West Music Coralville Reviews
77% would recommend to a friend
(13 total reviews)
Robin Walenta
86% approve of CEO
What are your colleagues talking about?
Ratings by Demographics
This rating reflects the overall rating of West Music and is not affected by filters.
Filter Reviews by Topic
Found 13 of over 36 reviews
Updated May 31, 2023
- Popular
- Most Recent
- Highest Rating
- Lowest Rating
- 5.0May 31, 2023DirectorCurrent Employee, more than 10 yearsCoralville, IA
Pros
West Music supports Music Education and music in our community, and they encourage associates to participate in arts advocacy. Great co-workers. Good benefits and pay. Opportunities to grow within the company and music industry. Family owned business.
Cons
The company has grown in recent years and has struggled to maintain the small close-knit family feel.
- 5.0May 31, 2022Warehouse WorkerFormer Employee, more than 10 yearsCoralville, IA
Pros
Excellent hours and warehouse doesn't work weekends (rarely)
Cons
all kinds of opportunity in future
- 1.0Jul 14, 2021AssociateFormer Employee, more than 3 yearsCoralville, IA
Pros
The occasional food in the breakroom The employee discount
Cons
You have to be a part of their heteronormative, group-think culture if you ever want a shot at sticking around
4 - 5.0Dec 23, 2016Anonymous EmployeeCurrent Employee, more than 5 yearsCoralville, IA
Pros
One of the top reasons to work at West Music is the opportunity to learn and grow as an individual. The company has been dedicated to my personal growth and development, leading me to greater opportunities and promotion potential. I have been able to participate in committee work that has been very enriching with outcomes geared toward greater efficiency and productivity. The people who work here are also a pro. There are people here that are truly passionate about bringing music into others' lives and that passion is infectious!
Cons
While West Music is well-known in the music products industry, it is still a small, family-owned company. While this is a pro for a lot of reasons it is a con in that compensation packages aren't as plentiful as some of the other local employers.
- 5.0Dec 27, 2016Anonymous EmployeeCurrent Employee, more than 10 yearsCoralville, IA
Pros
West Music is an incredible company. I had no idea how expansive the reach is until I started working here. Most employees are musicians and really care about sharing their passion for music with others. If you have the right attitude and interest, you can have a career here - not just a job. I feel lucky to have the opportunities I have and to work with amazing people!
Cons
As with any workplace, there are sometimes negative co-workers you have to deal with. Sometimes, I feel that management gives these people too many chances to correct their behavior. In a company filled with people to truly care about making a difference, unfortunately not everyone feels the same...
- 5.0Nov 21, 2016Human Resources InternCurrent Intern, less than 1 yearCoralville, IA
Pros
There is a fantastic culture here at West Music. They say the people make the place and that rings true here. The people are kind, helpful, and fun to work with. It is hard to find a company that has a genuine culture but at West Music, they have it. You can feel it the moment you walk in the doors.
Cons
The only true con I have experienced thus far is that it is right across from Hurt's Donuts so it tests my diet every single day.
- 5.0Dec 9, 2017Anonymous EmployeeCurrent Employee, more than 3 yearsCoralville, IA
Pros
West Music has cultivated a positive workplace environment. It feels like everyone is encouraged to thrive and grow within the organization. Management is approachable and open to ideas. My colleagues are hardworking and happy in their jobs, which makes it a nice place to work everyday! West Music is very involved in the music industry and engages in promoting arts education and advocacy. The company encourages employees to be involved in their communities to promote arts in our schools and in our lives.
Cons
West Music is a diverse company with many different divisions. This can create challenges in communicating through all channels what is happening within the company and ways we can work together better.
- 2.0Feb 18, 2015Anonymous EmployeeFormer Employee, less than 1 yearCoralville, IA
Pros
It was nice to work alongside musicians who are passionate about music. The customers are definitely the highlight of this job- it's great to talk with teachers about their students, instruments, etc. I like that customers are highly valued here and aren't just seen as giant dollar signs.
Cons
The pay is pitiful for an office job, not to mention that their employee health insurance plans are outrageously expensive. Don't expect much time off at all- they don't value work/life balance in action and so there is a high degree of burnout and a negative working atmosphere. At work potlucks, most people just bring food back to their desks and eat alone, rather than eat with their co-workers! The atmosphere is distrustful- management monitors your emails, cares if you punch in and out 2 minutes before or after your scheduled break time, and the focus is generally on micromanaging rather than letting employees do their work. Employee recognition generally only happens in the management realm. There's not much room for advancement because there are already too many VP's and they are the only ones making a decent salary.
6 - 5.0Sep 24, 2009SalesFormer EmployeeCoralville, IA
Pros
I was always given the opportunity to try new things and ideas- the very latest in quality musical instruments and supplemental material
Cons
It is a large company and hard to meet and know all the employees- some of the co-workers could be "downers"
- 4.0Aug 22, 2014SalesCurrent Employee, less than 1 yearCoralville, IA
Pros
Decent pay, advancement opportunity, leadership opportunities, like-minded employees, nice atmosphere, customer-centric, educated employees, flexible hours for musicians
Cons
Micromanaging from certain managers, too many VPs, could pay more.
1
