Walker West Music Academy
Walker West Music Academy is a music school that provides instruction from infants/pre-k through early childhood to adults including elders/seniors, even including a dementia-friendly choir called the Amazing Grace Chorus. The non-profit community music school teaches all styles of music, including classical, but is especially well-known for teaching jazz, gospel and other styles of improvisational music. It is also noted for developing a caring community of music students and educators. The organization provides affordable, quality music instruction rooted in the African American cultural experience to young people and adults. Walker West is believed to be the oldest community music school in the nation founded by African American musicians.
“It’s not just about me, it’s about the community. It’s about the work that our Founders (Rev. Walker and Grant West) started,” Haulcy said. “I’m glad to be a hometown hero, it’s truly an honor – but I always want it to be known that it’s not just what I’ve done. All of us working together, our staff, our faculty, our board, that’s how we’ll continue to share the healing power of music.”
