Skip to main content

Learn how music has the abilities to teach and heal.

Music is a universal tool for learning and engagement. It has the ability to teach, bring back fond memories and even heal.

Since 1988, Walker|West Music Academy, an organization dedicated to providing affordable music education and enrichment rooted in the African-American cultural experience, has been keeping both youth and adults engaged through music, be it singing or learning to play an instrument.

According to the Arts Education Data Project, while 92% of public schools have access to music education, more than 3.6 million students do not.

A disproportionate number of these students without access to arts education are concentrated in major urban or very rural areas where the majority of students are Black, Hispanic or Native American, and at schools with the highest percentage of students eligible for free/reduced-price meals.

Walker|West students range from infants to elderly. There you can learn to play anything on your instrument of choice, from Bach to Beyoncé.

The organization specializes in training students to play by ear. As the Executive Director of Walker|West Braxton Haulcy says, “Just as you teach a child to speak before you teach them to read or write, we want our students to speak on their instruments.”

The organization also has plans to collaborate with Hamline University to help high school juniors and seniors receive college credits. This career development initiative intends to create more career opportunities for Black and Brown youth in digital music production.

Watch our second episode of Corner Conversations with Chris Garner to learn more about what Walker|West is doing to make an impact on the community, and what you can do too.

Inspired to Get Involved?

Here are three ways you can make a difference:

  1. Request or recommend performances for a company event. Music organizations such as Walker|West or School of Rock often offer amazing live music performances covering vast genres, including jazz, rock and classical, to set the tempo for work events.
  2. Listen for yourself. Look for community invitations to join organizations for live and virtual shows. Walker|West has a running calendar of music events from its students and faculty. Show your support by checking them out.
  3. Support local music efforts and organizations. Find ways to support these organizations either by giving financially or finding time to volunteer.

More About Walker|West Music Academy

Walker|West creates a music learning community rooted in the African-American cultural experience, where people of all ages and backgrounds can gather, explore and grow through music.

Visit Walker|West to learn about what the organization has in store.

You can also learn more about other music and arts organizations we fund.

Corner Conversations feature individuals and nonprofits driving change in the East Metro and beyond by highlighting their work in connection to current topics and issues facing our communities and state.

View our first Corner Conversation on the education opportunity gap.

More Stories

Fostering Mary’s Teachings

Learn how one family established a scholarship fund to celebrate the lasting impact the former educator had on her students and loved ones.

See More

Turning Tragedy into Healing

Learn how one organization has turned the place where Philando Castile lost his life into a peaceful place for people to gather and reflect.

View the photos

Hmong Tradition of Philanthropy

Bee and Sharon celebrate the lives of their loved ones by continuing their legacies of giving.

See More

Connecting Nonprofits With Volunteers

See how the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation works with Catchafire.

Learn More

Scientists Develop Ecosystems to Explore the Effects of Climate Change

Learn about one of the largest ecosystems in the world and its predictions on future climates.

Watch the video

New Initiative Strives to Advance Equity and Increase Safety and Community Trust

Learn how the Foundation and the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office are partnering to establish policy change around non-public-safety traffic stops.

Learn More

Hastings Family Service Expands its Reach

Learn how working with the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation has helped grow this local nonprofit’s community impact.

Learn More

Taking Action: Summer Updates from the Foundation

Learn how the Foundation is taking action to partner with and support Minnesota communities.

Hear from Dr. Jolly

GET MONTHLY STORIES, NEWS AND UPDATES

JOIN
US!

* Indicates a required field