRA for over 7 years. His skills include music, foley, VO/ADR recording and mixing, commercial and corporate sessions, sound design, and sound to picture/post production work. He also serves as the resident session drummer for The Beach. He’s worked with NBC, The Band Perry, Hockey Canada, Lindsay Ell, Shaw TV, Small Town DJ’s, Pat Fraley, Voicespot WCS, Jocelyn Alice, Comedy Central, Global TV, and countless local artists.
