2024

4/11: Contra Dance

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:23:24 GMT

April 11th | 7:00pm | Whitefish Community Center

Join us for a lively evening of music, movement, and community at our Contra Dance in Whitefish!

Whitefish Community Center (121 E Second Street)

Saturday, April 11th
Doors open: 6:30 PM
Welcome & instruction: 7:00 PM
$10 donation

Live music by Swiftcurrent

All Dances Taught and Called by Christa Torrens

Contra dance is a fun, country dance. No experience or partner needed—just come ready to move and have a great time!

Presented by North Valley Music School & Whitefish Community Center.

Support Christian Johnson: A Pillar of our Musical Village

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 18:44:31 GMT

Several of you have asked how you can help support Christian Johnson at this time. Here is a LINK to his GoFundMe . Thank you for helping out!! He and his family appreciate all you are doing for them!!

4/10: Lee Zimmerman with special guest Chris Crecelius

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:37:51 GMT

April 10th | 7:30pm A local favorite joined by Chris Crecelius on classical guitar for an evening of beautiful music in the Stack Recital Hall!

A local favorite joined by Chris Crecelius on classical guitar for an evening of beautiful music in the Stack Recital Hall!

Zimmerman-Crecelius Duo

The Zimmerman-Crecelius Duo first came into existence through a series of collaborations in Polebridge during the summer of 2021 and are now based out of Whitefish. Inspired by the unique artistic energy found along the Northfork of the Flathead river, from the border to the valley, they blend a shared admiration of Bach, Brazilian song, and improvisation to create eclectic programs for the listener.

Lee Zimmerman

Lee Zimmerman is a Cellist and Vocalist- one of the new cello innovators- weaving cello and voice in a broad musical fabric embracing music from the Middle Ages to seventeenth century courtly dance to the pulse of modern urban cityscapes. Influenced by American pop music, swing, jazz, classical, and world music, he brings a singular approach to cello and song to the streets, taverns, living rooms, ceremonial and concert spaces around the world. He is a songwriter and has created music for movement, theater, performance art, dance, yoga, and poetry. His music is both lyrical, percussive, and haunting.

http://www.leezimmerman.com/

Chris Crecelius

Chris Crecelius was born and raised in southern Missouri, where he found a deep connection with nature, which would later influence his creative work. He began playing guitar at an early age and started composing original songs soon after. He studied classical guitar in St. Louis under John McClellan and later in Cleveland under Jason Vieaux. In between music projects, Chris began experimenting with visual arts by using elevation data and cartographic practices to generate abstract and sometimes psychedelic visualizations. His current musical work ranges from classical ensembles to heavy metal, experimental soundscapes, and Americana.

Now based in Montana, he continues to perform widely, drawing inspiration from the region’s landscape and arts communities. Chris is part of the musical duo DECOR with longtime collaborator Izzytime and also appears in the science-fiction audio drama Dark Journeys. Other projects currently include the Black Sabbath tribute Sabbath Worship, string band Spirit Dust, cello/classical guitar duo Zimmerman-Crecelius as well as performing with a wide range of artists.

https://www.creceliusmusic.com/

3/15: Flathead Valley Youth Symphony Spring Concert and RECORDING

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:02:24 GMT

To check out the livestream of the performance CLICK HERE.

Join your community for the highly anticipated annual spring concert of the Flathead Valley Youth Symphony.

Let's show these talented young musicians our support!

Symphony Directed by Eric Holdhusen
Philharmonia Conducted by Noah Certalic

$25 suggested donation at the door or

CLICK HERE
Proceeds benefiting the NVMS Scholarship Fund

Sunday, March 15 | 7 pm
Flathead High School Auditorium

3/5: Intro To Music Therapy

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 20:46:59 GMT

March 5th | 7pm Intro to Music Therapy

What Is Music Therapy, Anyway?

