West Music Staff Blogs
Our Mission: To enrich people's lives through the participation in music!
Tag >> Piano and Keyboards
 This week in 1810, one of the great masters of music's Romantic era, and one of the most beloved composers of all time, was born - Frederic Chopin.
Widely regarded as Poland's greatest composer, Chopin wrote almost all of his music exclusively for the piano! He published his first composition when he was seven years old and began performing in aristocratic salons at age eight. He moved to Paris, France in 1831, and his first Paris concert the next year thrust him to celebrity status. Well-known as a concert pianist and regarded favorably as a piano teacher, he spent most of his time in the highest society. Sadly, he contracted tuberculosis during the 1830s. However, in 1837, he began a 10-year relationship with the French female novelist, George Sand (whose real name was Amantine Aurore Lucile Dupin). In the late 1840s, Chopin's health rapidly declined, and in 1849, he died at age 39.
 Steinway in the piano world is synonymous with quality and beauty.
I usually see that elegant black color with its gold logo in my mind. Did you know that Steinway also has its own music library? The Steinway Library of Piano Music. These books are distributed through Alfred Music collections. All of these books range in the intermediate/early advanced level, and there are two easy piano folios as well.
In preparation for this year’s FMTA Festival & Piano Competition at Augustana College in March, the West Music Quad Cities store will be holding a Master Class and Clinic this Saturday, February 20th, for our area’s talented pianists competing in the festival!
This year, our guest clinician is Dr. Tammie Walker, Professor of Piano at Western Illinois University. An active soloist, collaborative artist, and clinician, Dr. Walker will be listening to and critiquing 12 pianists of all playing levels – from 3rd grade students to high school seniors!
The clinic will be held in the Piano Showroom at the West Music Quad Cities store in Moline from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a lunch break from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
As a special token of our appreciation for the students’ hard work, we will be awarding all of our participants a $300 coupon towards the purchase of a new acoustic piano or Roland digital piano! The master class will be free and open to the public, so make sure to stop by and watch these very talented musicians!
Posted by: Teresa Heitman in Print Music, Piano and Keyboards, Music Instruction, Music Education, Lessons, Drums, Combo, Christmas, Band and Orchestra, Advocacy, Accessories on
Dec 15, 2009
Having difficulty with those last minute gifts, or finding musicians hard to buy for? Here's a list that will make your shopping easy, provided by the blog of voice instructor Cindy Shadrick. - Gift Certificate for Sheet Music
Sheet Music Plus offers a variety of styles of music for anyone and allows the customer to purchase a gift certificate right from their website and have it emailed to your loved one. - Metronome
It's amazing the number of musicians, especially singers, who do not own a metronome. This is an ESSENTIAL piece of equipment for EVERY musician. They are relatively inexpensive (many for under $20) and there even metronome apps for the iPhone. Metronomes can be purchased anywhere instruments are sold or online. Amazon has a wide selection.
Are you an intermediate piano player who's always dreamed of being able to play jazz, blues, and improve? Local musician and West Music instructor Mike Campbell is offering a 4 week class on introduction to Jazz. Mike has a Bachelors of music from DePaul University and took private piano (Jazz Studies) from Alan Swain Studios. He uses Alan Swain's method to show students an understandable foundation in playing this style. Mike is a well rounded performer and can play many styles of music and enjoys teaching students how to branch into Jazz. Please contact Studio Coordinator Lea Ann Huegel at Cedar Falls West Music 319.277.1000 or lessonscf@westmusic.com for more information on group or private lessons with Mike Campbell, and start your journey into this creative style of music! Group classes start January 8th at 9:00 a.m.
 In late September, I had the extraordinary opportunity to attend the William Steinway University Orientation at the Steinway & Sons headquarters in New York. After joining your West Music Piano Team this past July, I was informed that I would eventually be making this trip, so I could be welcomed into the Steinway & Sons family! The trip was incredibly inspiring, and the memories will certainly last a lifetime.
I was one of eleven piano salespersons from around the country to attend this orientation. The orientation was lead by Mr. Jim Hoover, Director of Sales Training and Promotions for Steinway & Sons. After an enthusiastic welcome to the Steinway headquarters, Mr. Hoover presented a DVD to us called “Songs from Steinways.” This DVD showcased some of the most well-known songs in American history which were written using Steinway & Sons pianos, including “God Bless America” by Irving Berlin, “Goodnight My Angel” by Billy Joel, “Imagine” by John Lennon, and “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin.
Posted by: Teresa Heitman in Twitter, Strings, Print Music, Piano and Keyboards, Percussion, Music Instruction, Music Education, Moline, Marion, Holiday, Hal Leonard, Guitar Accessories, Guitar, General Music, Facebook, Early Childhood, Drums, Coralville, Combo, Christmas, Cedar Rapids, Cedar Falls, Band and Orchestra, Amp, Accessories on
Nov 16, 2009
 27% of online shoppers who plan to buy holiday gifts online this year will look for ideas about what friends and family want on sites such as Facebook. And nearly one-half will use social networks to research items, compare prices, & look for special offers like free shipping. (Mashable)
You'll find ideas, deals, & free shipping at West Music this season. Give the gift of music...and be sure to bookmark your favorite West Music Facebook Page.
Whether your taste in music is Chopsticks or Chopin, you’ll hear it all at West Music’s annual Yamaha Clavinova Piano Festival. A celebration of music—nicknamed the Clavinova Fun Fest—was held Saturday, October 24, 2009 at the College Square Mall.
Named for the unique keyboard instrument upon which all of the players performed, the Clavinova Fun Fest is a great opportunity to listen to some of the area’s best local talent. Aspiring musicians of all ages showcased their talents—many for the first time—during this exciting concert. Attendees heard a diverse range of musical selections and orchestrations and original works created by student performers using the Yamaha Clavinova digital piano. Clavinova literally means “new piano” and there are no limits to the creativity of students and teachers involved in this festival.
Ten area teachers and over 150 students and adults performed in recitals throughout the day and then capped it off by a large piano orchestra concert. This finale concert featured nine Clavinova digital pianos performing as an orchestral ensemble. What a great opportunity for music lovers of all ages to come together to not just play, but to create and enjoy music together!
Presented by Mike Campbell Former teacher for Alan Swain, author of the Four Way Keyboard System Approach to Jazz harmony and private Jazz Piano Instructor at the West Music Conservatory. Who: Intermediate to advanced piano players.
What: An organized, structured approach to Jazz Piano for the non-professional; the Four Way Keyboard System for Jazz Harmony and an introduction to the Blues.
Where: West Music Cedar Falls, 6322 University Ave. 319-277-1000 or 800-248-7004
When: November 14th | 10–10:45 AM
How: Sign up with Lea Ann Huegel lhuegel@westmusic.com
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