Angie Sandoval’s name is one to remember in the world of Recording Arts & Show Production. Her time at F.I.R.S.T. Institute was marked with incredible achievements, ambition, and dedication. Graduating at the top of her class with a flawless 4.0 GPA, serving as president of F.I.R.S.T. Access, and completing over 300 internship hours, Angie truly made her mark. But there’s much more to Angie’s story than numbers on paper. We sat down with her to learn about her path to success, what inspired her to pursue a creative career, and what’s next after graduation.
Early Ambitions: The Spark That Started It All
For Angie, her love for music blossomed during childhood. Like many young dreamers, she spent hours glued to MTV, envisioning herself as a rockstar. But it wasn’t just the glamorous videos or catchy lyrics that fascinated her. Angie remembers watching a program about the music production process—from recording to mastering a track. That peek behind the scenes changed her perspective forever.
“I was hooked,” she shares. Inspired by what she saw, Angie invested in a basic recording setup with an interface and a cheap microphone. While the equipment was far from professional-grade, it ignited her passion for creating and recording music. These early days laid the foundation for her love of the technical side of the industry and a desire to turn her dreams into a reality.
Finding the Perfect Fit at F.I.R.S.T. Institute
Once Angie decided to pursue a career in recording arts, the next step was finding the right school. She was looking for more than just theory-based education. Hands-on experience, state-of-the-art technology, and practical training were non-negotiables. That’s when she discovered F.I.R.S.T. Institute.
“After making a few calls and booking a tour, I knew this was the place for me,” Angie says confidently. “The moment they showed me the school, I went home, applied, and was accepted!” The connection was instant, and her excitement to begin her education was undeniable.
At F.I.R.S.T., Angie had access to professional equipment, including industry-standard consoles and microphones. She appreciated the opportunity to learn alongside professionals, gaining knowledge and practices she could immediately apply to real-world scenarios.
Expanding Horizons During the Program
Initially, Angie had a singular focus on recording music. She envisioned herself working solely in a studio, producing tracks and collaborating with artists. But as she progressed through the 10-month program, she discovered the vast possibilities within the recording industry. The exposure to multiple disciplines opened her eyes to new pathways.
Angie mastered a variety of skills, including:
- Music Production: Creating and refining tracks with professional-grade software and techniques.
- Mixing and Mastering: Turning raw recordings into polished, final products that shine across any audio medium.
- Location Sound Recording: Gaining experience capturing sound for films and visual media.
- Foley Work: Reproducing everyday sound effects to bring visual content to life.
- Audio-Visual Event Production: Learning how to rig stages and manage live concerts or corporate events.
“Whether I was setting up microphones in the studio or rigging for a live concert, I loved every part of it,” Angie reflects. This diverse skill set has given her the confidence to tackle any project within the industry. “Now, I feel like I have the knowledge and the opportunity to make things happen.”
Lessons in Hard Work and Dedication
Angie’s experience at F.I.R.S.T. Institute wasn’t just about gaining technical skills. It was about honing her work ethic and learning valuable life lessons. Balancing her role as president of F.I.R.S.T. Access, her studies, and over 300 internship hours wasn’t easy. But Angie knew that her extra effort would pay off.
Her biggest takeaway? “When I work hard, I get results.” This simple yet powerful mindset carried her through challenges and solidified her drive to succeed in the recording arts industry.
She also has an inspiring message for current and future students of F.I.R.S.T. Institute.
Why F.I.R.S.T. Was the Right Choice for Angie Sandoval
Angie Sandoval’s story exemplifies what students can achieve with the right tools, guidance, and determination. F.I.R.S.T. Institute provided her with an immersive education, hands-on experience, and invaluable connections to jumpstart her career. More importantly, it gave her the confidence to enter the recording industry with a competitive edge.
Are you considering a career in Recording Arts & Show Production? At F.I.R.S.T., you’ll receive the tools, training, and opportunities you need to succeed. Whether your passion lies in music production, live event production, or sound design for film, our hands-on programs are designed to help you excel.
Is F.I.R.S.T. Right for You?
Angie isn’t the only student who discovered her potential at F.I.R.S.T. Institute. Each year, students from all walks of life join our family to learn, grow, and pursue their dream careers in the creative industry.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward your dream career, we invite you to explore our programs. Book a personalized tour today and find out how F.I.R.S.T. Institute can help you launch your career in Recording Arts & Show Production or one of our other creative programs.
Book Your Tour or Contact Us Today
Like Angie, you could be on the path to an exciting and fulfilling career in the recording industry. Whether you have dreams of working in a recording studio, producing live events, or creating sound for film and television, F.I.R.S.T. Institute is here to guide you every step of the way.
