As a certified audio engineer, I've seen many studios in Columbus, Nashville, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. Vaughan Music Studios likely has the most premiere mixing environment of any facility I've seen. I had the pleasure of touring the music lessons spaces, performance hall, and studio at Vaughan, with Cindy Vaughan, who owns and manages the ins and outs. Her vision for this music school is all-encompassing, backed by years of experience, and equipped with the best gear in the land. Lookout for this place in the future- as it seems likely to become a staple in Columbus' music education and music scene as a whole. read more

Well, since my first review, VMS has completely redeemed itself. Perhaps it was just a coincidence that I finally received a return call from them the day after having posted my criticism, but regardless, I've now not only been taking voice lessons from them, but also drum, guitar, and ear training lessons (I do all of these in one spell over a couple of hours each Saturday afternoon), and am completely satisfied by the quality of instruction, the facility itself, and the friendliness of the staff. Columbus is fortunate to be able to claim a resource such as this one. read more

Vaughan Music Studios offers a lot to the Columbus recording and musician community - they have great recording spaces, an amazing control room, all the latest gear, and an experienced engineer to tie it all together. They are great with working around schedules and finishing up tracks that were started at a home or project studio. Mark and Cindy really listen to what you are looking for and always ensure that you start your session with a plan/goal and leave your session satisfied. I've recorded drums here multiple times and spent some time helping out their recording arts class during the summer and it was a great experience for all involved, including myself, the instructor, and the students. VMS comes with a very high recommendation from me, especially after having many lackluster encounters with other local studio owners/operators. read more

I've been a student here since 2011. I've seen other students come and go, so I admit I do have pride in being at this place for several years. I've done a myriad of things here- recorded a couple of EPs, shot a music video, and sang at numerous showcases. It has been a tremendous experience for me, utilizing my singing talent. I'm sure the other students, past and present, have had delightful experiences learning here as well. This studio is worthwhile to study at for anybody who aspires to get involved with music. I've sang at many showcases since 2012. I believe I've always done a decent job in them. I recall in my debut showcase, I was very nervous despite getting praise. It was the first time I sang in front of an audience on my own. I feel I have improved singing in showcases the more I've done them. I still get nervous, yet have more confidence. That's the benefit the showcases can provide to a musician. I sang all the songs I wrote, which are a handful. The majority of the tunes I performed have been covers. After doing one of my original songs, I received some glowing reviews from a couple of the parents, perhaps, more on the lyrical content that I wrote, which was satisfying to me. What also made me elated was the applause I got for performing a few dance steps during Madonna's dance-oriented tune, "Everybody". I assumed it was one of the rare occasions at the showcases wherein the audience applause erupted during a performance. Receiving praise over a showcase performance can place a smile on any musician's face and provide them a desire to do more performances. In nearly all of my showcase performances, I have held the microphone. In the first few years, I didn't hold the cord. I had the mindset of not doing so because I've seen a myriad of singers hold the cord, which seemed funny and enticed me to pay attention to their hand holding and fidgeting with the cord as opposed to their performance. However, in recent years, I have held the mic cord during certain songs. After having several showcase performances under my belt, it came to a point wherein my mind said to me "Gerald, start being loose, have more fun, and do something that can help your singing by holding the microphone cord". I first did this as I was belting the high note during Carrie Underwood's "So Small". Pulling and holding the cord helped me sing that note in a compelling fashion. I felt elation doing it that I held the cord again later in the song, so it has become a habit for me. I've held the mic cord at various points of the song. It could be during a verse, chorus, or a few lines. Despite not holding the cord during every song I've sang, holding it has helped me relax and manifest to the audience how I interpreted the song. At one of the showcases, a girl, who was a student and scheduled to perform that day, looked at my hand holding the mic cord. She seemed amused. I did hold the cord several times as I sang "Everybody". I was in the mood to. When I grabbed, pulled, and held the cord the first time during that performance, I seemed vulnerable, yet amusing as I looked at the cord. But one of my instructors, Rebekah, said that holding the cord gives the singer something to do. Sound advice. I continue to work with Barb, whom I've known for years now. Whenever I have a lesson with her, it's more like meeting with a friend. It's been beneficial for me this way because I always feel relaxed. Barb always finds a way to help me become well prepared for a showcase performance regardless of the music style and key of the song. I've worked with Rebekah as well. I was enamored by her voice at a showcase. It prompted me to attempt to do a duet with her. Rebekah is affable and very insightful in term of music and performance. Despite her enormous musical talent that can leave anybody in awe, she is down-to-earth and introspective. Rebekah has helped define my place as a singer, stating that jazz is the style most suitable for me. It has made me think about attempting to perform jazz tunes. Rebekah and I did "Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better" for a showcase. It turned out to be delightful even though it was kind of funny Rebekah held the microphone cord a lot while I left my mic cord alone. Although she did wow the audience with that singing duel part of the song, I felt I did stand on my own. My brother in law called it the best of my showcase performances. Rebekah was helpful in stating to me that duets are a collaborative effort. Since I'm a sensitive individual that could be easily intimidated by someone like her with exceptional talent, I was relaxed and enjoyed working with her. It's unfortunate I won't be able to do another duet with Rebekah. We would've done a much better duet of another song had we gotten the chance. I'll continue to come here, learn, and do more showcase performances as long as I have the desire to. read more