Skip to main content

Walker West Music Academy worked with musician William E. Duncan to bring a new composition to life.

About the Artist

William E. Duncan is a musician, educator and composer, who shares a fragment, but dynamic portion of his God-inspired music with the Twin Cities. As a Motown native, William grew up surrounded by music and talented musicians. He’s taught and worked with some of the greatest gospel artists in the country including the late Mattie Moss-Clark and her daughters, The Clark Sisters, Byron Cage, Fred Hammond, J Moss, The Winans, the late Donald Vails and Thomas Whitfield.

Currently, he serves as the minister of music for The Purpose Church in Minneapolis and teaches piano, organ and voice at Walker West Music Academy in Saint Paul. Some of the many Twin Cities artists he’s worked with include James Grear & Company, Ginger Commodore, Robert Robinson, Dr. Mambo’s Combo and his beloved sister, Debbie Duncan.

Snapshots

Art In This Present Moment

This project is part of Art in This Present Moment, an initiative of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation, with funding from the McKnight Foundation. We provided grants to 12 Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations to fund work by over 50 BIPOC artists who are changing and challenging dominant narratives through their craft.

More Stories

Drumming for Unity: John Salgado Maldonado’s Vision for Community Change

Created by community member, occupational therapist and artist John Salgado Maldonado, Cimarrón Batucada uses the art of drumming to address social justice issues and promote cross-cultural community engagement

See the project

Announcing Our New Strategic Plan

The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation launches our strategic plan for the next five years. Watch our video to see our aspiration, purpose and key strategies.

Watch the video

We’ve Moved

On January 21, 2025, the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation relocated to Osborn370, a dynamic hub of innovation and diversity in downtown Saint Paul.

Read about our move

From Lab to Stage: Kenji Shoemaker's Unique Path in Theater

There’s a unique art and science to prop and stage design. These skills helped former scientist Kenji Shoemaker switch careers, showcasing his talents behind the curtains.

See the project

Open Arms of Minnesota: Delivering Hope, One Meal at a Time

Learn how one organization is changing lives with medically tailored meals.

Watch the video

2024: A Year of Partnership and Innovation

In 2024 we worked closely with various community partners such as nonprofit organizations, fundholders and fellow foundations to continue envisioning an equitable, just and vibrant Minnesota where all communities and people thrive.

View Our 2024 Year In Review

Foundations Announce $10.3 Million in 2024 Second-Round Community Grants

Grants will provide crucial funding resources to community organizations making a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families across the East Metro and Greater Minnesota.

Read the announcement

Sara Ochs: Bridging Theater and Music in a New Artistic Journey

Sara Ochs is a multidisciplinary theater artist and songwriter. With support from Art in This Present Moment, Sara will be exploring her talents as a songwriter, writing new music and potentially a one woman play.

See the project

GET MONTHLY STORIES, NEWS AND UPDATES

JOIN
US!

* Indicates a required field