Music Instruction
West Music’s goal is to create life-long music makers. Our mission is to enrich people's lives through participation in music. To that end, we offer many paths to participation and mastery.
Individual Lessons | Nancy Cree Keyboard Learning Center | Group Lessons | Summer Camps | Weekend Warriors | Parking Lot Jam | Kindermusik | Instruction Cancellations
Individual Lessons
West Music Conservatory provides quality instruction on a number of instruments and voice. In our six locations, we offer private instruction with over 140 specialized teachers, each having extensive education and experience. Our teachers are highly qualified and enthusiastic, working with students of all ages and levels of experience. Adaptive Lessons are offered for students with special learning needs through West Music’s Music Therapy Department. All teachers provide resumes, are interviewed, and a background check is obtained for each candidate before they partner with West Music. Teachers collaborate with their West Music colleagues in performances, clinics, and workshops. Recitals are held in all locations.
Signing up for lessons is easy! Anyone can access our website and go to Online Lesson Registration, following the prompts and menus to learn more about our teachers. Or just call or visit our store! There is a one-time, non-refundable registration fee of $24.95. This registration fee gives our students a discount on sheet music, free admittance to clinics and workshops, and a messenger bag to organize all their music supplies.
At the first lesson a new student can expect to review the teacher’s policies and methods. Your teacher will discuss with you your expectations and how to help you get the most out of your studies.
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 or contact a conservatory specialist at your local West Music store.
Group Lessons
Throughout the year, group classes in guitar, ukulele, keyboard, and drumming are offered at various locations. These classes provide a comfortable, social environment to learn together and play in ensembles, making it fun for everyone. Group classes are usually offered in 4-6 week sessions. Many participants sign up again and again for the group classes.
SIGN UP NOW FOR Guitar Classes for Beginners! In June beginning guitar classes will be held in all locations (except Urbandale). Once a week for 6-weeks, you’ll learn to how to play chords and simple melodies, read basic notation, and take care of your guitar. Check with your local West Music Studio Coordinator to find out when a class in your location begins.
Summer Camps
Contact the store nearest you to find out what musical opportunities are available this summer!
Weekend Warriors-Spring 2012
The Benefits
There is nothing like the experience of playing in a live band, and this program gives every one from age 13 to 103 this opportunity! WEEKEND WARRIORS is about discovering--or rediscovering--the joy of making music by playing in a band. The goal is to have fun - PERIOD!
Plus, when you sign up, you'll receive special deals on instruments and accessories: 15% off Guitar & Drum Folios...10% off Electric Guitars in-stock...Free Drum Head upgrade...and MORE...
You can see a few bands at practice and performing in the playlist below:
The Details
We hook up participants with others of their own age who have similar tastes in music and who share their busy lifestyle. Then we make it easy for them to have a blast:
- We provide a comfortable rehearsal space
- We provide all the gear you might need - guitars, amps, microphones, drum sets, keyboards - you name it - everything except the groupies.
- You practice once a week for eight weeks - not exactly a huge commitment.
- We get you a seasoned pro to "coach" your band to success.
- We book you a gig at a popular hotspot so you can perform for your family and friends
"My guitar was sitting in the closet for 15 years. Weekend Warriors got me motivated to dust it off and plug it in again. I forgot just how much fun playing is. Once again, music has changed my life!" - Mark H., District Manager
"The last time my daughter saw me play in a band, she was a year old. When she and her fiancee heard me play in the Weekend Warriors concert, they were amazed at how hip I'd become over the last 22 years!" - Allen S., Mgr. State Dept. of Aging
"The other guys in the band and myself have become great friends over the past weeks and we plan to continue to practice and play as a group. This time I'm back into music to stay." - Bob L., Investment Counselor
"I can sum up Weekend Warriors in three words - easy, fun, and more fun. Ok, four words." - Erik E., Podiatrist
Parking Lot Jam
Hosted at our Quad Cities store, the West Music Parking Lot Jam was created to give West Music Conservatory students the opportunity to perform in a "real" rock band with their teachers and fellow students. To find out more, visit the Parking Lot Jam Facebook Page.
Kindermusik
Kindermusik is the premiere early childhood music and movement program. Founded over 25 years ago, the Kindermusik International Creative Team has created the Kindermusik curriculum to be taught only by Licensed Kindermusik Educators. The purpose of Kindermusik is to enhance total child development through exploratory musical activities.
While activities vary by age range, they include singing, listening, vocal and rhythmic play, dancing, chanting, bouncing, exploring simple percussion instruments, and experiencing a wide variety of musical examples, including folk songs, classical music, multi-cultural songs, jazz, and music original to Kindermusik.
Additionally, Kindermusik classes always include a set of high quality materials including CD’s, books, instruments, home activity guides and more to help you continue your musical experience at home.
Kindermusik's Foundations of Learning help you understand the ways that Kindermusik musical activities impact all areas of child development. Activities focus on six major areas:
- Language development
- Cognitive development
- Emotional development
- Physical development
- Social development
- Musical development program
Information & Registration
Iowa City / Coralville
Contact: Becky Foerstner
Email: rfoerstner@westmusic.com
Phone: (319)351-2000 x1414
Summer 2012 Form (PDF)
Enroll Online Now! (Iowa City/Coralville Classes)
Cedar Rapids/Marion
Contact: Amy Linville
Email: littlemaestros@mchsi.com
Phone: (319)364-3856
Summer 2012 Form (PDF)
Enroll Online Now! (Cedar Rapids/Marion Classes)
Quad Cities
Contact: Adrienne Biskie
Email: Adrienne@KindermusikWithAdrienne.com
Phone: (309)781-9320
Summer 2012 Form (PDF)
Enroll Online Now! (Quad Cities/Moline Classes)
Instruction Cancellations
Sometimes, lessons are cancelled due to bad weather. West Music keeps track of these cancellations through social media postings.
Visit your local store's Facebook page to see if there are posted cancellations, or you may post your question and our Staff will find the answer for you!
