SPC graduate Dustin Brause is putting the college’s degree in Music Industry Recording Arts to work behind the camera and online.

Brause, 23, received his associate of science degree in SPC’s MIRA program in early 2012. He now is working as both the leading sound advisor for the startup video game company Solvent Studios and a freelancer for a Tampa ad agency.

That’s Brause behind the scenes during the filming of a Sweetbay commercial where he was part of a two-man sound team. “We’re very proud of his success,” said Mark Matthews, MIRA’s lead instructor.

Brause said he had always been involved in music, participating in band and dabbling on the computer. When he started looking at schools, he found out about the MIRA program at SPC, what it offered and that it was more affordable than other educational opportunities in this field.

“I would say that it definitely opened my eyes as to how much really is involved and how many different types of jobs there are,” Brause said about MIRA. “They try to prepare you for how it will be like to get a job.”

Looking back, Brause said he would advise current MIRA students to network with people in the music industry. “Networking really makes a difference while in school,” he said. “It’s the primary way people get work in the industry.”

Looking ahead, he’s hoping things will take off for Solvent Studios and his work with them. He also is watching for an opportunity to learn more through MIRA at SPC.

Brause’s dream job would be to work as a sound mixer for film and television, he said. However, he would need more specialized training, which he hopes MIRA will provide if it expands and begins offering a bachelor’s program. With people in the music industry considering job options in film, television and online, Brause said, “There are a lot of opportunities for (MIRA) to grow.”