From an early age, Alex Leon was immersed in music. Starting piano lessons at just four years old, followed by guitar at five and drums through high school, Alex’s passion for music naturally evolved into a deep interest in live sound and audio recording. Now a Junior at Columbia College Chicago, Alex is well on his way to a promising career in the audio and music industry, thanks to his dedication and the opportunities he’s embraced.
During his senior year at Lyons Township High School, Alex sought a college that offered strong career development opportunities. Columbia College Chicago stood out for its unique programs and its Chicago location. “When I researched the opportunities Columbia offered, that sealed it for me,” Alex shared. “This school is unique because so many professors and students are already working in the industry. Their advice and insights have given me a valuable perspective on building my career.”
In his sophomore year, Alex discovered Sessions @33, a volunteer initiative that allows students to collaborate on live music performances featuring emerging Chicago artists. This experience became a pivotal part of his journey. “I love Sessions @33,” Alex said. “It’s been incredibly rewarding. I’ve been able to learn and apply so many skills, from tracking sessions to leading video production. Over time, I’ve taken on leadership roles like Director of Photography and Lead Audio Engineer/Producer. But the best part is the creative community—working alongside talented, driven peers inspires me to keep coming back.”
After contributing to over 25 Sessions @33 performances in one year, Alex felt ready to take the next step: an internship. Columbia’s curriculum played a significant role in preparing him. “Courses like Sound System Design taught me to understand floor plans and design sound systems for different spaces,” Alex explained. “Beyond technical knowledge, the importance of reliability, communication, and meeting deadlines has been invaluable.”
Last summer, Alex secured an internship with AVI Systems, a company specializing in AV integration. The experience was both educational and inspiring. “AVI Systems gave me hands-on experience in large-scale AV projects,” Alex said. “The team was incredibly welcoming and supportive, which made a huge impact. My advisor, Ben Howarth, and other colleagues offered invaluable guidance and treated me like an integral part of the company. Like Ben there were other supervisors and coworkers like Tom Melms, Jarryd Steimer, Julio Narbouna, Ken Olson, Ari Shellist, Steven Garnett, Conner Blackwood, and Zackery Brown were very respectful and their advice and guidance was beyond valuable. It was clear that AVI Systems prioritizes a positive, inclusive culture, which made a significant impact on my overall experience.”
Reflecting on his journey so far, Alex shared this advice: “Show up. It’s truly half the battle. Regardless of how skilled you are, if you’re not present, you won’t succeed. Being there—academically, professionally, and personally—has been a key factor in my growth.”