10K Fresh Voices | Learning and Growing Through Music at Walker West

Saint Paul’s Walker West Music Academy is thought to be the oldest community music school in the nation founded by Black musicians. Opened in the 1980s during turbulent times in the Selby/Dale neighborhood, Walker prides itself on offering affordable, accessible and high-quality music instruction. What makes Walker West so special is their emphasis on a particular style of music-making called the “Saint Paul Sound,” a high-energy synthesis of jazz, gospel and improvisation. KFAI’s Alison Young sat down with the new Executive Director, Dr. Charles Morgan to learn more about this inspiring place where people of all ages can grow through music.

This story was written and produced by Alison Young. Erika Janik is the managing editor of MinneCulture. Support for MinneCulture comes from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.