The Sound of Music -The Voice Spring 2023

EDMOND MUSIC NAMED 2022 SMALL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

Written by: Callie Hambrick, Chamber Intern

Whether we realize it or not, music is in everything and in everyone. From the teachers at your school to the parents in band class, or from the performers you see on the weekend to the groups playing at events downtown, music is a part of who we are. This is why Scott and Susan Starns have made their careers running Edmond Music. As a family-owned local music store, Edmond Music has worked to connect with all of Edmond since it was first established in 1974. Scott and Susan believe that their purpose is to serve the Edmond community through encouraging all people to find their passion for music. As Edmond Music helps people find their hearts for music, they also find ways to create relationships with their customers. Those relationships are what keep community members coming back to the store. Some of the same people who began shopping at Edmond Music in the 1970s are still customers today, as well as their children.

Having been a business in the Edmond community since the 70s, Edmond Music knows our community well. They know many talented musicians in Edmond as well as many who have migrated to other areas. Scott, Susan, and all of the Edmond Music employees are extremely knowledgeable about music and instruments. According to Scott, “Music is an integral part of our employees’ lives and our community, whether it’s performing or teaching. We love helping others find their passion for music.” To do this, Scott and Susan ensure that they are only carrying the best quality instruments and giving the best recommendations. Edmond Music might have started 40 years ago with just a few instruments and services, but they have continuously expanded their line and selection. Their music store carries any instrument you can think of, including but not limited to pianos, guitars, drums, and band and orchestra instruments. They also carry sheet music and all kinds of accessories. Edmond Music even offers repairs and music lessons.

Scott and Susan make it a point to be inclusive with their business, ensuring that any customer is happy and satisfied as they make, listen to, purchase, and/or learn about music. This means any type of customer, whether someone completely new to music or a professional, can go to Edmond Music and feel welcome. Their store has a unique flair to it that draws people in to grow their music knowledge. Furthermore, when customers take their business to Edmond Music, the store provides long-term support after a sale to ensure that customers have the best chance to succeed. Whatever music goals you may have, Edmond Music is dedicated to helping you reach those. For Scott, “Being a small business in Edmond is a feeling of supporting and staying local, keeping your business here.” Scott and Susan feel a strong need to keep support here in Edmond to ensure we can grow and thrive as a community.

Edmond Music is the heart and soul of music in our community. Through competitive pricing, quality products and education, great customer service, and much more, they are advocating for the arts. To quote Susan, “Music does matter to Edmond. The arts are thriving in our community, and it is so important for all of us to find things we can enjoy when we go home from a long day, and music is a really important part of

that.” We all have things on our minds, on our schedules, and on our to-do lists. Edmond Music reminds us that we deserve time to enjoy life and keep learning. Music is a part of each of our lives in one way or another. It is one of the ways we connect with the world around us, and Scott and Susan have made it their mission to advocate for music and experience. Edmond Music allows us to support our families, friends, and neighbors, and ultimately, it allows us to connect with our community.