Audio Tech Specialist Returns Home to the Community that Shaped Him
For Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC) Tech Support Specialist and Adjunct Faculty member Jeremy McEwen, life has come full circle. Known as the “resident audio engineer” on campus and for PVCC’s Center for the Performing Arts (CPA), McEwen not only helps power live productions behind the scenes but also inspires the next generation of audio professionals.
McEwen began his college journey at PVCC’s sister college Scottsdale Community College as a health sciences student, but everything shifted in 2013 when he joined PVCC’s community choir. A lifelong musician and performer, he was immediately drawn to PVCC’s fine and performing arts program, ultimately transferring and changing his major to Music Industry Studies: Audio Production Technologies, a path that blended his love of music with a new passion for recording and live sound.
He started interning at Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix mixing music and gaining valuable real-world experience. That opportunity led to a position at Unity of Phoenix Spiritual Center, where he worked for five years running live sound and productions. All the while, McEwen stayed connected to PVCC, lending his expertise to countless concerts, musicals, and theatrical performances.
PVCC Fine and Performing Arts Director Dr. Chris Scinto was a steady influence, encouraging McEwen’s growth and eventually recommending him for a broadcast and audio technician role. That opened the door to other high-profile opportunities with networks such as CNN and ESPN, as well as productions for the Super Bowl and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). McEwen even worked behind the camera for interviews with sports icons like Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, and Michael Phelps.
“This is where my passion for video production came from,” McEwen reflected. “My job took me everywhere, and I learned a ton.”
Yet despite his success in the industry, McEwen realized something was missing; he missed his PVCC community, being on campus, surrounded by students, and working on live shows.
Now back at PVCC, McEwen teaches Live Sound I and II while also supporting media production at Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) and assisting PVCC’s IT department with community events and graduation ceremonies. In the classroom and on stage, he is committed to paying forward the support and mentorship he once received.
“This is really where I wanted to be,” McEwen said. “Now I can pass my knowledge and experience on to students, empowering them to take charge of the shows themselves.”
That philosophy is deeply embedded in PVCC’s Audio Production Technologies program, which stands out amongst other schools because faculty encourage students to lead every aspect of a production from audio and lighting to costumes, set design, and directing.
“We give students an environment where it’s safe to learn and safe to make mistakes, so when they go out into the real world, they’ve seen it all and they are adequately equipped,” McEwen explained. “Until you have to implement, execute, and solve problems in real time, you’re not truly prepared. That’s what sets our students apart.”
McEwen believes his own career reflects the power of hands-on learning. His MIS degree gave him the fundamentals to build on, but it was real-world practice – internships, gigs, and shows – that truly opened doors. He now encourages students to seek every opportunity.
“PVCC’s CPA puts on 117 to 171 events every year, which means endless chances for students to get involved,” McEwen said. “My advice? Never say no to working a show. Do everything your schedule allows, switch up the variety, and experience it all. That’s how you grow.”
For McEwen, the best part of the work remains the variety. “You get to do so many things in different genres – it never gets boring. You’re always on your toes and diving into something new.”
Mentorship in Action
McEwen’s influence resonates far beyond campus with both current and former students.
Audio production major Scruffy Cohen said, “This program helped me foster a true love for learning, and Jeremy has shown me how fun producing live events can be. I came to PVCC focused on studio work, but now I also want to pursue live sound and musical theatre, which I’ve fallen in love with… I feel confident I’ll be able to achieve my career goals.”
“Through PVCC, I’ve been given the opportunity to get hands-on experience on a myriad of events that we hold at the CPA,” added Roger Vasquez, another MIS student, who landed McEwen’s previous position at Unity of Phoenix Spiritual Center after just one year in PVCC’s program upon McEwen’s recommendation. “Jeremy made it feel like working in this industry was possible and that learning all the tricks of the trade is achievable. He encouraged me to acquire different skills and become a jack of all trades, and it has paid off.”
PVCC graduate Emilian Toscano, now on the audio and technical team at Phoenix Theatre, credits both the program and McEwen’s mentorship for shaping his career. “PVCC gave me the skills and confidence to pursue audio production, but Jeremy made me see that live sound wasn’t just a skill—it could be a career. He’s an incredible mentor, and I’m grateful for the support that helped me discover my passion.”
From student to professional to mentor, McEwen embodies the PVCC spirit of growth, creativity, and community. To learn more about the Music Industries Studies program, visit the website.