Music therapy is the clinical, evidence-based use of music to help people reach individualized goals-think healing, coping, communicating, and connecting-all within a therapeutic relationship led by a credentialed professional. (In other words: it's not just singing Kumbaya and calling it a day.)

Join Us for a Live Presentation

On Thursday, March 5 at 7:00 pm, Jenna Justice, Music Therapist, will be at North Valley Music School to explore:

A brief history of music therapy
What it actually takes to become a music therapist (spoiler: a lot more than liking music)
How music therapy is used in educational, medical, and clinical settings

A lively and engaging presenter, Jenna will share real-world examples of music therapy in action, sprinkle in a few good stories, and leave plenty of time for questions and conversation.

About the Presenter:

Jenna Justice earned her Bachelor of Music Education from Oklahoma Baptist University and spent eight years teaching elementary music in Washington, DC-area schools. She later received her Master of Music Therapy from Florida State University and went on to spend 22 years in the hospice industry-first as a field music therapist, then in music therapy administration, and eventually in organizational leadership.

Today, Jenna is a full-time visual artist in the Flathead Valley. While her paintbrush may get more use than her guitar these days, her music therapyroots run deep-and the lessons she learned continue to shape how she connects with people every single day.

2/28: Classical Guitar Series with Laura Snowden

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 23:53:27 GMT

FEBRUARY 28, 2026 7:30 pm - 2026 Classical Guitar Series

North Valley Music School (NVMS) is proud to announce its 2026 Classical Guitar Series, an exceptional new performance series featuring some of the most distinguished classical guitarists in the world to the Flathead Valley. Curated and sponsored by Whitefish resident, classical guitarist, and producer James Stroud, the series represents an extraordinary investment in the artistic vibrancy of Northwest Montana.

Through Stroud’s leadership and vision, NVMS will host four internationally acclaimed artists throughout 2026 in the Stack Recital Hall. Each guitarist is celebrated for their virtuosity, innovation, and contributions to the global guitar community.

Concerts are free, but any donations will go toward the NVMS Scholarship Program. Donate Now

2026 Classical Guitar Series UPCOMING Lineup

Laura Snowden (United Kingdom)

February 28, 2026 7:30 pm (GET TICKETS)
Laura Snowden is recognized as one of the most distinctive guitarists of her generation. A protégé of Julian Bream, she is celebrated for her captivating performances, original compositions, and artistic versatility. (Click here to go to her website.)

Jason Vieaux (United States)

Early August 2026
A Grammy Award–winning artist widely considered among the world’s elite classical guitarists, Jason Vieaux brings a warm, charismatic, and masterful presence to stages across the globe. (Click here to go to his website.)

SoloDuo (Italy)

Fall 2026
Matteo Mela and Lorenzo Micheli are an internationally acclaimed Italian guitar duo and have performed in major venues worldwide, a testament to their high level of musicianship.

PREVIOUS PERFORMANCES

Hao Yang (China)

January 10, 2026 7:30 pm

A rising star on the international stage, Hao Yang has earned top prizes at major competitions and is praised for her expressive depth and breathtaking technical command. (Click here to go to her website.)

About James Stroud

James Stroud is a classical guitarist, producer, and longtime supporter of the global guitar community. After developing focal hand dystonia—a rare neurological disorder that left him unable to play—Stroud spent years seeking treatment before enrolling in a groundbreaking deep brain stimulation trial at the National Institutes of Health. He became only the third musician to undergo the procedure, even playing guitar briefly during surgery so surgeons could monitor his brain in real time. Following the operation, Stroud began the painstaking process of relearning to play and now practices several hours each day as his skills continue to return.

Beyond his personal journey, Stroud has served on the board of the Guitar Foundation of America, helped lead the Crown of the Continent Guitar Festival, and founded the James Stroud Classical Guitar Competition at the Cleveland Institute of Music.

His sponsorship and curation of the 2026 Classical Guitar Series reflect his passion for bringing world-class music to Northwest Montana and his belief in the transformative power of artistic excellence.

