About
Walker|West Music Academy offers individual music lessons, group music classes, and ensemble opportunities with skilful instructors on instruments such as piano, voice, drums, guitar, woodwinds, brass, and strings. The program includes K–3 group violin through Violittles K–3 Group Violin, summer camps for K–12 students, and jazz jam sessions every third Thursday of the month from 6 PM to 8 PM. Students and families can also attend the Rondo Community Music Series, Selby Avenue JazzFest masterclasses with Grammy winners, and a full day of free performances at the Selby Avenue JazzFest.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Class and event options Monday–Saturday during daytime and evening hours; jazz jam sessions every third Thursday of the month, 6 PM–8 PM
Walker|West Music Academy was started in 1988 by Rev. Carl Walker and Grant West. Its mission is to create 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. The program welcomes all students who want to learn music regardless of financial situation, offers a free trial lesson in the instrument of choice for first-time students, and provides diverse programs for all ages and skill levels. Walker|West Music Academy is a Minnesota Regional Cultural Treasures Award Recipient and is described as a cultural destination and community resource, with funding for the Minnesota Regional Cultural Treasures Award made possible by a collaboration of the McKnight, Ford, Bush and Jerome Foundations. The Rondo Community Music Series features talented faculty alongside exceptional local and national musicians, and the 24th Annual Selby Avenue JazzFest returns September 12th–14th, 2025, with masterclasses by Grammy winners and a full day of free performances. A Legacy Fund provides vital tuition assistance, and a capital campaign supports the purchase and renovation of a new, state-of-the-art building at 650 Marshall Avenue.
Last updated June 28, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: Class and event options Monday–Saturday during daytime and evening hours; jazz jam sessions every third Thursday of the month, 6 PM–8 PM
Walker|West Music Academy was started in 1988 by Rev. Carl Walker and Grant West. Its mission is to create 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. The program welcomes all students who want to learn music regardless of financial situation, offers a free trial lesson in the instrument of choice for first-time students, and provides diverse programs for all ages and skill levels. Walker|West Music Academy is a Minnesota Regional Cultural Treasures Award Recipient and is described as a cultural destination and community resource, with funding for the Minnesota Regional Cultural Treasures Award made possible by a collaboration of the McKnight, Ford, Bush and Jerome Foundations. The Rondo Community Music Series features talented faculty alongside exceptional local and national musicians, and the 24th Annual Selby Avenue JazzFest returns September 12th–14th, 2025, with masterclasses by Grammy winners and a full day of free performances. A Legacy Fund provides vital tuition assistance, and a capital campaign supports the purchase and renovation of a new, state-of-the-art building at 650 Marshall Avenue.
Last updated June 28, 2026.
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