Alumni Spotlight: Matthew Ingram – From Live Gigs to Studio Mastery

Before joining Sound Academy, Matthew Ingram was no stranger to managing large-scale projects. As the owner of a design studio operating in three different countries, he had developed the skills to handle complex workflows and deliver high-quality results. However, his passion for music production remained unexplored. “I felt like learning to work in a studio environment to see if I could translate those skills to something I am more passionate about,” Matthew shared. While he had plenty of experience in live pre-production, stepping into a structured studio setting was a challenge he was eager to take on.

The Sound Academy Experience

At Sound Academy, Matthew found more than just technical training—he discovered a welcoming and inclusive community.

“Everyone was super friendly, and everyone was of different age groups. It was very accepting—different people of all genders, religions, sexualities. Super inclusive, and it was definitely a safe place. There was definitely camaraderie; everyone looked forward to meeting each other.”

This supportive atmosphere allowed Matthew to immerse himself in hands-on learning, gaining direct experience with industry-standard equipment. Unlike watching YouTube tutorials, the structured and interactive approach helped him develop quickly.

“It was better than watching YouTube videos on the internet. It was just a much more refined experience that allowed me to progress quickly.”

Student & Instructor Interaction

Beyond the training, one of Matthew’s biggest takeaways was the mentorship and real-world industry insights from Sound Academy’s instructors at Snap! Records. “The best thing about the course was the guys that run the studio. They were sharing stories about their experiences in the industry. Those guys, Marco and Eoghan, were incredible. I have their phone numbers and emails so I can reach them when I can.”

Advice for Future Students

One of the biggest lessons Matthew took away from the course was the importance of taking action in music production.

“You can’t get better at the music you don’t make. Just actually getting on with it as opposed to spending your time reading—and actually going in and getting it done. The power of being in an environment with other people that want to make music makes you better.”

What’s Next for Matthew?

Now, Matthew is looking to collaborate with other artists and develop his portfolio as he continues to refine his craft.

“My plan is to start and try to work with other artists in a way to develop a portfolio. I probably will look to do more courses—I enjoyed the overall learning experience.” With his newfound skills, network, and confidence, Matthew is ready to take his passion for music production to the next level. His journey is a testament to the power of structured learning, hands-on experience, and a strong creative community.

Stay tuned for his upcoming projects via his socials or if you want to reach out, feel free!