WeMA (Westmont Music Academy) provides high-quality, accessible music instruction through lessons, classes, and small ensembles, nurturing musical excellence, supporting artistic growth, and fostering meaningful connection through shared musical experiences.
Registration coming soon!
Location: 955 La Paz rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Contact: wema@westmont.edu
Call us: 805-565-6040
Harmonize with Community
WeMA fosters artistic growth through mentorship, collaboration, and the shared pursuit of beauty, creating a community where every student belongs.
"Music is the universal language that connects people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests. The Westmont Music Department is proud to offer exceptional music instruction led by our dedicated, world-class faculty. We believe that music enriches the lives of all who are involved and this program will be a blessing for all. Through WeMA, we look forward to building closer ties and deepening our relationship with the wider Santa Barbara community."
-Dr. Ruth Lin-
Our Story
WeMA was born from a simple belief: music has the power to transform lives and bring people together. Inspired by a desire to cultivate a vibrant musical community in Santa Barbara, WeMA was created to be a welcoming place where students of all ages can learn, grow, and belong. We believe that music education is about more than learning notes and rhythms—it is about discovering beauty, developing character, finding one's voice, and becoming part of something greater than oneself.
Located at Westmont College, WeMA provides high-quality music education through lessons, classes, chamber music, and performance opportunities. Our goal is to make meaningful musical experiences accessible to students and families while fostering artistic excellence, personal growth, and lasting connections. We hope to bring together students, families, teachers, college musicians, and local artists through shared musical experiences that enrich both individual lives and our broader community.
Whether you are just beginning your musical journey or continuing years of study, we invite you to join us as we build a vibrant and supportive musical community together.
Chamber Music
Join our chamber ensembles to collaborate with fellow musicians. Experience the joy of making music together in a supportive environment.
Private Lessons
Our private lessons offer personalized, one-on-one instruction that helps each student develop strong technique, musical understanding, and confidence at a pace that's right for them.
Group lessons
Learn your instrument in a small-group setting that offers quality instruction in a collaborative and more affordable environment. Students build skills, confidence, and musicianship while learning alongside their peers.
Group classes
Designed to complement lessons, our group classes strengthen each student's musical foundation through music theory, rhythm, ear training, and musicianship in an engaging, collaborative setting.
Recitals & Workshops
Attend our workshops and informal performances to showcase your talent. Gain confidence and experience in a friendly, encouraging setting.
Our Teachers
WeMA is led by a team of experienced faculty and supported by a diverse group of teaching artists, including Westmont alumni and respected local educators. Together, they bring expertise in performance, pedagogy, and music education across all age levels.
Strings:Han Kim | Winds:Joanne Kim | Piano:Hyo Jin Lee | Musicianship:Laura Walter |
Meet the Teachers
A Curriculum for Every Stage
Instruction - Musicianship - Collaboration - Performance
Explore Early Childhood Music Class! (Ages 2-4)
Using play and curiosity, we will study how music and sound work, how ensemble playing works, the best frame of mind for performance and practice, and the theory of music. We may explore writing our own songs, singing songs in canons and with descants, and using the solfeggio hand signs to sing together. Our goals are to increase musicianship, awareness of others, and collaboration and cooperation skills.
Our Programs
Early Childhood MusicBeginning Instrument Programs
Piano AcademyComprehensive Music Program | Advanced Performance ProgramChamber Music Program
Adult Music Program
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Piano Lessons
The WeMA Piano Program is designed to nurture both musical excellence and a love for learning. Students can choose from private lessons, group classes, or a combination of both, creating a learning experience that fits their goals and stage of development. Along the way, they build strong piano skills while engaging in music theory, ear training, and musicianship classes that deepen understanding and strengthen overall musical growth.
For students seeking a more advanced path, WeMA offers high-quality instruction and individualized guidance to help them reach their full potential. Advanced students may pursue goals such as Certificate of Merit, competitions, auditions, and other performance opportunities, while developing the technical mastery, artistic expression, and confidence needed for continued musical success. Whether a student is just beginning or preparing for advanced study, our program provides a supportive and inspiring environment in which to grow.
Chamber Music
At its heart, chamber music is a musical conversation that unfolds in real time. Unlike large ensembles, where a conductor leads the group, chamber musicians listen closely to one another, communicate through their instruments, and shape the music together. Through this process, students learn to collaborate, respond, and express artistic ideas with both confidence and sensitivity. Chamber music is one of the most rewarding forms of music-making, fostering musicianship, friendship, and a deeper appreciation for the joy of creating something beautiful together.
Performance Opportunities
Music comes alive when it is shared. At WeMA, performance is an important part of the learning experience. Students are encouraged to share their musical growth through a variety of performance opportunities throughout the year, including student recitals, chamber music concerts, and special events. With access to beautiful venues such as Deane Chapel and Porter Theatre at Westmont College, students gain valuable experience performing in inspiring settings while building confidence, artistry, and a love for sharing music with others.
A launchpad for a lifetime of music where creative passion takes root and every student’s potential is cultivated with care.
WeMA Academic Calendar | 2026–2027 (Schedule subject to change)
- Aug. 28–29
- Sept. 4–5
- Sept. 11–12
- Sept. 18–19
- Sept. 25–26
- Oct. 2–3
- Oct. 9–10
- Oct. 16–17
- Oct. 23–24
- Oct. 30–31
- Nov. 6–7
- Nov. 13–14
- Nov. 20–21
- Dec. 4–5 (No classes Nov. 27–28 for Thanksgiving)
- Dec. 11–12
- Jan. 8–9
- Jan. 15–16
- Jan. 22–23
- Jan. 29–30
- Feb. 5–6
- Feb. 12–13
- Feb. 19–20
- Feb. 26–27
- Mar. 5–6
- Mar. 12–13
- Mar. 19–20
- Apr. 9–10 (No classes Mar. 26–27 & Apr. 2–3 for Spring Break)
- Apr. 16–17
- Apr. 23–24
- Apr. 30 – May 1
Schedule a Tour
955 La Paz Rd.
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 565-6000
wema@westmont.edu