Coralville, IA - December 15, 2015 - West Music, with headquarters in Coralville, IA was recently awarded a Retail Excellence award from Music, Inc. Each year, Music Inc's Excellence Awards honors 10 retailers and 10 suppliers who go above and beyond in their businesses over the last year. Voted on by their peers, these winners are responsible for advancing the entire music products industry. To view the entire article, please visit musicincmag.com.

With seven retail locations in eastern Iowa and western Illinois and multiple e-commerce websites, West Music prides itself on being a complete music source whose products and services support lifelong music makers. Such relationship-building with customers, suppliers, and associates is at the core of the company's philosophy as it heads into its 75th year of doing business. West Music was founded in 1941 and currently employs 210 associates across all business units.

"We are honored to receive this recognition from Music, Inc and from our peers. Our focus is on our customers' experience and we want to be there for them from their very first musical experience. Additionally, we want to be there to help them as they become an intermediate and professional level musician. We are proud of our associates for all their hard work that goes into making our business as customer-centric as possible." says Robin Walenta, West Music President and CEO.
Moline, IL - September 19, 2015 - West Music Quad Cities, in partnership with D'Addario Strings, will be offering a free restring event for electric guitars and acoustic six-string guitars. Participants are encouraged to bring in a monetary donation with contributions being donated to Special Olympics of Illinois.  This exciting event will take place during store hours 10am - 5pm on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at West Music Quad Cities, 4305 44th Avenue in Moline, IL.  For more information on this event please contact Kyle Ware, West Music Combo Merchandise Manager, at 319-351-2000 or at kware@westmusic.com.

Coralville, IA - July 21, 2015 -  West Music is proud to announce their recent recognition as a Give Back Iowa Challenge Winner, in conjunction with the Employer Volunteer Initiative (EVI) Advisory Council. West Music was recognized by Lieutenant Governor Kim Reynolds at a reception held today at West Music Coralville, which included remarks from the Lieutenant Governor as well as West Music President, Robin Walenta.  West Music won in the medium-sized company category with 659 volunteer hours reported in a six-week time frame.

"One of West Music's core values as a company is "Cultivate Community' and our associates have embraced that core value.  We all share in the commitment to cultivate stronger, healthier communities through volunteer service. Throughout this challenge, our scope was wide and our reach was far, covering the entire eastern half of the state from Des Moines to the Quad Cities, from Decorah to the southern borders - participating in many social service events, regional community festivals, and fine arts advocacy." remarked Robin Walenta, West Music President and CEO.

The Give Back Iowa Challenge, a new initiative from the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service, served as a campaign to encourage employees to volunteer and log their hours as part of a six-week challenge, April 14-May 31, across the state of Iowa.  Winners were selected in three categories based on the highest average number of volunteer hours per employee. In its inaugural year, the Give Back Iowa Challenge had 50 participating organizations representing 48,686 employees in Iowa that logged 41,702 volunteer hours impacting Iowa communities.

About the ICVS (or Volunteer Iowa)

The Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and its partner agencies work with organizations and individuals on three main fronts.  The first is to help agencies develop quality programs that use service as a strategy to fulfill their missions and address Iowa's greatest areas of need.  The second is to help engage Iowans in their communities by promoting service and expanding the volunteer base.  Finally, the third area of work is to connect individuals with appropriate service opportunities by building the volunteer infrastructure.  More information is available at www.volunteeriowa.org.

West Music recognized for fifth year in a row as one of the top music products and instrument stores in America

Coralville, IA - June 9, 2015 -  The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) recently announced that West Music, headquartered in Coralville, IA, has been recognized as a Top 100 Dealer.  This recognition honors the industry's best, brightest, and most proactive music retailers.

"For the fifth straight year, West Music is honored to be recognized as a Top 100 Dealer by the National Association of Music Merchants. This perennial recognition is a direct result of our committed associates' passion for delivering an outstanding customer experience through quality products and services and our belief that participation in music has a positive impact on every person's life." said Robin Walenta, President of West Music.

