Charles Vaughn Guitar Studio

Charles Vaughn has been refining his skills on the guitar for over forty years, and now divides his time between teaching and performing. Charles was voted “most talented” by his high school senior class. He holds a Bachelor of Creative Arts “Performance” degree in music from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, and where he has served as "Lecturer of Music in Guitar" since 1982. He also served on the adjunct music faculty of Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina for ten years, and was a member of the adjunct faculty of Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte for twenty-five years. Mr. Vaughn is currently serving as Director of the UNC-Charlotte Guitar Ensemble.

Charles Vaughn is also an alumnus of the UNC School of the Arts, where he studied with the illustrious Maestro Jesus Silva, and has participated in the master classes of an impressive array of world-renowned classical guitarists, including the legendary Andres Segovia, Pepe Romero, Christopher Parkening, David Russell, Frederick Hand (“Cramer vs. Cramer”), and Manuel Lopez Ramos.

Mr. Vaughn has made numerous radio and television appearances, including WDAV (Classical 89), CABLEVISION, TIME WARNER CABLE, TNN, INSP, WSOC-TV, and WTVI which aired him in two concerts as part of their "Charlotte Artists" series. Charles has also been a featured guest on CAROLINAS ENTERTAINMENT on multiple occasions. He has performed solo concerts in the United States and abroad, has appeared with full symphony orchestras and chamber groups, and he has been featured in THE CHARLOTTE OBSERVER.

In 1985, Mr. Vaughn adjudicated in the National Federation of Music Clubs regional competition held at Queens College in Charlotte, and in 1986 he authored two texts on how to play the guitar. In 1992, Mr. Vaughn appeared in concert at Salem College in Winston-Salem, N.C., at the request of Maestro Jesus Silva, on the very special occasion of Mr. Silva’s Lifetime Achievement Award presentation. Also in 1992, and again in 1996, Charles received letters of acclaim from the legendary “Mr. Guitar,” Chet Atkins.

In 1996, Mr. Vaughn became a writer member and a publisher member of ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers).

By 1996, Charles Vaughn had released a total of three critically acclaimed CDs: A CHRISTMAS OFFERING, ROMANTIC MOODS OF THE GUITAR, and ROMANTIC MOODS OF THE GUITAR, Vol. II. These CDs have sold nationally on TV, where they have competed at par with artists of legendary status. Also in 1996, Charles made a guest appearance on the GRAND OLE OPRY before an attending audience of about 6,000 people, which was also broadcast live nationwide. In 1997, Charles released a fourth CD entitled HOMAGE TO JESUS, which is currently being aired on the BBN radio network of over 100 stations.

American icon, Chet Atkins, describes Mr. Vaughn’s artistry as “very musical” and says that ROMANTIC MOODS OF THE GUITAR is “great playing!” Tim Lindeman, music critic for Style Magazine, writes that “Mr. Vaughn’s playing is colorful and evocative, and his arrangements fit the guitar like a glove.” Jesus Silva, RCA recording artist and Segovia protege, says of Mr. Vaughn that “his playing is unforgettable,” and that Charles is “a true artist.” The brilliant American classical guitar virtuoso, Christopher Parkening, writes of Mr. Vaughn, “Very well done. Beautiful sound and musicianship.” Rev. Jeff Andler of Charlotte, NC also writes, “I’ve seen the grace and beauty of his guitar hold audiences spellbound.” Casey Brewster of the ARTS AND SCIENCE COUNCIL writes of Charles that his "dedication to the arts in Charlotte is readily apparent to our potential donors and really translates to them." ASC Vanguard Reception, Bank of America (2013):

“Mr. Vaughn's musical contribution was sublime. His guitar was quite evocative. What a voice she sings with to be sure.” Hardin Minor (ASC Talent Bureau performer).

Mr. Vaughn’s sheet music arrangements are available through his website at www.charlesvaughn.net. Mr. Vaughn’s CDs are currently being aired on the "light classical" broadcast channels of MUZAK, and on SIRIUS and XM satellite radio, where they are heard all over the world. Locally, Mr. Vaughn is heard on WDAV (Classical 89 in Davidson). In 2000, Mr. Vaughn received international royalty payments from the broadcasts of his music which was embodied in the Italian telefilm DANGEROUS CURVES, and from the broadcasts of his music in South Africa. In 2002, Mr. Vaughn was invited to join the ARTS AND SCIENCE COUNCIL’s “talent bureau” where he continues to represent the ASC throughout the Charlotte corporate community. In 2006 and 2007, Mr. Vaughn was invited to perform with the Charlotte Symphony Latino Music Ensemble in multiple concerts under the sponsorship of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.

Mr. Vaughn was one of the judges at the GFA 2014 Southeastern Regional Guitar Symposium, hosted by the UNC School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, NC.

Charles Vaughn was named “Distinguished Alumnus of the Year 2014” by the University of NC at Charlotte Department of Music.

I derive great satisfaction when my students succeed in mastering the skills I am teaching them.