Chace Levi

I try to teach students to be prepared, but to also take on unexpected challenges that may seem insurmountable. Chace Levi , Program Chair - Media , The Art Institute of Austin, a branch of The Art Institute of Houston

Was there a defining moment when you knew you were destined to become a creative professional?

Playing bass at a sold out show at New York’s famous music club CBGB.

How do you weave your professional background into the classroom experience?

Every lesson and project the students are given is based off of an actual job I have done or been asked to do professionally. No job is the same and they all have odd requests that need to be met. Learning that early is key.

What class assignment exemplifies your approach to teaching and mentoring?

I believe the only way to learn is to do. So when teaching live sound, I make sure the students learn under real-life circumstances. The pressure of being on the clock to setup in time, while a band is waiting, gives them the kind of experience that prepares them for when they graduate.

How does collaboration contribute to students’ success—particularly when students from various programs work together?

My students collaborate on nearly all of my projects, whether it’s setting up mics together or a mixing assignment. Working together helps them learn different approaches to doing the same job, which is something they’ll encounter out in the industry.

What’s the most important thing you impart to students to help them succeed in class and the real world?

The only limitations to what they can do are the limitations they put upon themselves. I try to teach students to be prepared, but also take on unexpected challenges that may seem insurmountable. They will be surprised at what they can do.