The Walker West Story:
Building Community Through Music Since 1988
Who We Are?
The Evolution of Walker West
Walker West Music Academy, located in Saint Paul at 650 Marshall Ave., is a vibrant out-of-school time music school for students aged 5 to adult. Thought to be the oldest community music school in the nation founded by African American musicians, we offer affordable, accessible, high-quality instruction in all genres of music including classical, with a special emphasis on jazz, gospel, and improvisational music. More than just a school, we are a caring community where professional musicians inspire a lifelong love of music.
Mission
Walker West Music Academy creates a music learning community rooted in the African American cultural experience, where people of all ages and backgrounds gather to explore, perform, and grow through music.
Vision
To be a cultural destination and community resource, where exceptional music education and enrichment is affordable, accessible, and rooted in the African American experience.
Our Story
Walker West
Walker West’s story began in 1988 with a simple yet powerful vision: to provide piano lessons and a safe haven for children in St. Paul’s Rondo neighborhood. Founders Rev. Carl Walker and Grant West, with one rented piano, ignited a movement that went far beyond music instruction, aiming to build self-confidence and foster a love of learning in young lives.
From its humble beginnings in an upstairs duplex, Walker West blossomed. The move to 777 Selby Avenue in 1991 marked a new chapter, with the addition of the visionary Felix James, who launched our renowned horn and jazz ensemble programs. For decades, Walker West’s student jazz ensembles have graced prestigious stages, including the Twin Cities Jazz Festival and the Eau Claire Jazz Festival, where they have earned top honors since 2017.
Our commitment to comprehensive music education expanded to include a thriving string program, alongside piano, organ, brass, woodwinds, percussion, and voice. Walker West students regularly excel in esteemed youth orchestras like the Greater Twin Cities Youth Orchestra and the Minnesota Youth Symphony, with string students gaining recognition at programs like the Sphinx Performance Academy and even sharing the stage with acclaimed artists like Black Violin.
Walker West has touched the lives of thousands, nurturing not only professional musicians who have graced the halls of Juilliard and Berklee, but also confident, driven individuals who carry the lessons learned here into all walks of life. Though challenges have arisen, the unwavering dedication of leadership, faculty, and a supportive community has ensured Walker West’s enduring strength.
In 2014, we moved into a vibrant learning and performance center at 760 Selby Avenue, adorned with inspiring artwork by Ta-coumba T. Aiken. In 2025, we embarked on an exciting new era, moving into our state-of-the-art building at 650 Marshall Avenue. This new space, featuring acoustically treated studios, dedicated rehearsal rooms, beautiful performance spaces, and accessible design, is a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional musical journey for all. The evolution of Walker West is a testament to the power of music to transform individuals and build a thriving community.
