West Music Named Dealer of the Year by the Global Music Products Industry
– Recognized at the summer gathering of the music industry, also won awards for “Music Makes a Difference” –
Coralville – July, 19th, 2021– West Music, headquartered in Coralville, IA, was named the Dealer of the Year at the Annual Top 100 Dealer Awards by the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), the global industry association of music instruments and pro audio products. The company was recognized with the “Music Makes a Difference” award as well as “Dealer of the Year” for its continued dedication and unwavering efforts in serving the local community.
The Top 100 Awards were presented at a ceremony on Thursday, July 15 at Summer NAMM, the industry’s annual mid-year gathering in Nashville, Tennessee. Now in its eleventh year, the Top 100 Dealer Awards honor music product retailers worldwide who demonstrate exceptional commitment to their stores, neighborhoods, and customers and share in a vision of creating a more musical world through their local communities.
“Being recognized as the Dealer of the Year was an outstanding recognition for our team after all of the challenges and hard work we accomplished in the last 12 months. It speaks to the innovative spirit and dedication our team has in bringing music to our communities.” said Robin Walenta, CEO, of West Music.
To determine the list of the Top 100 Dealers and category award winners, an independent panel of judges reviewed hundreds of submissions that are rated across categories that include customer service, store design, and promotions and are scored in accordance to determine the Top 100 list.
The Music Makes a Difference award was based on the work that the West Music Music Therapy team did with their client, Payton Williams, based in North Liberty, IA. Payton has been working with West Music for 6 years and music therapy has helped her develop her strength, communication, and brought joy to her life. When COVID-19 struck, in-person sessions had to be halted but the West Music team was able to find a creative way to serve Payton in partnership with her family.
“The past year brought its own set of unique challenges for our music therapy team. Being able to share the story of the power of music and music therapy services was a true testament to our therapists as well as the way they have impacted our client’s lives this past year.” said Walenta.
To learn more about West Music, please visit www.westmusic.com or visit one of their five locations in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois.
To learn more about NAMM and the Top 100 Dealer Awards, please visit
https://www.namm.org/summer/2021/top-dealer-awards/winners.
Media Contact:
Susan Orhon, Director of Marketing
319-351-2000
sorhon@westmusic.com
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 10,400 members located in 104 countries and regions. 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 www.namm.org, call 800.767.NAMM (6266) or follow the organization on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About West Music
West Music is a third-generation, locally-owned, and family-operated business that is the area’s leading partner specializing in pianos, guitars, drums and percussion, band and orchestra, and print music, as well as offering music education, music instruction, instrument repair, and music therapy services for over 80 years. With 5 retail locations in Iowa and Illinois as well as award-winning e-commerce websites dedicated to servicing music education and percussion communities, West Music strives to encourage people of all ages and abilities to play now and play for life.
Aaron Hansen is an experienced K-6 General Music educator, passionate about bringing music to life through the Orff Approach. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa. Aaron has completed comprehensive Orff Teacher Training, including three levels at the University of St. Thomas and an Orff Master Class. His dedication to the Orff method took him to the Summer International Course at the Orff Institute in Salzburg, Austria. Aaron also shares his expertise by teaching movement at various Orff Teacher Training Courses and conducting workshops for local Orff Chapters.
