Music Columbus

In 2023, Music Columbus launched its Better Together Music Incubator initiative, a six-month immersive program designed to prepare emerging Columbus-based musicians for sustainable success in the music industry through one-on-one mentorship, studio sessions, marketing courses, vocal training and more. During its inaugural year, one participant shared a unique story about how music helped him overcome adversity, being diagnosed with autism at four years old.

Zayne Harshaw is a self-taught guitarist from Gahanna, OH. Identified as having perfect pitch by a music teacher early on, Harshaw mastered playing the guitar by 14 years old by watching YouTube videos of famous guitarists. His passion for music attracted similarly spirited individuals, resulting in the formation of Blue Spectrum, a name symbolizing many meanings, including the color associated with autism awareness and the spectrum of disabilities represented within the band.

Following Zayne’s participation in the Better Together Music Incubator program, Blue Spectrum went on to win first place in the Columbus Blues Alliance Blues Challenge and advanced to represent central Ohio in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.

Inspire worked with Zayne and Music Columbus to share his inspirational story with the community and spread awareness about Music Columbus’ programs supporting the Columbus music community and artist development.