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Nancy Cree Keyboard Learning Center

West Music is proud to partner with the proven and highly successful Nancy Cree Keyboard Learning Centers. Nancy has been teaching since 1974 and developing an integrated acoustic/electronic studio since 1986. There are five studios in four locations using her approach, helping students experience the power of music.

The goal of the Nancy Cree program is to have students continue lessons clear through high school. This gives them the skills they need to keep playing for the rest of their lives. The Keyboard Learning Center studios include: grand pianos, electronic keyboards, top of the line digital pianos, computers for work with theory software, and audio and video centers. The integration of acoustic and electronic equipment gives students the best of both traditional lessons and the use of the latest technology in teaching methods.

Students are given a wide variety of choice in the music they learn, and by using all styles of music (jazz, rock, movie themes, classical, hymns. etc.) students are motivated to learn and keep learning for years.

From the beginning, students experience the reinforcement of performance with concerts, ensemble playing and more formal IMTA and Spring Recitals.

We believe the Nancy Cree Keyboard Learning Center's comprehensive approach to music education offers the greatest possibility of success for students of all ages.

For more information, check out the Nancy Cree Keyboard Learning Centers website (http://www.nancycree.com) or contact a conservatory specialist at one of our stores your area.

Feilin Lin's School of Piano

Feilin Lin's School of Piano at West Music is dedicated to the development of fine young pianists at all levels of instruction. Whether a student plays for personal enjoyment, to participate in piano competitions, or to pursue the path of a concert pianist, the philosophy of this special conservatory is to provide the highest level of personal instruction to all students.

Students are taught using traditional and modern pedagogical methods from Europe, America, and Asia. In addition to piano performance, students are educated in music theory, ear training, and Solfege/Solfeggio (a French and Italian method of piano instruction emphasizing singing as a path towards developing a pianist's pitch and musicality).

From their first lessons, conservatory students are inspired through positive caring instruction to attain the highest standards of technical and musical piano mastery.

For more information, Click Here!

Diverse Piano Curriculum
Traditional Viennese and other European classical piano techniques are the main curriculum taught at Feilin Lin’s School of Piano. In addition to weekly lessons, students can learn music theory, ear training (solfeggio), Jazz improvisation and ensemble performance. The recreational pianist gets the same high level instruction as a competition bound pianist.

Performance Opportunities
Students are gently introduced to the pleasures of piano performance. From the smaller, intimate environment of conservatory seminars, to the larger performance venues of large-hall recitals or competitions, students are given the opportunity to perform in different events to develop their musicianship. Many of Feilin Lin’s students who first played for fun went on to win district, state, and national competitions and prizes.

Performers Who Teach
To ensure the best learning environment for pianists, Feilin Lin hires the most qualified piano instructors who can both perform and teach. But first-rate teachers are more than first-rate performers. They care for their students’ progress, and provide the most positive encouragement while maintaining the highest piano standards.

Rich Piano Lineage
Feilin Lin and her piano instructors have learned from the best teachers at the best schools of piano performance. As one of Feilin Lin’s teachers told one of his graduate students while teaching a controversial passage in Chopin, “My teacher’s teacher’s teacher told him this Chopin passage can be played this way.” When the student questioned, “Who’s your teacher’s teacher’s teacher?” “Chopin” came the smiling reply. So yes, piano lineage often does matter!

Joining the Conservatory
Simply register for lessons with West Music at 319-351-2000. Intermediate and advanced students can call Feilin Lin at 319-338-0388 for an introductory meeting. She will listen to the piano student, and place the student with an instructor, who will explain the conservatory’s policies, terms, and fees at their first lesson meeting. Students who begin with another teacher may switch to Feilin Lin at a later point.

Group Lessons

Throughout the year group lessons in guitar, keyboard, harmonica and drumming are offered at various locations. These group lessons provide a learning and social environment. The students learn together and play in ensemble fashion making a fun and fulfilling experience for all. These are usually offered in six to eight week sessions. Many participants sign up again and again for the group classes. Check your local West Music Studio Coordinator to find out when any group classes may be offered.

All in all the mission of West Music is to enrich people's lives through participation in music.

Individual Lessons

West Music’s goal is to create life-long music makers. In addition to our many individual lesson studios, we have added two specialty studios for those who are studying advanced levels of music. The teachers charge their own fees and the average fee varies with the instrument and teacher. However, an overall average would be around $65-$95 monthly for weekly half-hour individual lessons. This price range varies with each location.

West Music provides instruction in all instruments as well as vocal instruction. We have 140 teachers corporately, a corporate director of the conservatory program and each location has a studio coordinator. Each location has a number of individual lesson studios, 3 locations have a Kindermusik room, some locations have recital halls, but recitals can be held in all stores. The teachers must provide a resume and references, are interviewed extensively and a background check is obtained for each candidate before they are allowed to rent our studio space. West Music hosts workshops, clinics and programming for all students and the public year round.

Signing up for lessons is easy! Anyone can access our website and go to Online Lesson Registration, then follow the prompts and menus. Or just call the store and speak to any associate. There is a one-time registration fee of $24.95 when you enter the West Music world of musical education. This registration fee provides all students with a discount on sheet music and accessories and a free folder and t-shirt.

At the first lesson a new student can expect to go over the teacher’s policy and method. Each instrument and teacher is different and we have an extensive sheet music, book and video collection available. Some of the teachers have chosen to enter our Teacher’s Pick music bin. This is a free standing bin divided by teacher name where individual lesson materials chosen by a teacher are available for students at a glance.

Typically, West Music provides weekly lesson instruction, workshops and programs to an average of 8500-9000 students of all ages and backgrounds each month. Some teachers have as many as 60 students and teach full-time; some teachers have as few as 5 students and teach one day a week. Several of our teachers have obtained doctoral degrees or are doctoral candidates from the U of I and other Universities, or have extensive education and experience. Besides education, we also choose teachers on their people skills and communication skills!

Our student population has an age range of 3 years to 83 years of age. If you count the Kindermusik program the youngest may only be a few months old!