They are very knowledgeable, helpful, and are always a pleasure to work with. Since they work with…read moremany schools in the area, it's very easy for parents to find what they need without having every single product memorized.

From the owner: West Music offers a wide selection of musical instruments, including guitars, drums, new and used…read morepianos, and band instruments. Violins are kept in a humidified room to ensure top quality. Our music experts are here to answer questions and find the right instrument and music equipment for you! Our instrument rental program for local band and violin students offers affordability. Rentals start at just $39.95 and include free repairs! Our repair shop is one of the largest and most experienced in Iowa. Music lessons are available for all ages! We teach guitar, drums, voice (singing), piano, and more.

Picked out a $500 nice acoustic I was interested in - brought it out, associate asked me if I was…read moreready, I said I would like a gig bag included with this. She said let me check tag, oh, there isn't one offered on the tag. But I can give you one if you sign up for some lessons!! I said well, I actually am also looking for a Telecaster, so you work on finding me that gig bag while I check out some more guitars. Found a Telecaster I liked for $900 after playing many models. Carried it up to the desk, and a different associate says did you want to purchase that? I said yes, also that acoustic you have behind the desk, but I want two gig bags included. Mind you, at this point, I was the only customer in the store. Four associates and a manager working - do the math on the overhead on that one alone. I did not question paying their ticket price, but I said for $1400 I want a gig bag for each guitar. What does a gig bag cost somebody like Guitar Center wholesale, $5 maybe $10?? I also asked for picks but said I would pay for those... The first associate asked the manager, who stared at her computer and said if the label does not include it, we cannot do it. I was being very personable and laughing and smiling throughout this negotiation, by the way. At that point, I said, OK seriously, you're going to let a $1400 before tax sale walk out the door over a demand for a couple of gig bags that might amount to a whole $25-$30 loss to you guys? Manager stared at her computer, the associates didn't know what to do. I did - I walked out the door. Bought both guitars with hard cases instead for the same initial price of $1400 combined from your competitors online. Good luck and happy trails!

I really loved this guitar center, it was really clean and well organized. I could tell the workers…read morecared, they were really nice, chill people. it was not weird and I didn't feel rude when I was asking questions, because I knew they wanted to help me out. If I didn't live so far, they would be the only music store I would give business.

I started taking lessons a year ago virtually. I am a working mature adult. I have to say that…read moreMike Neiman always makes people feel comfortable and is well versed on different methods to teach a person's learning style. I had taken piano early in my career and really never mastered how to read well or put both hands together. I am actually reading better and putting my hands together and moving along. I feel that the music academy is a great place to learn and if piano is the instrument I recommend Mike Neiman.

We started our then-7-year-old son with Mr. Nemeth last January and couldn't be happier! Our son…read moreenjoys the lessons, which are very easy to schedule, and we have had so much fun as a family watching him learn to play! He was a complete beginner, and has the attention span of your average kiddo, but Mr. Nemeth has been extremely patient while also making learning music a fun experience for him/us. Highly recommend for any level of student!