Top 100 Dealer

The retail music product stores that receive the distinction of being a "Top 100 Dealer" are judged by a panel of industry experts on criteria including:


  • Showing a clear understanding that the success of a retail store is directly related to customer satisfaction.

  • Providing a retail experience worth returning for and recommending others to.

  • Designing a floor plan, merchandising and marketing that encourages repeat sales.

  • Preparing for future success with sound planning, marketing and training initiatives.

  • Using the web and social media in engaging, effective ways.

"The NAMM Top 100 Dealers go beyond running a successful business, they are ambassadors for music and music education in their communities," said Joe Lamond, president and CEO of NAMM. "They generously share their passion for music with both longtime customers and those just beginning their musical journey. What they add to their communities can best be measured in the number of lives positively impacted through music."

About NAMM

The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) is the not-for-profit association with a mission to strengthen the $17 billion music products industry.  NAMM is comprised of approximately 9,900 members located in 100 countries.  NAMM events and members fund The NAMM Foundation's efforts to promote the pleasures and benefits of music, and advance active participation in music making across the lifespan.  For more information about NAMM, please visit namm.org, call 1.800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

About West Music Company

Founded in 1941, West Music continues to fulfill its mission of creating musical communities by providing knowledge, products, and services people need to experience the power of making music!  West Music specializes in pianos, guitars, drums and percussion, band and orchestra instruments, and print music as well as offers music instruction, repair and music therapy services.  West Music has seven retail locations in Iowa and Illinois as well as award-winning ecommerce websites dedicated to servicing music education, percussion, and Latin music communities. For more information, visit westmusic.com or call 1-800-373-2000.

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Moline, IL - June 5, 2015 - West Music Quad Cities is proud to host the Steinway Living Legends Tour running June 5 through June 13.  For this limited time, West Music Quad Cities will have three select pianos in-store that have been played by some of the world's greatest piano artists, including Billy Joel, Diana Krall, Harry Connick, Jr., Lang Lang, and more.   People interested are encouraged to visit West Music Quad Cities to see and play the very Steinway pianos that music legends have performed and recorded upon.   Artists that have played on the Living Legends pianos include :


Billy Joel

Diana Krall

McCoy Tyner

David Benoit

Lang Lang

Emanuel Ax

Yefim Bronfman

Bruce Hornsby

Allen Toussaint

Ramsey Lewis

Harry Connick Jr.

Fred Hersch

Regina Spektor

Jason Moran

Keith Jarrett


West Music Quad Cities is located at 4305 44th Avenue in Moline, Illinois.  Due to the limited time these pianos will be present in the store, it is encouraged to call ahead to set up a private appointment. Please contact the West Music Pianos team by calling 309-764-9300 or visiting pianos.westmusic.com to schedule your time to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity.


About Steinway and Sons Piano Company

Since 1853, Steinway pianos have been handmade to last for generations.  A treasured possession that grows in value over the course of time.  Steinway is the choice of 99% of concert artists, and it is, quite simply, the standard by which all other pianos are compared.  Details about Steinway & Sons may be obtained by calling (800) 366-1853 or by visiting www.steinway.com.


About West Music Company

Founded in 1941, West Music continues to fulfill its mission of creating musical communities by providing knowledge, products, and services people need to experience the power of making music!  West Music specializes in pianos, guitars, drums and percussion, band and orchestra instruments, and print music as well as offers music instruction, repair and music therapy services.  West Music has seven retail locations in Iowa and Illinois as well as award-winning ecommerce websites dedicated to servicing music education, percussion, and Latin music communities. For more information, visit westmusic.com or call 1-800-373-2000.

Moline, IL - May 9, 2015 -  In partnership with the Quad Cities Ukulele Club, West Music Quad Cities is excited to host Uke-A-Palooza, an extravaganza celebrating the ukulele. This daylong event will take place at West Music Quad Cities, 4305 44th Avenue in Moline, IL on Saturday, May 9, 2015 beginning at 11:00AM.   Participants will be able to choose from a variety of workshops covering ukulele technique, maintenance, and more.  Additionally, West Music Quad Cities is offering special pricing on ukulele accessories and print music. For more information, please contact Leif Rehnberg, West Music Quad Cities Store Manager at lrehnberg@westmusic.com or by calling 309-764-9300.

