Walker West Music Academy

🎧 DIGITAL MUSIC PRODUCTION SUMMER CAMP IS HERE!

It just started — hop on board!

Create. Record. Produce. Release.

Dive into songwriting, beat-making, recording, mixing, and producing original music with teaching artists Solomon Parham, Kevin Washington, and Ryan Freitas.

Camp 1: Middle & High School — August 11–14
Camp 2: Seniors & Adults — August 25–28

No experience necessary—just bring your creativity and curiosity.

For more details, or to register, contact: [email protected]

Register for this soon: https://selbyavejazzfest.org/masterclass/

Can’t make it to the 25th Annual Selby Avenue Jazz Fest on Saturday, September 12? Or maybe you’re looking to make it a Stokley double-header weekend?

Join us the following afternoon for an intimate masterclass with Stokley at Walker|West Music Academy.

Long before he became the legendary voice of Mint Condition and a chart-topping solo artist, Stokley spent time as a student right here at Walker|West. Now he’s returning to the place where part of his musical journey began to share the experiences, techniques, and lessons that have taken him from Saint Paul to stages around the world.
Expect stories from his remarkable career, insights into vocal performance and rhythm, and an opportunity to ask your questions during a live Q&A.

🗓 Sunday, September 13
🕒 3:00–4:30 PM
📍 Walker|West Music Academy
650 Marshall Ave., Saint Paul

Space is limited for this special event, so be sure to reserve your spot soon. We can’t wait to welcome Stokley home.

Register here: https://selbyavejazzfest.org/masterclass/

It’s never too late to learn piano. 🎹

This fall, Walker West is launching a new Adult Group Piano Class designed for beginners (18+) who are ready to turn “I’ve always wanted to learn” into reality. In a supportive cohort, you’ll build a strong musical foundation, learn to read music, develop your ear, and discover practice techniques that fit a busy schedule.

Leading the class is Martial Besombes—a French-born pianist, composer, arranger, and educator whose career spans classical, jazz, gospel, and world music. He has toured with acclaimed artists including Jennifer Holliday and Alexander O’Neal and has served as Music Director at Park Avenue UMC in Minneapolis for more than 20 years.

🗓 Saturdays • 2:00–3:00 PM
📍 Walker West Music Academy
📅 Begins September 12

Whether you’re looking for a creative outlet, a mental reset, or simply the joy of making music, we’d love to welcome you.

Register today: https://walkerwest.org/adult-group-piano/

Join the inaugural Walker West Big Band!

We’re launching a premier jazz ensemble for students in late middle school through high school—and auditions are now open!

If you’re a saxophonist, trumpeter, trombonist, pianist, bassist, guitarist, or drummer ready to grow as a musician, we want to hear from you.

📍 Walker West Music Academy
🗓 September–June
🕙 Saturdays, 10 AM–12:30 PM
🎵 Only 18 spots available!

Reserve your audition slot here: https://walkerwest.org/elementor-12029/

Introducing Walker West’s New Executive Director: Charles P. Morgan

Walker West Music Academy is proud to welcome Charles P. Morgan as our new Executive Director.

An accomplished nonprofit executive, lifelong musician, and community leader, Charles will lead Walker West into its next chapter following the opening of our new home at 650 Marshall Avenue in St. Paul.

Selected after a national search, Charles brings decades of executive leadership, fundraising experience, and a deep commitment to music and community.

Raised in Thibodaux, Louisiana, Charles comes from a family with deep musical roots. A bassist, bandleader, and music director, he has performed nationally and internationally, founded the band Scarlet Thread, and spent decades using music to strengthen churches and communities. For Charles, music is more than performance—it’s a universal language that builds character, preserves culture, and brings people together.

Charles also brings an outstanding record of nonprofit leadership in the Twin Cities, including serving as CEO of Union Gospel Mission Twin Cities and Vice President of Chemical and Mental Health at Avivo. He currently serves as Programs Chair for the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation and is a licensed marriage and family therapist.

Please join us in welcoming Charles P. Morgan to the Walker West family. We’re excited for all that’s ahead.