About North Valley Music School

North Valley Music School is Montana’s only nonprofit community music school, providing accessible, high-quality music education to students of all ages and skill levels. Located in Whitefish, NVMS offers private lessons, group classes, ensembles, workshops, and performances that enrich the artistic and cultural vitality of the Flathead Valley.

Mike Perez Scholarship Fund Raises $2,910

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 19:22:28 GMT

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who donated this weekend to the Mike Perez Scholarship Fund celebrate the life of Mike Perez. Together, you raised $2,910 in Mike's name.

Special thanks to Dina Pomper, Margaret Griffith, Tammie Moore, Debi Lawrence Merriam, Barbara Williams and Jim Pomper for all the hard work putting this together. Thanks to all the wonderful donors. Thank you wonderful people who came to the event.

If you would like to donate to the fund and help provide scholarship opportunities for local students wanting to learn about the beauty and power of music, you can do so at

https://northvalleymusicschool.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/mike-perez-scholarship-fund

String Day at North Valley Music School

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 21:38:16 GMT

JANUARY 15TH: STRING DAY WITH GLACIER SYMPHONY

Please join us for String Day with Glacier Symphony

On January 15, The Glacier Symphony String Quartet will be providing a collaborative string clinic and concert with the Whitefish High School String Quartet from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. This event is open to faculty, families and the general public. We'll see you there!

2026 Classical Guitar Series

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:00:31 GMT

January 10, 2026 7:30 pm - 2026 Classical Guitar Series

Concerts are free, but any donations will go toward the NVMS Scholarship Program. Donate Now

2026 Classical Guitar Series Lineup

Hao Yang (China)

January 10, 2026 7:30 pm (GET TICKETS)
A rising star on the international stage, Hao Yang has earned top prizes at major competitions and is praised for her expressive depth and breathtaking technical command. (Click here to go to her website.)

Laura Snowden (United Kingdom)

Jason Vieaux (United States)

SoloDuo (Italy)

Fall 2026
Matteo Mela and Lorenzo Micheli are an internationally acclaimed Italian guitar duo and have performed in major venues worldwide, a testament to their high level of musicianship.

About James Stroud

About North Valley Music School

Flathead Valley Youth Symphony Winter Concert

Mon, 01 Dec 2025 22:04:39 GMT

December 1st at 7pm.

Join your community for the highly anticipated annual concert of the Flathead Valley Youth Symphony.

Let's show these talented young musicians our support!

Pieces by Wagner, Schubert, and Tchaikovsky
Directed by Eric Holdhusen
Philharmonia Conducted by Noah Certalic

$25 suggested donation at the door
Proceeds benefiting the NVMS Scholarship Fund

Monday, December 1 | 7 pm
Flathead High School Auditorium

Fall Faculty Concert

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:22:12 GMT

Join us November 17th at 7pm

Join North Valley Music School for our annual Faculty Concert, featuring musical performances by talented music teachers who want to share their passion for music and inspire others.

Since 1997, NVMS has been changing lives through music education, performance, and appreciation. Join us for this fun musical community event and enjoy pieces from Rachmaninoff, Mozart, and more.ildren!

Date: Monday November 17th

TIme: 7pm

Cost: FREE

Location: North Valley Music School— 1998 River Lakes Pkwy, Whitefish, MT 59937-9100, United States

Wheels of Harmony

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 17:14:56 GMT

JOIN US October 29th at 6pm

We are teaming with Amazing Place Music to present this special event - Opera Montana's "Wheels of Harmony" at the brand-new Stack Recital Hall at NVMS! Join us for this concert sharing Indigenous music and culture. The concert is free to the community. Bring your children and/or grandchildren!

Date: Wednesday October 29th

TIme: 6pm

Cost: FREE

Location: 1998 River Lakes Pkwy, Whitefish, MT 59937-9100, United States

Enroll today!

