For nearly four decades, Grant West has been a guiding force in St. Paul’s arts and culture landscape — an educator, advocate and community builder whose belief in the power of music has shaped generations of young musicians. As co-founder of Walker West Music Academy, West has helped students discover their talents while creating one of the region’s most inclusive and culturally rooted music communities.
West’s journey into music began thousands of miles from St. Paul, in Wyoming, where his childhood piano teacher, Ms. Daisy Bates, recognized his perfect pitch. Bates pushed him to pursue rigorous practice and encouraged him to use his talent to uplift others. West credits her with planting the seed that would ultimately grow into his life’s work.
From housing advocate to cultural leader
West moved to St. Paul in 1966 and quickly became involved in the community. His first work was with the St. Paul Urban League, where he assisted Black families seeking housing and confronted the segregation that shaped many neighborhoods at the time. The experience, especially the advocacy and mentorship it required, helped establish him as a respected community leader.
While working with the Urban League, West also taught music to Black children in local churches. Drawing from his own experience with Ms. Bates, he emphasized teaching to each student’s unique learning style. He believed music education could be a bridge to confidence, culture and connection, especially for young people who rarely saw their musical potential represented or encouraged.
His dedication eventually led to an unexpected opportunity: a chance to perform with legendary entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. West took it as a sign to keep honing his craft even as he continued teaching.
Building a music school from the ground up
In 1987, West met another music educator, the Rev. Carl Walker. The two quickly formed a friendship rooted in shared values and a vision for a school that could nurture students not only as musicians but as thinkers, collaborators and community members.
Their dream became reality the following year when they opened Walker West Music Academy, which today stands as one of the longest-running community music schools founded by African Americans in the country.
Opening the school required creativity — and sweat equity. Affordable buildings were scarce, and the pair ultimately secured a former barbecue restaurant with just enough room for lessons. Unable to hire cleaners, they prepared the space themselves, scrubbing floors and transforming the building into a place where students could develop both skill and artistic identity.
From the beginning, Walker West Music Academy drew students from across Minnesota. Families were eager for a school that embraced cultural expression, emphasized musical traditions often overlooked in mainstream arts programs and taught life skills alongside scales and chords.
West and Walker ensured the school remained accessible. When families struggled to pay for lessons, they offered alternatives: parents could volunteer around the school, and teachers would accelerate instruction so students could progress even if they weren’t able to stay long-term. Their philosophy was simple, talent should not be limited by finances.
“At his core, West believes music brings people together, whether through a shared rhythm, a classroom lesson or a community performance. His lifelong dedication to ensuring every child has access to that experience has changed St. Paul’s cultural landscape for the better.”
A lasting legacy
Four decades later, West’s influence resonates throughout St. Paul and beyond. Many of his former students have performed internationally, including at prestigious venues and even the White House. Others have become educators themselves, continuing the cycle of mentorship that shaped West’s own early years.
But West’s impact is measured in more than accolades. Through the Urban League, his church teaching and ultimately Walker West Music Academy, he has helped foster belonging, pride and connection in the Black community. His school’s approach, blending musical technique with cultural history and personal growth, remains central to its mission today.
At his core, West believes music brings people together, whether through a shared rhythm, a classroom lesson or a community performance. His lifelong dedication to ensuring every child has access to that experience has changed St. Paul’s cultural landscape for the better.
For more on West’s life and work, see “Grant West: Learning Through Music” by Tristan Hitchens-Brookins.
Alex Nellis is a recent Communication graduate who grew up in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. He is passionate about social justice and has completed graduate certificates in Gender Studies and Cultural Diversity.