When you choose to take lessons
at SMSM, you are part of something bigger!
What we value:
Expertise
It is our goal to hire the best area teachers. Whether they are veteran instructors or just getting started we have a place for everyone. As contractors with us, our teachers have the flexibility to handle their own lesson scheduling and the location of the lesson. We pay a competitive wage on a sliding scale according to experience & training.
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Diversity
We welcome ALL students.
We offer Suzuki & traditional forms of instruction and do not champion one method over another. Instead, we provide education so students & families can choose whatever method of learning resonates with them & their lifestyle.
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What is most important is that all people can access music instruction.
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Financial Aid
We spend the majority of our time working to make it possible for every student to learn regardless of their economic situation. From grants to discounts, to financial aid, scholarships to state and local partnerships, we will work tirelessly to help ensure that you can access quality music lessons in your area.
Partnerships
We cultivate relationships with schools, communities and organizations within southern Minnesota working together creatively to bring music education to students who otherwise would struggle to access that instruction.
We work with our partnering locations to understand the kind of music program you are seeking to build and then work to provide teachers that are best suited to your needs.
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Executive Director
Assistant Director/Partnership Liason
SMSM Mission Statement
Our mission is to provide excellent music instruction to students of every age and level of ability regardless of their economic situation, facilitating their goals, and encouraging each to share their gifts within the community they live.
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SMSM Board of Directors
Office Supervisor
Bookkeeper/CPA
Katie Faugstad, Home Run Tax & Accounting
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SMSM Teachers
The Southern Minnesota School of Music contracts our teachers out to the following partnership locations in southern Minnesota! Partnerships are truly at the heart of what we offer at SMSM. Look below to see if we have a teacher coming to your area! We are always looking for opportunities to bring more accessibility!
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MANKATO
Alec St. John (guitar) ​
Andrea Martinson-Venincasa (Suzuki violin, viola)
Chris Walchuk (mandolin, guitar, ukulele)
David Stordalen (general band instruments, beginner guitar)
Erica Swanson (Violin)
Gail Carpenter (voice, piano)
Gabriella Sanchez (general band, general music, beginner piano, voice)
Joseph Kruse (drums/percussion)
Kathleen Goedtke (Suzuki piano)
Kyle Johnson (piano)
Lisa James (piano)
Lizzie Rossow (voice)
Madeline Gutzke (violin)
Mary Flanagan (Suzuki violin, viola)
McKenna Slattery (brass, general band instruments, violin)
Michaella Crnkovic (piano)
Michelle Sedivy (voice)
Megan Wehrwein (Suzuki violin)
Patti Tryhus (Suzuki Violin, Viola)
Patrick Karl (General Music)
Sarah Wei (piano)
Sharon Mautner-Rodgers (cello, upright bass)
Thomas Fu (piano, euphonium)
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MANKATO COMMUNITY EDUCATION
COMING SOON
NEW ULM COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Michelle Sedivy (voice)
Elizabeth Makela (Suzuki piano)
NEW ULM SUZUKI SCHOOL OF MUSIC (NUSSM)
Elizabeth Makela (Suzuki piano)
ST. PETER COMMUNITY EDUCATION
Michelle Sedivy (voice)
Sharon Mautner-Rodgers (cello, upright bass)
Mary Flanagan (Suzuki violin, viola)
Thomas Fu (piano, euphonium)
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MADELIA HIGH SCHOOL, MADELIA
Chris Walchuk (mandolin, guitar, ukulele)
Thomas Fu (piano, euphonium)
ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC SCHOOL, MADELIA
Gabriella Sanchez (general band instruments, general music, beginner piano, voice)
CONCORDIA CLASSICAL ACADEMY, MANKATO
Andrea Martinson-Venincasa (Suzuki violin, viola)
Sharon Mautner-Rodgers (cello, upright bass)
Megan Wehrwein (Suzuki violin)
Patti Tryhus (Suzuki violin, viola)
Madeline Gutzke (violin)
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ALTONA HUTTERITE COMMUNITY, HENDERSON
Kathleen Goedtke (Suzuki piano)
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Kimberley Greenwood
Board President
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Glenn Barnette
Board Treasurer
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Melissa Salinas
Board Secretary​
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Logan Burns
Board Member​​
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Riley Kolstad
Board Member
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David Stordalen
Board Member
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Glory Etta
Board Member
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Shannon Tietema
Board Member
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