Tue, 13 May 2025 18:21:00 GMT

Make it the best summer ever. With music!

North Valley Music School is offering several summer music classes and camps.

Fill your summer with music and enroll today!

Here are NVMS offerings for June, July, and August 2025:

SUMMER CAMPS 2025

Camp Festival Amadeus – 7th-12th graders: 7/21 – 7/26

Music of Broadway – 7-15 year olds: two start dates: 6/24 and 7/15 – 7/18

Music Together – for Caregivers and young children aged 0-5 years old: 6/18 – 7/30

Music Nature Camp – 8-14 yr olds: 6/23 – 6/27

Plus, Free Weekly Jams – Tuesday 6 pm Bluegrass Jam; Wednesday 6:30 pm Acoustic Jam. Supported by a grant from Whitefish Community Foundation.

Scholarships are available. Please contact the office at info@northvalleymusicschool.org or call 406-862-8074

Free for all! Music at 7 pm

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 18:30:00 GMT

Join Montana’s only nonprofit community music school for its Annual Meeting and Spring Concert

#northvalleymusicschool

#flatheadvalleyevents

#beinstrumental

Brick by Brick. Note by Note!

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 20:25:00 GMT

To celebrate and document the progress of the building project for a new music school and campus, NVMS teamed up with Gravity Shots to create this incredible video. Check out the progress of the new music school and this lovely song by our very own Executive Director Deidre Corson! Be inspired! Get motivated! Everyone has […]

Award-winning guitarist from Ukraine

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 21:20:00 GMT

Marko Topchii

Marko Topchii
Tuesday, April 22
Doors 7 pm
Performance 7:30 pm
Christ Lutheran Church, Whitefish

With 115 international competition awards, including an astonishing 55 first-place prizes, Topchii is among the most decorated classical guitarists of all time.

This music appreciation and donor stewardship event is free and open to the public. Should one be able, tickets are also available at a suggested donation amount of $35 and will support the NVMS Endowment to ensure future music programs.

We hope you join us. Invite your friends!

Spring Break 2025

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 23:14:00 GMT

North Valley Music School will be closed for Spring Break from Monday, March 24 – Friday, March 28, 2025.

Classes and lessons will resume on Monday, March 31.

Take the time to play your instruments for fun, discover new songs, and listen to new artists.

Embrace the break and recharge for a new tempo.

Have a great Spring Break!

PS: Break is also a great time to think about summer fun and explore what music camps are available.

Check them out here and sign up today!

You’re invited!

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 22:41:00 GMT

The Flathead Valley Youth Symphony

FVYS Spring Concert

North Valley Music School.

Tickets: $10 suggested donation.

www.northvalleymusicschool.org

Support programs for music education

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 21:24:00 GMT

Each month, the Women Who Wine Flathead Valley gathers to share stories, laughter, and invites a local nonprofit to join them.

Each guest brings a $30 donation and a bottle of their favorite wine. This is not just a casual gathering, but an act of collective philanthropy. The donations and the proceeds from the wine auction are pooled together, creating a significant fund that can make a real difference in the community.

NVMS is proud to announce that in March 2025, the nonprofit music school has been chosen to be included in their list of selected 2025 honored nonprofits. Grant money will be given at the end of the year at their Annual Giving Banquet.

Learn more and join in the fun at the next meeting:

WWWFV March Gathering

Tuesday, March 5 @ 5:30 pm

PEAK Fitness, 637 E Idaho St, Kalispell

If you’re unable to attend but would like to make a gift to NVMS, please donate here.

Thank you for your support!

Sunday, March 2: NVMS Faculty Concert

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 22:06:00 GMT

their annual Faculty Concert

We love our music-minded community!

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 21:36:00 GMT

Great news, music families:

WEYERHAEUSER GRANTED NORTH VALLEY MUSIC SCHOOL $3400
Funds received will support new music equipment for the nonprofit music school

North Valley Music School has received a $3400 grant from the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund to provide essential equipment for the new music school and campus being built in the heart of Flathead County.

