First Time Alto Saxophone Players
Congratulations on choosing to play the alto saxophone. The saxophone, or “sax” as it’s often called, can be seen in all types of music including jazz. As a music student, or a parent of a music student, you will want to know these basics soon after receiving your...
Robin Walenta of West Music Presents Award to Iowan Senators
Last week, Robin Walenta, President and CEO of West Music presented Iowa Senators Joni Ernst and Charles Grassley with a flag in representation of the two school districts in Iowa that were recognized as the Best Communities for Music Education by The NAMM Foundation....
West Music’s Nancy Cree Keyboard Recitals to Honor Prominent Composer
Coralville, IA – May 17, 2017 – West Music will honor prominent composer Robert D. Vandall at their Two Grand Spring Recitals this weekend at the Coralville Center for Performing Arts. The recitals feature students of West Music based Nancy Cree Keyboard Learning...
West Music Recognized as One of the Top 100 Music Stores in the World
Coralville, IA – May 9, 2017 – West Music has been named as a Top 100 Dealer by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the global association of music products and music retailers. The organization will formally present the award to West Music on Friday,...
The Benefits of Music Education in Childhood Development
While hearing music is enjoyable in its own right, the benefits of taking part in it highly outweigh those of just listening. Musical education during childhood can positively impact cognitive development, improve social skills, and increase academic achievement. And...
How To Break In New Ukulele Strings
Picture this: you get your new ukulele out, tune it up to pitch, and play your first chord, only to find it is already out of tune! Have no fear – usually, there is nothing wrong with your ukulele or the tuners. You need to break-in your...
Extraordinary Associate of the Month February 2017: John Williams
Think of a West Music associate who creates lasting customer relationships, is always ready to help fellow associates in need of support, and consistently offers valuable product knowledge. Does the name John Williams come to mind? John always has a “can do” attitude!...
This St. Patrick’s Day Discover Yamaha Hybrid Pianos
Have you ever played an acoustic concert grand piano with no strings? Or perhaps you've played a digital piano with a full acoustic piano action? Chances are, neither of these things have ever happened to you, but Yamaha has the perfect instruments for those who crave...
Dry Winter Equals Dry Pianos
Piano maintenance advice and tips by Nelda Wittig, West Music Piano Consultant. You may have just made an investment in a piano or you have had one for years. Learn how to properly maintain your piano in the Midwest where temperatures dip and humidy is difficult to...
7 Tips for Practicing
7 Tips for Practicing Your child was so excited to get their music instrument, you thought they would never put it down! However, a few months in and the instrument is sitting in a corner of the house. As a parent, it's important to get your child motivate to practice...