Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Scott Mecredy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Scott, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I began to believe in the power of music at a very early age. It gave me confidence, it allowed me to express myself in ways hair styles and t-shirts just couldn’t do. It taught me discipline and the rewards of hard work. In 1991 my Brother Jay and I first envisioned a place where people learn to play, where folks can buy gear without feeling intimidated, and where everyone can see and hear music that inspires life. We imagined a place where great musicians mingle with beginners, in the lesson rooms and on stage, based on a mutual love for music. Most importantly, music should be fun and kids should not dread going to lessons or recitals. We put that idea on the shelf and went on to other things. After a long career in technology (I was a Director at Earthlink), I shifted gears – focusing on writing and performing music. My Mom loved my music and believed I could do something important with music in general. She asked “Why not use music to help people, especially children?” She passed away in 2010, and the time came to revisit the idea my Brother and I shelved so many years ago. Using some money she left explicitly for the purpose, I purchased a property and opened Music On Main Street, or M.O.M.S. as everyone calls it. In 2018 we founded Grace Note Foundation for Music Education, a non-profit serving our community in conjunction with Music On Main Street.

Scott, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Music and Art have always been my passion. I studied art in College and as a young adult I worked in various jobs in the creative world, primarily focused on graphic design. When the internet came around I found I had an understanding of the creative/design aspect as well as the business side. I started my own company developing websites, then joined a start-up which was acquired by a large company in Seattle and eventually ended that career as a Director at Earthlink.
Music on Main Street is a different take on a typical music school. We are located in an historic district, right in the middle of town and serve as a center for arts and entertainment.
At Music On Main Street, we believe that music is a key component of a fulfilling life. We offer lessons in all instruments for students of all ages. Our instructors are passionate about music and dedicated to helping students learn and have fun at the same time.
We sell instruments in all price ranges, with one standard of excellence. MOMS is a no pressure environment for everyone from beginners to pros.
We’ve created a magical outdoor venue for the whole family to enjoy live performances by local and National acts. Look for our own students on the stage too…
Pack up a cooler with food and beverages (yes alcohol is permitted) – and come dance with your family to world class entertainment.
Band Camp at Music On Main Street is a summer music camp for boys and girls ages 10 – 18. The camp is for students of any instrument and vocalists of all skill levels. Through scholarships, we can open the camp experience to more children and young adults who might lack the resources but do not lack the inspiration.
Our biggest accomplishment: we repeatedly hear from parents who talk about the impact we’ve had on their children. Teaching kids to express themselves confidently, overcome fear, and celebrate diversity through music. We have created a safe-haven for creatives.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Covid forced everyone to pivot, in every aspect of life. I sat at my desk wondering just how we would survive when my background in technology suddenly became relevant. I set up a website explaining Facetime, Zoom, etc for our students. We were able to keep teaching music lessons throughout the pandemic. Of course, we believe in the importance of in person lessons, and online learning did not work for everyone, but it did get us through.

Do you have any stories of times when you almost missed payroll or any other near death experiences for your business?

In our third year, as we were still figuring out where to focus our energy and finances, we were in the middle of a summer music camp session. 30 kids and a staff of 20 were all busily preparing for the Concert at the end of the week, making art, having water balloon fights, and generally having a blast. What they didn’t know was that we were months behind on our bills, and that the power could get turned off at any moment. How would we explain that? What would we say to parents who paid to attend the camp? One afternoon, payment finally arrived for a production job I worked months prior, and our tax return came in the mail. Bills were paid and the fun continued. And no one ever knew the pressure we were under. We have had to delay payments and even ask staff to hold their check for a day or two, but things have never been that bad again.
These days we face different challenges, but do not have to fear that any day could be the day we fail.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.musiconmainstreetga.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musiconmainstreet/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicOnMainStreetGA
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MomsLilburn
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MusicOnMainStreetInc/videos
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/music-on-main-street-lilburn

Image Credits
Scott Mecredy