We had the good fortune of connecting with Shanan Colvin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shanan, what makes you happy? Why?
Music. Music makes me so happy. Teaching it, performing it, listening to it, reading about it, dancing to it. And above all that, nothing makes me happier than sharing it with my children. I love hearing them hum and sing and play their instruments. It is such a beautiful form of expression and an amazing way to form a connection with others.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Music Library is a monthly subscription box that teaches children (and their grownups!) about diverse styles of music, inspiring musicians and musical stories. Each month our subscribers, or Music Readers, receive a music-themed picture book, an instrument, craft or other hands-on activity, as well as activity sheets and specially curated playlists. It is designed to get children excited about reading and learning!

Music Library is unique in that it is the only subscription box that focuses on a diverse music education experience. When most people think of music lessons, they think of the classical composers-Beethoven, Bach, Mozart. I love these guys. I really do. Mozart’s Symphony Number 40 is the most beautiful piece of music but there are so many other genres that are just as deserving of our attention and study. Gospel, tejano, county, rock, rap, salsa, electronic-these genres are dominated by musical geniuses too and their stories need to be told as well. Music Library does this in a way that is fun and educational for everyone that experiences a box.

I’ll be the first to admit that I still have a lot to learn when it comes to running a business, but thankfully, there are a lot of people in the subscription box niche that are willing to share their expertise. We all want each other to succeed in this space. Seeking out those with more experience than I have and being willing to ask lots and lots (and lots!) of questions allows me to break through the never-ending obstacle course of business challenges. I’ve learned that it is important to surround yourself with people who are also continuing to learn and grow. These are the types of people that will challenge you to think critically about your business and inspire you to reinvent yourself.

I’d like for people to know that Music Library is for everyone. Children, parents, teachers, grandparents, musicians and non-musicians, we are here to help you experience music in new and exciting ways. My children get excited when they see a new instrument that I am using for a box and so does my dad! Homeschooling parents who don’t know how to read music use Music Library as a part of their music curriculum while experienced music educators learn about musicians they’ve never heard of before!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, music and Austin, Texas go hand in hand! We’d have to see a show at Stubbs BBQ, catch a recording of Austin City Limits and experience the intimate setting of the Long Center. I’m a bit of a sucker for history too, so a trip to the State Capitol, Bob Bullock State History Museum, the LBJ Presidential Museum and the Texas Military Museum would be high on the list of places to go. You HAVE to have a burger and shake from Sandy’s Frozen Custard and make the trip to Mozart’s on Lake Austin for coffee and dessert (and sometimes live music!). If it’s bat season, we’d definitely make a stop by the Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk to see the colony head out for their nightly hunt. If it’s the holiday season, we’d spin under the Zilker tree and get hot chocolate. No matter what the weather, a stroll along the Hike and Bike trail is a must as well as a trip to the University of Texas’ original 40 acres.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I probably would not be the music educator that I am without the influence of some of the most wonderful music teachers imaginable. From my amazing elementary music teachers who introduced me to classical music through a program called Music Memory, to the professors I had in college who helped me mold and shape all of my previous experiences into my unique voice, as a music and as an educator, I have been so fortunate. My middle school choir director (I was voted most likely to follow in her footsteps!) made me fall in love with musicals, performing and directing. My high school director provided me the opportunity to lead and teach others. I would not have the knowledge and expertise and passion necessary to run Music Library if it had not been for the knowledge and expertise and passion they emanated every day in the classroom. They say you teach how you were taught and passing along their legacy has been nothing short of an honor.

Website: MusicLibraryBox.com

Instagram: @musiclibrarybox

Linkedin: shanan-colvin

Facebook: Facebook.com/musiclibrarybox

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAzd8QA9JthilgZREMTe3Lw

Other: TikTok: @musiclibrarybox

Image Credits
Headshot by Allee Photography

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