WESTEC was founded in 1997 by Keith Cook with the mission of providing first-rate, professional instrumental music instruction for students ages 3-18, and demonstrating the link between arts and academics to students, parents, and the community at large. Since 1997, over 200 students have reaped the benefits of musical instruction at WESTEC. Currently, 50 young people study violin at the Center through either Suzuki or traditional methods. WESTEC provides students with the opportunity of private music instruction through reduced fees. Most students of WESTEC would not otherwise have the means to maintain the lesson, instrument, and materials costs associated with private musical instruction. Reduced-fee lessons are made possible through in-kind donations from instructors and community members, as well as the organizational support of a Parent Advisory Committee. Students range from Suzuki beginners at age three, through advanced high school musicians. WESTEC also allows beginning students to immediately integrate with and learn from students at more advanced levels.* WESTEC is housed in a facility on South 28th Street which was donated as a rehearsal studio, allowing students the convenience of taking lessons in or near their home neighbor-hood. WESTEC is a non-profit organization overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors.