About Northside School of Music
Music for Everyone — Breaking Barriers, Building Community
Making Music Accessible for All
Founded in 2024, Northside School of Music makes music education accessible, inclusive, and affordable for the North Minneapolis community.
Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn an instrument, but financial barriers often make music education an elitist privilege. Many families are left without options as arts programs disappear from Minneapolis Public Schools.
We’re here to change that.
Through sliding-scale tuition, instrument rentals, and scholarships, we ensure that cost is never a barrier to learning.
Our programs welcome students of all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels, creating a space where music is truly for everyone.
🎵 Want to start your musical journey?
Finding
A Team That Reflects Our Community
Our staff of experienced musicians and educators brings both professional expertise and community connection.
Decades of experience
in music performance and education.
Diverse representation
across abilities, identities, and backgrounds.
Authentic mentorship
that helps students feel seen, heard, and supported.
At Northside, representation matters. When students see themselves reflected in their teachers, they gain the confidence to explore their musical potential.
🎶 Meet the team and find the right program for you!
An Inclusive Approach to Music Education
Unlike many programs that separate subsidized students from full-paying ones, Northside brings everyone together in the same classes, workshops, and ensembles.
Learn together
Students collaborate, regardless of financial background.
Foster respect & unity
Music brings people together, breaking down barriers.
Meet students where they are
Whether a beginner or advanced musician, all are welcome.
Support inclusive music education in our community.
Meet Our Instructors
Our team of dedicated and experienced music educators brings passion and expertise to every class. With a diverse staff, students can connect with teachers who reflect their identities, backgrounds, and experiences. Meet our talented instructors:
Ellie Fregni
Upper strings and piano,
staff coordinator, co-founder
Jaette Carpenter
Piano, choir, ukulele,
co-founder
Lauren Odle
Handbell ensemble director
Jeffrey Vang
Percussion and piano,
Jazz Ensemble, Finance director
Casey Johnson
Upper strings and piano
Tamir Nolley
Bass, reeds, finance director
Ben Ranstrom
Guitar, percussion
Claudia Aizaga
Flute
Our Programs
Northside School of Music provides affordable, accessible, and equitable music education activities to students of all ages and abilities through scholarship support, lessons, classes, ensembles, and instrument loans.
Ready to get started?
Ready to Begin Your Musical Journey?
More Than Just Music Lessons
At Northside, students don’t just learn to play an instrument—they:
Build confidence and unlock their creativity
Experience the joy of playing in a supportive community.
Discover their unique voice through music.
Each lesson, class, and performance creates a brighter, more musical future for North Minneapolis—one note at a time.
Be part of the music!