Many Styles, Many Instruments: An Active, Engaging Approach to Music Instruction
We usually learn to speak before we learn to read –our method takes the same approach. What works best with many kids is to encourage them to really hear and start making music they enjoy right away, using their senses from the first lesson to build their confidence and skill. With many options to choose from we invite your student to explore through music with us.
Individual Music lessons (K-12):
Students meet with one of our teaching artists and set out on a journey of personal growth and enrichment centered on the fundamentals of music. The experience may embrace both instrumental and vocal music, multiple styles and the chance to play with others. During the calendar year students are prepared to share what they’ve learned at seasonal recitals that are free and open to the public.
“We are so thankful to Walker West for providing our daughter with such a wonderful first experience and foundation in music!”
– Keith and Dawn Allen, Walker|West parents
Tuition Assistance is available.
Digital Music Production Program (ages 13-18): Mix Yourself Into the Future
Walker|West teaches many different instruments and musical styles, like jazz and classical. Digital Music Production allows us to look ahead to what may be the future of music education. No prior musical experience is needed.
Experience Jazz (grades 7-12):
An innovative ensemble experience, connecting students across communities & genres
Saturdays, October 7, 2023 – January 20, 2024 at High School for Recording Arts (1166 University Ave | St. Paul, MN 55104)
This genre-bridging ensemble program is for aspiring musical artists with a desire to make music rooted in jazz, pop and hip hop to create and collaborate together! Open to instrumentalists, vocalists, rappers, poets, DJs, producers, and beat makers of all skill levels, grades 7-12! No prior jazz experience required.
EXPERIENCE JAZZ students will…
- Work directly with local music professionals
- Make music every week
- Broaden their repertoire and musical vocabulary
- Collaborate with musicians of different backgrounds
- Create & record original music in HSRA’s State-of-the-art “Studio 4″
Ensembles for Teens (13-18): Steps Beyond Traditional Band or Orchestra
Middle school and high school students who love exploring jazz music and want to develop their talents have an incredible opportunity to do so through our youth ensembles.
Some discover their destiny and learn how to become professional musicians. Many have experiences they will never forget – like playing on the main stage at the Twin Cities Jazz Festival and at a host of other community events. All who come here receive the focused attention of gifted, passionate teaching artists who want them to celebrate their individual strengths and succeed in life.
Sign your young musician up today! Tuition assistance available.
Summer Music Camps
Each summer Walker|West offers summer enrichment through our music camps. Serving students from grades K-12, we offer a number of options for families to choose from. 2022 Camps include:
Grow Through Music Camp, grades K-6
A day camp for beginning musicians where students can try different instruments in a fun, educational environment.
Classes include: Piano, Wind Instrument, African Drumming, Music Production and Songwriting
Summer Jazz Intensive, grades 6-12
This camp is for experienced young musicians who want to learn more about the art of jazz. Some musical experience required.
Classes include: Ensemble, Private / Group Instrumental Lessons, Theory, Improvisation, Master Classes
Jazz Violin Workshop, for violin students, grades 5-12
This 5-day workshop is for youth violinists who want to mix up their classical training with a different classical genre –jazz.
Topics covered include: Ear Training/Critical Listening to identify elements in a performance, Scales within a scale (Modes); I Don’t Play Lousy Music Any Longer, Harmony, harmonic function and chord qualities, and more!