Will Mason’s journey into Woodlawn is more than a story about expanding a business — it’s a testament to the power of music, community and long-term investment in people. As the founder of Mason Music and the driving force behind the revitalization of the historic Woodlawn Theatre, Will has woven his personal passion for music into a broader vision for neighborhood transformation. What began as a way to share the life-changing impact of music through lessons has grown into a deeper mission: to use the arts as a catalyst for connection, equity and renewal in one of Birmingham’s most culturally rich, yet often overlooked, communities. In this Q&A, Will shares what drew him to Woodlawn, the rewards of doing business there and why he believes music is key to building a brighter future — not just for students, but for the entire district.
Tell us a bit about yourself and your background. What led you to launch Mason Music and take on the Woodlawn Theatre project?
I started Mason Music because music has absolutely changed my life, and I love passing what I’ve learned along to others. It was a way for me to use the skills I had been developing from an early age to build a business that serves the community. Mason Music Foundation was founded in 2016 to break down barriers to access and provide opportunities for all people to put their kids in music lessons, regardless of economic status.
Taking on the Woodlawn Theatre project was a natural extension of that vision. When the opportunity came to create a 250-seat live music venue in Woodlawn, I saw it as a way to not only expand what Mason Music could offer, but also to invest in a neighborhood where music could be a force for renewal.
What originally drew you to Woodlawn, and why did you decide to expand Mason Music into the district?
Woodlawn drew me in with its people, its history and its potential. We started developing relationships and connections as the nonprofit grew, and those connections went from networking to friendship quickly. The more I’ve learned about Birmingham’s history, the more I have become committed to investing in areas and communities that have been left out. I knew the arts could play a critical role in revitalization here, and I wanted Mason Music to be part of that story. Expanding into the Woodlawn area wasn’t just about opening another location — it was about putting down roots where music could make the greatest impact, both for individual families and for the community.
What has been especially rewarding or meaningful about doing business in Woodlawn?
The most meaningful part of being in Woodlawn has been watching how music brings people together. Whether it’s through after-school lessons, concerts at the Theatre or community events, we’ve seen kids grow in confidence, the music scene flourish and neighbors connect. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that our work not only shapes the lives of individual students but also ripples out to strengthen the entire community.
How have you seen the district evolve over time?
Over the years, I’ve watched Woodlawn evolve from being seen as a struggling area to becoming a place where creativity and investment are thriving. You can feel the energy here now — families coming in for lessons, audiences showing up for concerts, small businesses popping up and growing. The district has become a vibrant hub of activity, and we’re proud to have played a small role in that transformation.
What keeps you rooted in the Woodlawn community?
What keeps me rooted in Woodlawn is the sense of connection and responsibility I feel to this community, as well as the Birmingham music scene. Music education changes lives, and I’ve seen that firsthand. Having a healthy live music ecosystem is also vital to shaping the cultural milieu of a city. Our work isn’t about quick wins — it’s about long-term relationships, building skills and confidence in kids year after year and becoming a place where music lovers and artists connect. That ongoing impact is what drives me to stay invested here.
What role do you think arts and music play in the revitalization of a commercial district like Woodlawn?
I believe arts and music are essential to revitalizing commercial districts like Woodlawn. Local bands, touring artists and student performances don’t just create cultural experiences — they attract people, fuel economic activity and build identity for the neighborhood. Music has this unique ability to create shared moments that turn an empty building into a destination, and that’s exactly what’s happening here.
Do you have a favorite memory or moment that captures what Woodlawn means to you?
I’ve got lots! One of my favorites was from a concert early on with several faith-based artists. They ended the set with some familiar hymns that had the whole audience singing along. I remember standing in the back of the room surrounded by those voices echoing off the walls and feeling like all of the struggle to get the venue open was all worth it, even if just for that single moment of community.
What would you say to another business owner or entrepreneur who’s thinking about locating in Woodlawn?
I would tell them to look at not just what the neighborhood is now, but what it’s becoming. This is a place that rewards people who are willing to invest for the long haul. My advice would be: come ready to listen, partner with the community and make your work part of the bigger vision for growth and equity.
What’s next for you and your work in the district?
Looking ahead, I’m focused on growing the Foundation’s capacity so we can serve even more students — going from 100 to 200 kids in lessons and programs — and continuing to develop the Theatre as a hub for live music and community events. It’s all about deepening our roots in the neighborhood and amplifying the role of music in Birmingham’s cultural life.
What’s something about Woodlawn you wish more people knew?
I wish more people knew that Woodlawn isn’t defined by its challenges — it’s defined by its resilience and creativity. This is a neighborhood full of families who care deeply about their children’s futures, with a growing arts and small business scene that’s reshaping its reputation. The vibrancy here is real, and the arts are right at the heart of it.
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