Currently in its 27th year, the nonprofit music school provides high-quality, affordable, and inclusive music programs for students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. NVMS believes that music changes lives, creates community, and provides a strong sense of place. As NVMS looks towards the future, it is apparent that a larger music school is needed to serve the community and donations are currently being sought to help achieve that goal.

In both rural and urban settings, the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund supports local programs and initiatives in areas that it serves. The grant is an investment in the arts and the residents of Columbia Falls and Flathead County.

Public demand for music opportunities is high with the school administering wait lists for many instruments and teachers. A state-of-the-art music school is essential for the future of music in Montana and fundraising from community businesses and residents has made this dream come true. NVMS loves our music community!

“Music is a universal element in the human experience and building a new music school to provide more services is an absolute honor” said NVMS Executive Director Deidre Corson. “Weyerhaeuser understands that nonprofits cannot do such things alone. Their generosity will help our northwest Montana community for years to come. ”

The $3400 grant will be applied to new music chairs and stands. To learn more about the music school project and
contribute to the final phase of it’s fundraising needs, please visit www.nvms.me

About Weyerhaeuser Company: One of the world’s largest private owners of timberlands, Weyerhaeuser began
operations in 1900 and owns or controls approximately 11 million acres of timberlands in the U.S. and manages
additional timberlands under long-term licenses in Canada. Timberlands are managed via a sustainable basis in
compliance with internationally recognized forestry standards and Weyerhaeuser is one of the largest manufacturers of wood products in North America. Learn more at www.weyerhaeuser.com.

About North Valley Music School: Montana’s only nonprofit music school has served Northwest Montana for over 25
years. NVMS is dedicated to enriching communities through music education, appreciation, and performance for
students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. NVMS strives to be a leader in music education and excellence, and
seeks innovative ways to make music part of everyday lives. Learn more at northvalleymusicschool.org

Voice Group Class: Starts Wed Feb 19

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 23:17:00 GMT

NVMS Voice Group Class

Wednesdays @ 12 – 1:30 pm

Feb 19-May 14, 2025

Our weekly voice class is for students & adults, age 13 and up. This 10-week class will focus on the basics of the voice: posture, breath, vowel shapes and sounds, resonance and support, consonants (voiced and unvoiced/stopped and continuant), some basic music theory, and then put all those elements into a folk song, art song, or song from musical theater. Tons of fun. See you there!

Donate today!

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 20:26:00 GMT

Donations also help administer summer camps, free bluegrass jams, and a glee club. Our programs keep growing and people have loved the fun lessons, free events , and our wonderful musical family for over 25 years.

Thank you for your kind attention in our 2024 Annual Appeal.

Please make a gift to the Annual Fund today.

Our Goal: $60,000 by the end of the tax year.

Thank you for your support!

Thursday, October 24: Bamako Foli

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 19:58:00 GMT

Babako Foli: The Musical Journey of a Malian Life Thursday, October 24 Glacier Unitarian Universalist Fellowship1515 Trumble Creek, Kalispell Doors 6:30 pmConcert 7 pm Free and open to all! From the moment of conception, a Malian child learns that the world is a rhythm, a musical tapestry, a dance. Every life event is alive with […]

Free dance at Whitefish Community Center

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 22:15:00 GMT

Attention Songwriters!

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 20:02:00 GMT

NVMS Songwriting Class

Nick Spear,

Enroll today!

Save the Date!

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 22:32:00 GMT

Community Benefit Day

Backslope Brewing

North Valley Music School

Your nonprofit community music school

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 20:49:00 GMT

For over 25 years, North Valley Music School has been providing fun, high-quality music education for the Flathead Valley.

NVMS is happily approaching the start of Program Year 2024-2025 and invites you to sign up.

Private lessons , group classes , ensembles , and special events await you and your family.

