In the vibrant world of competitive cheerleading, where high-flying stunts and synchronized tumbling meet intense energy and flair, one name echoes behind the scenes with a commanding presence: Patrick Avard. Known in the industry as the trailblazer who revolutionized cheer music, Patrick Avard is not just a music producer—he is the pulse behind some of the world’s most electrifying cheerleading performances. For more than two decades, he has been shaping how cheerleading teams sound on the mat, blending high-octane beats with innovative sound design that mirrors the sport’s evolving demands. With a unique fusion of musicality and athletic insight, Avard has etched his mark as a pioneer, helping redefine cheerleading from a performance-based activity to a multimedia spectacle.
The Early Years and Musical Roots
Patrick Avard’s journey into music production started long before he became synonymous with cheerleading mixes. Born with a deep appreciation for rhythm and creativity, Avard’s early exposure to music came through traditional means—classical piano, school band participation, and a strong curiosity about how music could influence mood and momentum. However, it wasn’t until his university years that his passion began to evolve into a specialized career path. It was during this time that he encountered cheerleading as an athletic discipline, and he instantly recognized an untapped niche where music was not just background noise, but an integral part of storytelling and team identity.
With the rise of competitive cheerleading in the late 1990s and early 2000s, teams were beginning to demand more than generic music overlays—they needed personalized, high-energy mixes that matched their routines down to the millisecond. Patrick Avard saw an opportunity to bridge this gap. He taught himself the art of digital audio production and sound engineering, combining his musical training with software mastery to craft mixes that could elevate performances and maximize the visual and emotional impact of cheerleading routines.
Creation of CheerMusicPro and Its Industry Impact
Patrick Avard is best known for founding CheerMusicPro, a premier music production company that quickly rose to become a dominant force in the cheerleading world. Through this platform, Avard has worked with top-tier teams including world champions and elite all-star squads, creating custom music that not only fuels routines but also serves as a signature identity for many programs. His sound is recognizable—intense bass drops, seamless transitions, customized vocals, and anthemic buildups that mirror the crescendo of the physical performance.
What set CheerMusicPro apart from competitors was not only the quality of production but the visionary way Avard approached each mix. Rather than following a formula, he treated each routine like a cinematic experience, where every beat and vocal sample contributed to a cohesive narrative. By incorporating team chants, athlete names, and routine-specific sound effects, Avard created a bespoke experience that elevated performances to new heights. As a result, his mixes became highly sought after by national and international programs alike.
Mainstream Recognition and Pop Culture Crossover
Though Avard had already achieved legendary status within the cheer community, his work gained widespread recognition with the release of the Netflix docuseries Cheer in 2020. The series spotlighted the Navarro College cheer team, one of the most successful programs in the United States—and their energetic performances were soundtracked by none other than Patrick Avard. Millions of viewers who had never given cheerleading a second thought were suddenly captivated by the intense athleticism, emotional narratives, and, notably, the high-energy music driving every routine.
The exposure was a pivotal moment for Patrick Avard, as it brought mainstream attention to the crucial role music plays in cheerleading competitions. His involvement in Cheer underscored the artistry behind cheer music production and helped validate the profession as an essential part of the sport. Since then, Avard has been featured in interviews, music publications, and sports commentary platforms, offering insight into the complex, collaborative process of scoring cheer routines.
A New Standard in Cheer Music Licensing and Innovation
One of Patrick Avard’s most influential contributions to the industry has been his advocacy for legal and licensed music in cheerleading. For years, the sport operated in a gray area when it came to music rights, with many teams using copyrighted songs without proper clearance. Avard led the charge in changing that landscape, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property rights and helping teams transition to fully licensed music solutions.
Through his work, Avard has played a central role in establishing a new industry standard—one that ensures artists are credited and compensated for their work while allowing cheerleading teams to compete without legal risk. He introduced models where producers could create original compositions or license music through official channels, setting a precedent that now shapes how cheer music is produced across the board. This shift not only safeguarded teams from legal issues but also opened the door for a new wave of creativity in the genre.
Patrick Avard’s Creative Process
Behind the scenes, Patrick Avard’s creative process is a masterclass in collaboration and precision. Each mix he produces is a result of deep communication with the coaching staff, choreographers, and sometimes even the athletes themselves. He begins by analyzing the structure of a team’s routine—the stunts, tumbling passes, dance sections, and pacing—then matches musical elements to enhance those movements.
He often incorporates custom vocals that reflect a team’s identity, slogans, or competitive history. Sound design plays a critical role as well, with effects layered in to heighten dramatic moments or provide cues to the athletes. The end result is a mix that not only sounds great to the audience but is also engineered for the athletes’ timing, energy management, and emotional expression. This attention to detail is what separates Patrick Avard from others in the field and why so many top teams continue to rely on his expertise season after season.
Influence Beyond Cheerleading
While Patrick Avard’s name is most closely tied to the cheerleading industry, his influence has expanded into other areas of sports and entertainment. His approach to thematic music scoring has made him a sought-after consultant for dance teams, halftime shows, gymnastics performances, and more. Avard has also begun exploring opportunities in film and television scoring, where his flair for high-impact, emotionally charged music can translate to broader audiences.
Moreover, his advocacy for music producers and digital creators continues to make waves in the industry. He frequently mentors up-and-coming producers, offering guidance on navigating both the creative and business aspects of music production. His presence on industry panels and educational platforms reinforces his status as not just a creator, but a thought leader who is shaping the future of sports entertainment soundtracks.
Legacy and Future Endeavors
Patrick Avard’s legacy is already firmly cemented within the competitive cheerleading community. He has transformed what was once considered background music into a core element of the sport’s identity. More than just a producer, he is a visionary who recognized the symbiotic relationship between sound and movement, and used that insight to redefine an entire genre.
Looking forward, Avard continues to innovate, pushing boundaries with new technologies in sound production, AI-assisted editing tools, and immersive audio experiences. Whether it’s exploring 3D soundscapes for live competitions or developing licensing platforms for other sports, Patrick Avard shows no signs of slowing down. His passion for music and its power to inspire remains as strong as ever, and his contributions will undoubtedly continue to shape the way the world experiences competitive cheer and beyond.
Conclusion
Patrick Avard is much more than a cheer music producer—he is a cultural architect within the competitive cheerleading world, and a pioneer in performance sound design. From launching CheerMusicPro to spearheading legal music licensing reforms, and from mainstream exposure on Cheer to mentoring future generations of producers, Avard’s influence is vast and enduring. His work serves as a reminder that behind every great performance is a soundtrack crafted with intention, precision, and heart—and no one understands that better than Patrick Avard.