About The Quad Cities Ukulele Club

The Quad Cities Ukulele Club (QCUC) was formed in early 2012 by Erin Mahr, a resident of the Quad Cities.  The club is open to any and all ukulele enthusiasts and meets bi monthly at West Music Quad Cities, as well as performs at many community functions. Participants are encouraged to show up, trade ideas, and have fun!  Find out more about QCUC by visiting their Facebook page.

About West Music Company

Founded in 1941, West Music continues to fulfill its mission of creating musical communities by providing knowledge, products, and services people need to experience the power of making music!  West Music specializes in pianos, guitars, drums and percussion, band and orchestra instruments, and print music as well as offers music instruction, repair and music therapy services.  West Music has seven retail locations in Iowa and Illinois as well as award-winning ecommerce websites dedicated to servicing music education, percussion, and Latin music communities. For more information, visit westmusic.com or call 1-800-373-2000.

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Moline, IL - April 25, 2015 - West Music Quad Cities, in partnership with D'Addario Strings, will offer a free guitar restring and food drive donation event for six-string acoustic and electric guitars at its Moline, Illinois location on Saturday, April 25, 2015.  Participants only need to bring in four canned goods or non-perishable food items or a $5 donation.  Contributions will be donated to Family Resources.   This exciting event will take place during store hours 10am - 5pm on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at West Music Quad Cities, 4305 44th Avenue in Moline.   For more information on this event please contact Kyle Ware, West Music Combo Merchandise Manager, at kware@westmusic.com.

Six-string electric guitars will be restrung with choice of D'Addario EXL110 or EXL120 strings and six-string acoustic guitars will be restrung with choice of D'Addario EJ16 or EJ17 strings.  Customers are limited to a free restring of one of these instruments.

About D'Addario & Company

D'Addario & Company, Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets complete lines of strings for fretted and bowed musical instruments, drumheads, drumsticks, drum practice pads, and guitar and woodwind accessories under the proprietary brand names D'Addario, Planet Waves, Rico, Evans Drumheads, Pro-Mark Drumsticks, and PureSound Percussion. The company also runs theLessonroom.com and Guitar.com. D'Addario products are marketed in approximately 120 countries. Connect with D'Addario on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube and at daddario.com.

About West Music Company

Founded in 1941, West Music continues to fulfill its mission of creating musical communities by providing knowledge, products, and services people need to experience the power of making music!  West Music specializes in pianos, guitars, drums and percussion, band and orchestra instruments, and print music as well as offers music instruction, repair and music therapy services.  West Music has seven retail locations in Iowa and Illinois as well as award-winning ecommerce websites dedicated to servicing music education, percussion, and Latin music communities. For more information, visit westmusic.com or call 1-800-373-2000.

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Coralville, IA  - April 9, 2015 -  West Music Pianos is proud to announce the Steinway Selection Showroom at their Coralville, Iowa location.  When guests visit the Steinway Selection Showroom, they will have the opportunity to experience an unparalleled selection of the finest pianos the state of Iowa has to offer in a one-of-a-kind setting.  Guests are able to hand select their Steinway piano from a number of models tuned and ready to play, as each instrument is unique in its nature and character.  The showroom has a wide variety of grand and upright pianos from Steinway, Boston, Essex, and more.  Please contact West Music to set up an appointment and experience the Steinway Selection Showroom for yourself.   For more information about West Music and their expansive piano services, please call West Music Coralville at 319-351-2000 or visit pianos.westmusic.com.
Coralville, IA - April 3, 2015 - West Music is excited to rock into spring by celebrating International Guitar Month throughout April.  All West Music store locations will participate, hosting in-store events and clinics to educate and celebrate the versatile instrument.  Events vary by store location, a full listing is available at westmusic.com/IGM. For more information, contact Ryan West at rwest@westmusic.com

Month Long Specials

West Music is pleased to offer additional discounts on in-stock guitars as well as accessories, gear, and guitar print music.  Select guitars will be discounted at clearance pricing.  Customers are able to build their own guitar bundle, including a guitar and three accessories for an additional 15% off their entire purchase. Additionally, the West Music Conservatory is offering free individual guitar lesson registration during the month of April - a $24.95 value at participating West Music locations.

