- Source: Metalworks Institute
Metalworks Institute is a post-secondary institution based in Mississauga, Ontario. Metalworks Institute offers certificates, diplomas, and advanced diplomas, on-campus and online, educating students for direct entry into careers in the entertainment industry or for articulation into undergraduate degrees. The institute was founded by Gil Moore (Inductee of the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame) of the Canadian rock band Triumph (inductees into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame), and is the educational extension of Metalworks Studios, Canada's largest music recording studio, and Metalworks Production Group. Metalworks Institute delivers programs in four core streams: Live Music, Recorded Music, Entertainment Business and Music Performance, at the flagship Mississauga campus and at the Fredericton campus.
Metalworks Institute received the inaugural Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry award for Music School of the Year in 2016 and again in 2019.
History and accreditation
Metalworks Institute Mississauga was founded in 2005 and is registered as a Private Career College under the Private Career Colleges Act, 2005. Metalworks Institute Fredericton was founded in 2020 and is a Private Occupational Training Organization registered under the Private Occupational Training Act, 1996. Metalworks Institute offers diploma and advanced diploma programs, on-campus and online, as well as individual certificate courses. The Institute includes over 80 full-time staff members and has an enrollment of more than 250 students.
On November 20, 2013, the Metalworks Group was the recipient of the SME Excellence Award at the Ontario Business Achievement Awards (OBAA), presented by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. In 2016, Metalworks Institute received the inaugural Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry award for Music School of the Year. They then received the Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry award for Music School of the Year a second time in 2019 In 2019, Metalworks Institute received the inaugural Paul Kitchin Award for Community Involvement from Career Colleges Ontario for their sponsorship of the Sound Engineering Program at Interprovincial Music Camp (IMC).
Academic programs
Metalworks Institute delivers programs on-campus and online in four core streams:
= Live Music
=Live Event & Concert Production Diploma
Live Sound Diploma
Stage Lighting & Video Diploma
= Music Business
=Music Business Diploma
= Music Performance
=Music Performance Advanced Diploma
= Recorded Music
=Audio Production & Engineering Diploma
Electronic Music Production Diploma
Music Mixing & Mastering (Post Graduate) Diploma
Recording Engineering Diploma
= Interdisciplinary Programs
=Music Performance & Technology Advanced Diploma
Professional Sound (Audio Specialist) Diploma
Professional Sound & Business (Studio Production Major) Advanced Diploma
Professional Sound & Business (Recording Engineering Major) Advanced Diploma
Professional Sound & Business (Live Production Major) Advanced Diploma
= Part-time certificate courses
=Metalworks Institute is officially certified as an Avid Certified Learning Partner and offers certified training in Pro Tools for both music and post-production as well as for live Venue (sound system). They also offer certificate courses in Apple's Logic Pro, Steinberg Cubase, Ableton Live and Reason.
Flagship Campus and Educational Facilities
Metalworks Institute's flagship campus is located in Mississauga, Ontario, adjacent to Metalworks Studios and Metalworks Production Group. There are regularly scheduled campus tours which are open to the public. Prospective students and parents are able to meet the school faculty and find information related to the programs, courses, and student resources offered at Metalworks Institute.
= Educational Amenities
=Metalworks Institute's studios were designed by acoustician Terry Medwedyk. The equipment used by the institute to educate its students is the same as that used by the professional clients who make use of Metalworks Studios. The studios are equipped with SSL and ICON consoles, Pro Tools HD systems and a wide variety of industry standard microphones, plug-ins and vintage outboard equipment. The Institute's partnership with Metalworks Production Group also gives the show production students access to the equipment used to produce a large variety of live events such as concerts, theatrical productions, large and small scale business conferences trade shows and conventions. The institute has four professional recording studios dedicated to student use.
Notable alumni
Akeel Henry, Jack Richardson Recording Engineer of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2023
Alessia De Gasperis, formerly known as Kai, Canadian singer-songwriter
Alex Dimauro, bassist in Juno-nominated (2021, 2022) Valley
Angie Randisi, multi-platinum & GRAMMY-nominated recording/mixing engineer
Braden Bales, Nashville-based singer/songwriter
Harley Arsenault, Producer OVO Sound
Jad "Oupsing" El Khoury - Mix Assistant OVO Sound
Michael "Mickey" Brandolino, producer, former guitarist in Juno-nominated (2021, 2022) Valley
Nathan Stein, Director of A&R and International, Dine Alone Records
Nav, rapper
Noel Cadastre, Award-winning mixer, music producer, audio engineer OVO Sound
Riley Bell, Jack Richardson Recording Engineer of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2018, member of New West (band)
Robert Laska, vocalist in Juno-nominated (2021, 2022) Valley
Stefan Guy, guitarist with Nate Smith
Tim Oxford, musician in The Arkells
WondaGurl, record producer