In a captivating display of the transformative power of music, the Auburn University Department of Music recently dedicated its state-of-the-art Lucky Man Studio at Goodwin Hall. This cutting-edge facility is poised to revolutionize the department's curriculum and provide students with unparalleled opportunities to hone their craft and explore the boundless possibilities of the music industry.

Elevating the Student Experience: Auburn's Cutting-Edge Recording Studio

A Visionary Collaboration

The Lucky Man Studio is the brainchild of Rick Good, the former Department of Music chair, and a generous gift from Don Clayton, a 1975 music education graduate and longtime musician. The two friends developed the concept for the studio through numerous conversations, driven by a shared vision to transform the department and provide students with a world-class facility.

A State-of-the-Art Facility

The Lucky Man Studio is a state-of-the-art recording studio housed within the College of Liberal Arts. It boasts an impressive array of equipment, including a drum station, keyboards, synthesizers, guitars, cutting-edge computer software, high-quality microphones, and a Dolby Atmos recording system. This cutting-edge facility is poised to become a hub for musicians and artists seeking a top-notch environment to capture their musical creations.

Fostering Innovation and Collaboration

The studio's impact on the Department of Music has been immediate and transformative. It has already spawned three new academic programs – composition technology, commercial music, and a minor in music business – reflecting the department's commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry. The facility's versatility also allows for collaboration across various disciplines, opening up new avenues for interdepartmental projects and cross-pollination of ideas.

Empowering Student Talent

The dedication ceremony featured rousing performances by four talented Auburn students – Karsen Betzold, Walter Lloyd, Anna Colson, and Harry Downes. These students' passion and enthusiasm were palpable, inspiring the event's guest of honor, Don Clayton, who expressed his deep appreciation for the next generation of music makers. The Lucky Man Studio is poised to become a powerful recruiting tool, attracting aspiring musicians and music industry professionals to the Auburn University Department of Music.

A Vision for the Future

The studio's director, Trammell Starks, a renowned recording artist, has ambitious plans for the facility's future. He envisions a wide range of collaborative opportunities, from recording orchestras and choirs to working with rock, pop, and country bands. The department's leadership, including Doug Rosener, the director of the Department of Music, and Jason Hicks, the dean of the College of Liberal Arts, share this vision, recognizing the studio's potential to transform the department and prepare students for success in the ever-evolving music industry.

Unlocking Boundless Potential

Don Clayton, the studio's namesake, has set his sights high, expressing a desire to see a No. 1 songwriter emerge from the Lucky Man Studio within the next five years, potentially even earning a Grammy nomination. This bold aspiration reflects the transformative power of the facility and the department's commitment to nurturing the next generation of musical innovators.The dedication of the Lucky Man Studio at Auburn University's Department of Music marks a significant milestone in the institution's journey to provide students with unparalleled opportunities to explore their passions, hone their skills, and unlock their boundless potential. This state-of-the-art facility is poised to become a beacon of excellence, attracting talented individuals from across the region and beyond, and positioning the department as a premier destination for aspiring musicians and music industry professionals.