April 11 - Girls And Guitars

Celebrating the women who play!  West Music Marion and West Music Coralville will host a special interactive workshop with local guitar teacher, Angie Green.  Angie will cover the basics, tips, tricks, and help encourage female guitar players (of any age!) to get out their guitar and play! West Music Marion - 10:00AM | West Music Coralville - 2:00PM

April 18 - Guitar Show

All guitar players are encouraged to bring in their own prized classic, cool, and unique guitars to their local West Music store to display during store hours.

April 25 - Guitar Restring Event

Each West Music location, in partnership with D'Addario, will offer a one day free restring event for electric guitars and acoustic six-string guitars with donation. Participants only need to bring in four non-perishable food items or a $5 donation.  Contributions will be donated to local food banks and charity organizations.   The restring event will take place during store hours at each location.

About West Music Company

Founded in 1941, West Music continues to fulfill its mission of creating musical communities by providing knowledge, products, and services people need to experience the power of making music!  West Music specializes in pianos, guitars, drums and percussion, band and orchestra instruments, and print music as well as offers music instruction, repair and music therapy services.  West Music has seven retail locations in Iowa and Illinois as well as award-winning ecommerce websites dedicated to servicing music education, percussion, and Latin music communities. For more information, visit westmusic.com or call 1-800-373-2000.

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Coralville, IA - March 18, 2015 - West Music is proud to announce the winners of their 3rd Annual March Music Madness Pep Band Competition.  Fillmore Central, from Harmony, MN won in the 1A/2A division, and Oelwein High School, from Oelwein, IA won in the 3A/4A division.  Both bands will receive a $300 West Music gift card for use in their music programs.

"The Fillmore Central Band Department continues to be humbled and amazed by the tremendous support we receive from our staff, administration, parents, community members, and local businesses.  The communities of Harmony, Preston, and Fountain should be very proud of the commitment to excellence in our schools!" said Lane Powell, Director of Bands for Fillmore Central.

Cory McBride, director of Oelwein's pep band  added, "Our band had a great time participating in the March Music Madness competition and it definitely increased the level of energy and enthusiasm within our school.  The amount of support and excitement we saw from our students, staff, community, and even other schools was tremendous.  All of our students work hard and this was such a great way to showcase their efforts."

The competition was a huge success, drawing over 332,000 votes and over 30,000 social media mentions and shares to all participant videos in a two week voting period.  Voting for the competition began in early March and was hosted on westmusic.com/MarchMusicMadness.  The video with the most votes at the end of each round moved onto the next round.  The contest culminated in the finals that coincided with the Iowa state boys high school basketball tournament in March.  To view the official bracket and breakdown for all votes between schools, visit westmusic.com/MarchMusicMadness.

A total of 13 participating schools competed in the competition including Bellevue Community, Center Point-Urbana, Columbus Community, Easton Valley, Edgewood-Colesburg, Fillmore Central, Independence, Maquoketa Valley, Moline, North Linn, Oelwein, River Ridge, and Western Dubuque.

This event is one of many hosted by West Music throughout the year for students, teachers, friends and the general public. This is a great opportunity for students to come together to showcase their passion for music, their creativity and school spirit. Best of all, this friendly competition brings to life West Music's mission to create musical communities.

About West Music Company

Founded in 1941, West Music continues to fulfill its mission of creating musical communities by providing knowledge, products, and services people need to experience the power of making music!  West Music specializes in pianos, guitars, drums and percussion, band and orchestra instruments, and print music as well as offers music instruction, repair and music therapy services.  West Music has seven retail locations in Iowa and Illinois as well as award-winning ecommerce websites dedicated to servicing music education, percussion, and Latin music communities. For more information, visit westmusic.com or call 1-800-373-2000.

 

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