Inside Look: Creatio Music Program

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Creatio is one of Northwest University’s fastest growing programs. With state-of-the-art recording equipment and professors who double as music industry professionals, it’s no wonder so many are drawn to Creatio.   

One of these professors is Steve Smith. Steve is the director of the Creatio program, but he also teaches every student who joins the recording arts program. This means that each student gets to learn from the best of the best.

Steve also knows what it means to build a career. In his 20’s, Steve was a janitor at the famous Record Plant recording studio in Los Angeles. Even though he didn’t start out with engineering work, he gained a wealth of knowledge just by being in a studio environment. Eventually, he was promoted to assistant engineer. One day, he was called into the studio to be the assistant engineer on a new project. It turned out that the project was Songs in the Key of Life, a Stevie Wonder album.

This experience opened the door for Steve to work with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Garth Brooks and Steven Spielberg. He was also the recording engineer for hit video games such as Medal of Honor and Gears of War. Steve has two Grammy awards, multiple gold records, and several video game awards.

Steve’s achievements are extraordinary, but he’s also one of the most down-to-earth professors you’ll ever meet. He spends countless hours helping students outside of class, and he loves doing it. Student Justin Di Grazia says the most valuable aspect of Creatio has been “forming relationships with professors, especially Steve, who is always there to point me in the right direction.”

Northwest’s Creatio program promises possibility. With an almost 100% job placement record, it doesn’t fall short. Upon graduation, students have landed roles in sound engineering, music production, and many other areas. Last year, student William Cybertz held an internship at one of the world’s premier recording studios, EastWest in Los Angeles. He credits obtaining the internship to Creatio, whose encouraging professors and top-of-the-line equipment prepared him for the role.

The Creatio music program provides students with industry experience and usable skills, and it does so within a distinctly Christian environment. Steve Smith’s passion for music, industry experience, and care for his students are a combination that would be difficult to find anywhere else. Creatio is building the future leaders of the music industry, equipping them with the tools to succeed.

For more information about Creatio, visit https://creatio.northwestu.edu.