NVMS believes that everyone should have access to and enjoy the power of music. Your nonprofit community music school serves students of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

NVMS offers private lessons on Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass (Double and Electric), Guitar (Acoustic and Electric), Mandolin, Banjo (Clawhammer and Scruggs styles), Fiddle, Ukulele, Harp, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Percussion, and Voice.

NVMS has an incredible faculty and takes pride in our highly trained, experienced teachers. It boasts a strong scholarship program and an Instrument Lending Library. No student will go left untuned!

Learn more!

Let us know how we can be part of your music journey.

info@northvalleymusicschool.org

406-862-8074

Night moves! August construction updates

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 19:46:00 GMT

Big news, Music Family!

On August 12, the foundation slab for the new music school was officially poured.

Executive Director Deidre Corson showed her passion for the project by waking up super early and being there at 5 am to take pictures of this major milestone. Thank you!

Pictures of the construction process can be found here.

Thanks to the generosity of our community and grantors, NVMS has raised over $6.7M for the project.

Around $800,000 is still needed to meet the entire project goal of $7.5M . The music school has never been so close to achieving this goal.

Thank you for sharing the word, inviting your friends and family to support the capital campaign, volunteering, hosting calling trees and private parties, etc. We sound better together!

Stay tuned for more updates and keep music in your heart.

-Your friends at NVMS

Great Fish Community Challenge

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 05:06:00 GMT

GIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FLATHEAD VALLEY!

DONATE NOW

The Great Fish Community Challenge is a multi-week fundraising campaign that inspires community-wide giving and builds awareness about the critical work of Flathead Valley nonprofits. North Valley Music School is honored to participate in such an impactful campaign.

Since 2015, the Great Fish Community Challenge has raised over $28 million for Flathead Valley nonprofit organizations.

NVMS will use funds for programs and operations to change lives through music. NVMS is dedicated to enriching our Montana communities through music education, appreciation, and performance by providing musical opportunities for all.

2024 Goal: $125,000.

Whitefish Community Foundation organizes the Challenge free of charge and awards a percentage match on the first $25,000 raised by each nonprofit. Donors can choose to give to multiple organizations with one transaction. Beginning Aug. 8, donations can be made online , by check or cash accompanied by the official Great Fish donation form, or through a gift of stock or distribution from an IRA. The Challenge ends at 5 p.m. on September 13, 2024.

Music matters and music needs you!

Join NVMS for its 8th Annual fundraiser

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 03:16:00 GMT

Each year, the North Valley Music School hosts the Montana Music Event, an important fundraiser to raise revenue for our music education programs.

This summer, we will again gather outside at Stillwater Landing on the peaceful shore of Stillwater Lake. This will be our eighth year hosting this fun performance and we hope you join us!

The Montana Music Event 2024

Sunday, August 11

Stillwater Landing

(6825 U.S. 93 N., Whitefish, MT)

VIP Social 5-6 pm, $100

Public Event 6-9 pm, $5-50

With live music from over a dozen local musicians, summer fare, local beer, wine, and beverages in a family-friendly atmosphere, we look forward to providing our community with another memorable music event.

Artists include:

The pre-show VIP Social includes music from the Bluegrass Jammers and catering from DeSoto Grill. Only 75 tickets will be available. Get yours today! Tickets include dinner, drink tickets, priority parking, a Thank You Gift, and the opportunity to mix and mingle with the musicians. Gates open at 4:30 for the 5 pm VIP Social.

For General Admission, stay tuned for more important details about the artist lineup, vendors, and sponsor shout-outs on our Facebook Page. Like, Share, and Save the Date! Gates open at 5:30 for the 6 pm Main Show. Chairs, blankets, water bottles, and cash for food trucks encouraged. Service animals are welcome but pets are asked to stay at home. Carpooling encouraged!

SUNDAY AUGUST 11, 2024

We will also be seeking volunteers. Volunteers get the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing they gave back to music, free admission, plus a meal and drink ticket. Sign ups will be posted soon.

