Having played guitar since the age of seven and with a keen interest in all things music, it was a dream come true for 16-year-old Jack Baxter when he was offered the chance to run his own recording studio.
Toad Row Studios, based at Henstead Arts and Crafts Centre which is run by Jack’s dad Richard, became empty at the end of last year after musician Will Vaughan, who opened the facility five years ago, was offered a job in London.
Realising his son’s potential and passion for mixing and teaching, Mr Baxter offered him the studio to rent.
Jack said: “When Will was in the studio it was always my dream to take it over from him, so instead of ripping it out dad asked me if I would like to rent it and start my own business.
“I already had a small studio set up at home but it was a bit of a hassle for mum, especially with a drum kit in there!
“So when dad asked me to take it on I jumped at the chance.”
Jack is currently studying for his GCSEs at Langley School where he was awarded a music scholarship, and has been working as a guitar tutor for the past year.
He will be offering recording, mixing, mastering, production and composition services, working with bands and solo artists, as well continuing to offer guitar lessons.
He said: “My aim is to make it a studio where young people can come and not feel scared. I like the idea that people can come in, their parents can go to the coffee shop or sit on the sofa and wait, and the atmosphere is really relaxed.
“I’ve also tried to keep the studio as clear as I can so people can bring in their own stuff and we can work on anything together.”
Jack borrowed £2,000 to set his business up, and used part of the money to buy some equipment off Mr Vaughan, bringing the rest over from his home studio.
He will be using the money he makes from his regular guitar lessons to pay for rent and electric.
He said: “I’ve had years and years to imagine how I wanted my studio to look and this is it. It’s perfect.
“I’m revising for my GCSEs at the moment but I try to get in here as much as I can. Any evenings when I’m free I’m in here mixing.”
Jack had guitar lessons when he was younger, but has taught himself how to use the recording equipment by spending time in other studios.
He said: “A couple of years ago I would have said I wanted to perform music and be on stage, but when I came in here and saw people working in the studio I thought that looks fun and I got a bit jealous. So now my aspirations have changed. I want to be the one behind the music.”
Guitar lessons cost £10 for 30 minutes and a day in the studio costs £100.
For more information call Jack on 07841938269 or visit www.toadrowstudios.com
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