75% of our students utilize some form of financial aid.
In order to provide the best possible music lessons to YOU, we want to hire the best area teachers and pay them a living wage. Our rates are consistent with the national average for music lessons.
At the same time, accessibility is at the heart of our mission here at SMSM and we know that the cost of lessons can be a major barrier for many families. That's why we provide discounts, apply for grants, fundraise throughout the year, seek donations, find sponsors and constantly work to provide more support to student families.
In recent years we have established partnerships with state and local financial aid programs to build on the ongoing financial aid we provide.
All of these resources are here for you! Click below to learn more!
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. We give all our teachers the flexibility to handle their own lesson scheduling and we pay a competitive wage on a sliding scale according to experience & training.
Diversity
We welcome ALL students. Period.
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.
What is most important is that all people can access music instruction.
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 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 within southern Minnesota
in order to provide access to music education for students who are not near that instruction. We also provide access to financial aid resources so that every student is able to fit music into their budget.
Executive Director
Assistant Director
Bookkeeper/CPA
Katie Faugstad, Home Run Tax & Accounting
SMSM Teachers
Abbey Guggisberg, Piano & Voice
Abigail Shogren, Voice
Adam Rodgers, Piano
Chris Walchuk, Guitar, Madolin & Ukulele
David Stordalen, General Band Instruments
Erica Swanson, Violin & Viola
Gail Carpenter, Voice & Choir
Joseph Kruse, Drum set/All Percussion
Justin Hughes, Guitar
Kathleen Goedtke, Suzuki Piano
Kyle Johnson, Piano
Lionel Cao, Guitar
Lisa James, Piano
Luke Olsby, General Band Instruments
Mary Flanagan, Violin
Mckenna Slattery, Strings, General Band Instruments
Michelle Sedivy, Voice
Megan Wehrwein, Violin
Patti Tryhus, Violin & Viola
Patrick Karl, General Band Instruments
Sarah Wei, Piano
Sharon Mautner-Rodgers, Cello, String Bass
Tom Bierer, Guitar, General Band Instruments
Thomas Fu, Piano & Euphonium
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.
SMSM Board of Directors
**Currently seeking a Board President
**Currently seeking a Vice President
**Currently seeking more board members
Amber Bentler
Interim Board President
Daniel Braam
Treasurer
Edna Quartey
Board Member
Kimberley Greenwood
Board Member
Nanshin Lazak
Board Member
David Stordalen
Board Member
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 and we can't wait to bring music to your area!
Forte Fine Arts
Le Sueur, MN
Altona Hutterite Community
Henderson, MN
Madelia High School & Middle School
Madelia, MN
St. Mary's Catholic School
Madelia, MN
St. Peter Community Education
St. Peter, MN
MYPLACE Mankato
Mankato, MN
Trinity Lutheran School
Janesville, MN
Cultivate Mankato
Mankato, MN