West Music Staff Blogs
Our Mission: To enrich people's lives through the participation in music!
Tag >> Music Instruction
Posted by: Teresa Heitman in Music Instruction on
Nov 18, 2009
Tips from the American Music Conference: Contrary to popular belief, a good music teacher won’t drop you if you stink...a good music teacher won’t force you to play Chopin if you prefer Coldplay...a good music teacher won’t get frustrated if you make a few mistakes. “All children have music inside of them; the idea is to let it out,” says Laura Johnson, associate executive director of the American Music Conference (AMC), a leading nonprofit music advocacy organization. “A good music teacher will nurture your child’s interest and inspire him or her to develop a lifelong passion that offers countless benefits. Studies show that making music helps young children perform better on standardized tests, and teens benefit academically and socially from active participation in music.”
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.
These are some American Music Conference Offers Tips for Shopping Smart This Holiday Season:
 With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s time to start shopping for that guitar, violin, oboe, tuba, piano or whatever instrument your musical child is begging to receive as his or her top-choice gift. But first it’s important to be an educated consumer so that the new violin doesn’t wind up collecting dust under the bed or being returned to the store.
The first thing to ask yourself is, “Is my child ready to own his own instrument?” “You’re ready to purchase an instrument when your child shows enthusiasm for his or her instrument or instruments of choice, but owning a musical instrument is an asset at any age,” says Joe Lamond, President and CEO of NAMM, the International Music Products Association, the parent company of the American Music Conference, a leading national nonprofit organization that promotes the benefits of music education and music making for children.
 Ellis Kell, Terry Hanson, and six other local musicians performed at the River Music Experience in Davenport to benefit Rock Island's Thurgood Marshall school, raising funds to bring musicians and artists to students who lack creative outlets. Thurgood Marshall has students who have had family, behavioral, or truancy issues.
Teacher Linda Golden said exposing students to local artists does wonders for the students, many of whom have had a rocky start but are committed to turning their lives around. "That is an incredibly good way to fight truancy," she said. "Anything that helps students graduate helps our community." (Nicole Lauer, QC Dispatch-Argus, Nov 7)
20 students, 2 guests, and 4 employees colored pictures of pumpkins to decorate the Conservatory Hallway. There were a total of 31 pumpkin pictures in all and everyone had a great time...so now we have Turkey and Cornucopia pictures available for coloring for Thanksgiving, so come on by! 
Curious about ClavFest? West Music Cedar Falls had a lot of talent and a lot of fun. Take a look: 
Amy with daughters Kylie and Lillie
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Audience listening to clavfest participants
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Posted by: Shannon Price in Music Instruction on
Nov 04, 2009
 We will have a tent on Hawkeye Rally Alley Nov. 7th from 8:30AM-10:30AM. (Find us across from Carver-Hawkeye Arena in the grassy area that used to be Grant's Field, next to Duane Banks Baseball Stadium.)
- FREE Hand drumming circles
- FREE Group guitar lessons
Anyone can participate. NO EXPERIENCE on any instrument necessary. Learn to play immediately and have a blast!
Did you know that 82% of Americans who don't currently play an instrument wish they had learned to play one? (Gallup Poll)
West Music will be handing out $ 5 West Music Money to use in the store for any purchase or you can REGISTER FOR LESSONS FREE!
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
 You and your students are cordially invited to participate in a Jazz Piano Master Class presented by internationally acclaimed Steinway Jazz artist, Dan Knight. The master class will feature jazz and pop pieces performed by young area pianists.
Afterwards, Mr. Knight will offer thoughts for each pianist on how to perform their music even better. This is a tremendous opportunity for you to expand your knowledge on teaching and performing jazz repertoire. Pieces prepared for the class include all jazz idioms including pop and rag. There is no age limitation for participation. The master class is open to the public.
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