Today we’d like to introduce you to Leighton Augenstein.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Since I was a very little toddler, I always loved to sing. From being obsessed with Disney’s Frozen at 2 and singing along to all the songs to quickly learning songs on the radio and singing my heart out in the car at all times. At the age of 7, I had finally begged my mom enough times to allow me to take singing lessons so I could become a singer and she finally caved!
My vocal coach, Shawna Corder with Corder Entertainment LLC, has helped me so much to advance my technique and also prepare me for an audience. Thanks to her, I was able to gain exposure within my community. At the age of 8, I started to sing the Star-Spangled Banner at many local events, beginning with my own school district’s sporting events and then branching out to local sports teams, several other different High School sporting events, and several community events local to central Ohio.
During my journey, I have met a few other people along the way that have helped me to grow. My mother made contact with a local event venue, 22 Acres Farms, and they were kind enough to allow me to perform at their Mother’s Day Brunch in 2022. They enjoyed my performance so much that they asked me to come back for their Christmas on the Farm events during December of 2022 for 6 different hour-long shows!
During the Mother’s Day Brunch, I was able to meet and become friends with Timothy Paul, a wonderful singer-songwriter who has helped me so much along the way. From helping me pick out my first set of musical equipment to giving me advice when I need it, and even asking me to open a show for him at 31 West concert venue in Newark, OH. What an amazing time that was! I am hoping to be able to join him at a lot more shows this year!
On top of being a singer, I am also quite the athlete. I am a nationally competitive dancer in several styles of dance, as well as a basketball player, softball player, and cheerleader. I love to keep my plate full and challenge myself. I did however decide this year to cut some of the extracurricular activities so I can focus on my passion, singing, and dancing. My dream is to one day end up in New York City.
My parents and family are so supportive of my dreams and goals. My mother used to do theatre and singing work as a young girl and has such a fun time helping me with new songs. I want to thank all of the above-mentioned people for all the support and help to come as far as I have and can’t wait to see where this journey takes me!
Thank you, Shawna and Timothy, for allowing me to learn so much from you both! Also, thanks to Jeanette with Patty’s Dance Center, Leticia with 22 Acres, Ohio Bisons Baseball, Heath City Schools, Newark City Schools, and Lakewood Local Schools for allowing me to share my passion with your fans and patrons. I am so appreciative!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Being that I have danced on stage in front of an audience since the age of 2, my nerves haven’t been terrible. But there were times in the beginning when I would almost feel sick because I was so nervous. I am past all of that now. There are some songs that are more of a challenge than others, I try my best to find songs that fit my tone best, but sometimes I fall in love with one that has a struggling part for me. I work really hard on those with my vocal coach, Shawna, to try and get past those parts.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a singer local to Central Ohio. I prefer ballads or country-pop songs, but I also enjoy some classic oldies too, like At Last by Etta James. I am most proud, at this moment, being able to sing for a large audience on the Midland Theatre stage where I have danced for years. That was a full-circle moment for me. I also am most proud to have been asked to open for a show at 31 West by the great Timothy Paul and some of his friends from Nashville. Both of those moments were like a dream. I think the one thing that sets me apart from others is my age, but also the tone of my voice.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
One thing that people who know me and my work might not know about me is that I love all forms of art. Dancing and singing of course, but also painting and drawing. I am a very good artist and make some of the best photos for my friends and families. I put a lot of work into my art and spend a lot of my free time drawing and coloring beautiful pictures.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/leighton_bryn_christine
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leightonbrynsings
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/leightonbryn
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@leightonbrynsings
Image Credits
S&F Photography
R&D Photography
Oddy Dolwick
