The ‘People’s Music School’ moves to Midway

By TESHA M. CHRISTENSEN

‘The People’s Music School’ is now located in the Midway.

After 45 years in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, the West Bank School of Music (WBSM) moved in July 2015 to 655 Fairview Ave.

“The feedback from students and instructors has been incredibly positive,” remarked Amy Reise. “The organization has engaged new students from the neighborhood and the building, including siblings of St. Paul Ballet students; individuals who train at the Elements studio; and members of the Living Word munity-oriented businesses located in the former Banta Corp. paper warehouse that is owned by Living Word Church.

Transforming lives

The mission of West Bank School of Music is to transform lives and the community through innovative music education and inspiring performances.

PHOTO RIGHT: West Bank School of Music student Lorna W. takes a lesson from accordion instructor Dan Turpening. (Photo submitted)

Founded in 1970, WBSM was created by musician/composer Warren Park to expand music education beyond traditional classical training styles. Informally nicknamed, “The People’s Music School,” WBSM was the first music school in Minneapolis to specialize in music education in popular and roots music styles, including blues, jazz, folk, Rock n’ Roll, country, and world music.

Over the past 45 years, more than 20,000 students of all ages have received affordable, innovative music education from instructors who, in addition to teaching for WBMS, are professional musicians, recording artists, and composers.

Music classes develop the brain

West Bank School of Music offers private lessons, classes, workshops, ensembles, summer youth band camps, and community concerts. Families and students of all ages and backgrounds are attracted to West Bank School of Music’s affordable music instruction that offers a disciplined, yet casual style and focus on teaching students based on their interests.

“Music education is beneficial for people of all ages, and it is never too late to learn a new instrument or resume lessons,” urged Reise.

She added, “Musical training helps develop the brain areas involved in language and reasoning; promotes spacial intelligence (the ability to perceive the world accurately and form mental pictures of things); promotes creative thinking and problem solving, and encourages empathy.”

PHOTO RIGHT: Lila Ammons is a vocal instructor at the West Bank School of Music. (Photo submitted)

West Bank School of Music has taught private lessons to students as old as four and as young as 82. Music instruction is offered seven days a week, during the daytime and evenings. Lesson times are arranged with instructors.

For further information about West Bank School of Music instructors and instrument offerings, visit wbsm.org or call 612-333-6651. Lesson rates are affordable, and there are discounts and scholarships available.