We are a community school for the arts open to all! Check out our programs and lessons and join our Music Center family! Why study the arts? Many different studies have proven:

• children who study the arts show an increase in higher thinking skills, problem solving skills, and motivation to learn
• children who study the arts score higher on academic achievement tests, including an average 20 points higher on SAT scores
• the arts teach the value of discipline, teamwork, and the rewards that each can bring
• people involved in the arts have enhanced empathy for other people and cultures, improved powers of observation and a deeper understanding of the world

We, at St. Francis Music Center, believe that music and the arts are a key to nonviolence, to celebrating our many cultures, and to finding the good in humanity. Music brings pleasure and achievement into our lives. Everyone is welcome at St. Francis Music Center!

St. Francis Music Center opened its doors in the Fall of 1979 with four teachers offering private and group lessons in piano, strings, winds and dance. The Music Center now has a staff of 15 professional teachers. Sponsored by the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, St. Francis Music Center is located on the second floor of St. Francis Center on the Franciscan Campus. Also located in this building is St. Francis Health and Recreation Center, administrative offices, and the Little Falls Community High School alternative high school.

The Music Center offers private and group lessons for students of all ages in piano, organ, guitar, orchestral strings, voice, band instruments, preschool piano, and percussion. We offer classes in dance, gymnastics, preschool music, theory, composition and music therapy. Approximately 320 students per week take lessons at the Music Center.

^TOP

Little Falls is located in Morrison County in central Minnesota. The Music Center reaches out to all of Morrison County and to surrounding counties in a 60 miles radius of Little Falls.

St. Francis Music Center plays an integral part of the Little Falls community. Not only do a large number of preschool and school aged children take lessons here, but many adults and senior citizens as well. The Music Center serves as a resource for area schools and churches. We maintain connections with private music teachers in the area and operate a small music store for the benefit of educators and students alike. Community organizations call on the Music Center for advice and recommendations in all music and performance related activities. Several of the church musicians in the area were either students or teachers at the Music Center.

We at St. Francis Music Center believe that music and the arts are a key to nonviolence, to celebrating our many cultures, and to finding the good in humanity.

Laura Jane Musser Merit Scholarships
Each year the Laura Jane Musser Fund sponsors 10 merit scholarships. These $100 scholarships are applied to the tuition of the students who win. To audition for the scholarship, the students must apply through their teacher. The student will perform two contrasting, memorized pieces for a judge at a scheduled audition time (usually in November). Students of any level may apply for the scholarship, they will be judged at their level of ability.

Arley & Naomi Lyseng Music Scholarship
This scholarship was donated by the Greg and Vickie Spofford family in honor of Vickie’s parents who were both lifelong music educators and supporters. The scholarship will be offered to students who show a real dedication to music and have a financial need for assistance in paying their tuition. Scholarships will be offered to students on the recommendation of their teachers.

Sister Justina Bieganek Scholarship
This scholarship was established by family members, friends, and fans of Sister Justina in honor of her 75th Anniversary as a Franciscan Sister. Sister Justina has worked at St. Francis Music Center since its beginnings in 1979 and is still active in the Center. One scholarship will be awarded each year to a student who exemplifies many of the traits of Sister Justina based on recommendations of the teachers.

Guy A. Christiansen Scholarship
This scholarship was donated by the family of Guy A. Christiansen to honor his memory and lifelong love of music. The scholarship will be offered to guitar and bowed string students who have a need for financial assistance and have demonstrated dedication to their craft. Students will become eligible for the award based upon recommendations of their teachers.