Owen Buxton’s Musical Journey
Notes in Motion
A world without music is difficult to imagine. Music gives us enjoyment and comfort. Some perform or play for pleasure, while others listen. All receive a blessing. Owen Buxton, a young man from Kipling, is only 20 years old but has been on a musical journey since a very young age.
Owen’s love for music has been going on since he was four years old. It was then that Owen heard his grandmother play the violin. At the age of five, he began taking violin lessons, which have continued over the years. His first public performance came a year later when he played “Jesus Loves Me” on the violin at Ninth Street Methodist Church.
When he was eight years old, he played violin for two church services on Easter Sunday as he particularly enjoys Christian music. His performance with Scott Rawlins at Ninth Street Methodist Church and Middlebourne Methodist Church were inspiring and uplifting. Owen seems to have been born with music in his soul.
While over the years he has called Ninth Street United Methodist Church in Cambridge his home church, he enjoys playing with musicians at other churches as well. Owen explains that he is blessed to have wonderful parents who have been the backbone to his musical success. They have supported him financially, emotionally, and taken him to lessons and performances over the years.
He loves playing the violin but that is not his only instrument. Now he also plays the piano and pipe organ. He took no lessons to develop his piano playing skills but is self taught.
He recalls his first experience with a pipe organ at First Baptist Church in Marietta as a special instrument and a real blessing. He played there from the ages of 15-19. Word has it that he has a beautiful singing voice as well.
In 2025, two concerts were given at Ninth Street Methodist Church by Owen’s students of all levels. There was a Spring Concert as well as a Christmas Concert, “Notes in Motion.” It was remarkable to see the improvement of those students over that short time. Both his violin and piano students participated in this celebration of Christmas through the gift of music.
When Owen speaks of the concerts, he wants others to celebrate his love of music with his students. “Together, we’ll celebrate the enduring power of music – an art form that connects generations and anchors us in traditions that too often seem to be fading from our modern world. Through these students and their dedication, we defend what is timeless while safeguarding what is yet to come – carrying forward a living tradition of beauty, discipline, and hope.”
One of the parents told Owen after the concert, “Thank you for all you do for our kids. You have taught them confidence, discipline, and structure! Thank you so much for putting on this beautiful night.”
Teaching these youngsters is a privilege for Owen and he considers it a blessing. While he is patient with his students, he wants them to be dedicated to their lessons so they will have personal satisfaction when performing, which develops their social skills as well. Daily practice of 15-30 minutes is a minimum for developing their skill.
Watching the student grow in their ability is a pleasure for him. He admitted, “I’m tough, yet flexible, and expect no talking or funny business during lessons or the concerts.” The older students take things seriously so provide great examples for the young ones. He feels he has an elite group of students.
Not only is Owen a great teacher and performer himself, but he also composes music. He composed his first song in December, 2024. He plays all genres of music from hoedown, where he has been in fiddle contests, to symphony, having played with the Southeastern Ohio Symphony Orchestra from his sophomore year in high school until its final season. He also is Director and Concertmaster of the Chamber String Orchestra.
At this time, Owen is finishing his final year at Muskingum University with a major in history. This semester he has a full load of 18 hours. He has plans to continue his education at law school. After that, he remarked, “I’ll go wherever God wants me to go.”
When Owen is not busy with his music, he enjoys traveling. One of his favorite spots over the years has been a summer vacation in Maine because, “It’s not touristy at all and you get to see people actually living their authentic lives in a place that is so incredibly beautiful. The scale of the cliffs and their jagged edges makes one reflect on humanity/humility and allows you to step away from the real world for a while.” In West Virginia, he has enjoyed several rides on Cass Scenic Railroad.
Owen gives violin and piano lessons and accepts new students. Lessons are given on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 3:30 – 8:30 at Ninth Street Methodist Church. He offers private, individualized instruction for all ages and experience levels. His goal is to have steady growth, good musicianship, and learn the enjoyment of music. If you or your child has an interest in learning to play the violin or piano, contact Owen at 740-995-3705 or email him at owen.j.buxton@gmail.com.
You can also contact him if you would like some special music at your wedding, dinner party, or special event. Owen loves sharing his musical talents. He’s quick to say, “I love what I do. I want to protect the musical culture and preserve its tradition. It’s an honor to be part of the community.”
Gypsy Road Trip 