Pioneer Records, the student-led record label on campus, established an environment for individuals to practice and try out their passions more directly in their new sound vault located in the Boulevard Apartments. 

Opportunities to expand students’ artistry grow every day at Point Park University. For those passionate about music, Pioneer Records continues to be a safe place for students to experiment and pursue the industry. 

Pioneer Records was founded in 2014, with the mission of providing graduate and undergraduate students real-world music industry experiences. Initially, the program focused entirely on the business processes that would create a successful record. Pioneer Records has since embraced an innovative approach to educate students on the music and entertainment industry. 

The label holds a variety of events around campus. From monthly Karaoke nights to the “Pioneer Stars” competition, the record company strives to remain active in the campus community for all.

“We can’t wait for our students to start utilizing the space,” Director of Operations Lydia Zarefoss said. “We have worked diligently to create this space to foster creativity and collaboration and were thrilled to provide them with the tools they need to succeed.”

The Sound Vault is a room extending from the office space of Pioneer Records. This studio can be found in the back of the Boulevard Apartments on First Avenue, past Point Perk. The vault itself is packed with various instruments and technologies available for student use. 

According to a press release from Pioneer Records, many generous industry leaders donated to the sound vault. The space is equipped with a drum set from DW Drums, Gibson guitars/AMPs from Gibson Gives, and an upright piano from Craft Your Music.

The vault is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Students can utilize the space at any time throughout these hours by reserving a timeslot. 

Students can easily reserve time slots to utilize the space through a streamlined booking system. Pioneer Records partnered with “Calendly,” a scheduling website. The link can be found on their Instagram page: “@pioneerrecs.” 

Students can select a time and date to schedule a 45-minute time slot in the Sound Vault. They are asked what equipment they will be using as well as their student ID number for security access purposes. 

Individuals of any major are allowed access to the Sound Vault. This is a place for students to explore their musical talents, whether they are actively pursuing the arts or not.

Director of Marketing, Public Relations and Social Media Mia Martinez encourages everyone to visit the Sound Vault. 

“Students being able to have access on their own time to come in and play music can be a creative outlet as well as a little bit therapeutic,” Martinez said. “For students who may not be comfortable with doing our karaoke or performing in front of more people, this is a really good opportunity for them to come in by themselves and kind of get in tune with their instrumental abilities.”