STUDENT Reviews

Vocal Coach, Austin Perkins,  explained his vision for the studio. "I wanted to influence the Arts and Music Culture in Jones County in a new way! I want to help students cultivate their gifts to honor God."

Pictured: Teri Myers presenting Austin with his first dollar of clear profit from the Jones County Chamber of Commerce. 

The Vocal Studio Ribbon Cutting Ceremony had a great turn out with friends, family, and many local, special guests: Mayor of Ellisville, Lynn Buckhaults, Alderman at Large, Ola Mitchell, Minister of Music at FBC Laurel, Jonathan Mckenzie, Miss Jones County, Caidyn Crowder, Ellisville's Miss Hospitality, Keely Skellion, Jones County School Board President, Lester Boyles, and Owner of Historic Ward's Pharmacy, Nikki Walters

The Old Fire House 

When I walked in the door for the first time, I knew this was where God wanted me to start my studio. We started renovations with building a wall to separate the old Fire Engine Bay from the more usable space of the studio. Mayor of Ellisville, Lynn Buckhaults, made sure I had everything I needed to be successful — He and his team put the skeleton of the wall up in no time. My Uncle, Barry Parrish, offered his carpentry and electrician skills and we furnished the white-washed, 12x12 planks you see here today. The floors of the studio were bare concrete. I acid washed them, scrubbed out the old paint and grease from the Fire Station Days — TALK ABOUT WORK! I purchased Garage Floor Finishing Kits and completed the floor over a 5 day period. I wanted colors that would be relevant today but that also added to the character of this amazing building.  

One of the most important jobs I have is teaching 12-18 year-olds how to develop and use their God-given talents. In voice lessons, we work on body alignment, breath control and support, classical and belting styles of voice, and how to be a more accurate and overall better performer.

I am so fortunate to work with students from South Jones, West Jones, Northeast Jones, Laurel Christian High School, Oak Grove, Petal, Jones College, and my virtual students from North Mississippi, Alabama, and Las Vegas, NV. These kids make what I do so much fun and I thank God for their hard work and their dedication!