Thank you so very much for your support of NVMS!

Change lives through music today.

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

Capital Campaign News

Mon, 01 Jul 2024 19:21:00 GMT

Building Updates!

Thanks to over 650 donors who have invested in this vital community project, the new North Valley Music School is under construction.

Incredible!

Learn more about the capital campaign at www.nvms.me

Music matters and music needs you!

As you are able, please support this vital community effort. There are many ways to help. From volunteering, donating, spreading the word, and attending events … your presence, awareness, and participation in this exciting project will ensure its success!

For music,

-Your friends at North Valley Music School

North Valley Music School aims to build a new facility.

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 18:35:27 GMT

By HEIDI DESCH

Whitefish Pilot | June 15, 2021 12:00 AM

North Valley Music School in Whitefish has been busting at the seams of the remodeled home on Spokane Avenue where it holds music lessons, classes and small recitals.

For roughly 25 years, the nonprofit school has served thousands of students, but for some time now it’s needed more space to accommodate its growing programs. The school recently got initial approval from the city of Whitefish to lease land at Smith Fields to construct a future music school facility.

Deidre Corson, executive director of the music school, said the school has been working on plans for a new building for the last 15 years.

“We’re so excited and grateful to the city,” Corson said. “Our current location has been good, but as the town has gotten busier and the school has gotten busier it’s really become time to move to a new location.”

The music school sees about 500 students per year. On average there are about 275 students of all ages coming to the school each week for private lessons and another 50 per week who are part of group lessons or ensembles.

To meet the demand the school rents additional space from the First Presbyterian Church, and parking spots near the school are a challenge.

“It’s really become a safety issue, especially as Spokane Avenue has gotten busier,” Corson said. “We like being downtown, but we just don’t have a lot of options for parking or enough for all those students.”

The Whitefish City Council recently voted in favor of the request from the school for use of land at the north end of the park, though a formal long-term lease agreement will have to be negotiated and approved.

Mayor John Muhlfeld said he looks forward to supporting the long-awaited project and hearing public input as it moves along.

Corson said the music school continues to provide musical opportunities for students of all ages and walks of life.

“We’ve offered half a million private lessons over the years, we’ve had concerts and recitals all around the Flathead Valley,” she said. “We make sure that anyone who wants a music education can have one at NVMS — this year we’ve offered $20,000 in music scholarships. We’ve enriched our community through music programs for all ages.”

THE SCHOOL is planning a capital campaign to fundraise for construction of a new facility. Plans are for the building to include 12 private soundproof studios, a group classroom, a multipurpose room for recitals and events, state-of-the-art audio and visual equipment and technology for virtual music education. In addition, the project is expected to include an outdoor music park and community amphitheater.

“We would like to provide a safe, inclusive and accessible music home for future generations of music students of all ages and abilities,” she said. “The outdoor music park and performance area would be a benefit to the community, and the multipurpose room would be able to be used by the public.”

The location at Smith Fields also would provide easy access for students who are also at Smith Fields for sports activities, she noted, and those who are coming from Columbia Falls and Kalispell.

Corson said the school is planning capital campaign fundraising that would include creating an endowment to sustain the music school in the future. The details of the building design will be released when the school launches its campaign this summer.

“We want to continue all our programming and expand to have more,” Corson said. “As we continue to grow and we also continue to have a growing population of students coming from Columbia Falls and Kalispell the new location will make it more accessible for more people.

PROJECT WHITEFISH Kids has agreed to release a portion of the Smith Fields property to the city so that the music school can lease the land.

City Manager Dana Smith said a lease with the music school likely would be handled similarly to other nonprofits that lease city property. Those that have leases for property and/or buildings with the city include Project Whitefish Kids, The Wave aquatic and fitness center, the O'Shaughnessy Center leased by Whitefish Theatre Co. and Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

“The Wave lease is likely the most comparable to this proposed project as the building was constructed through private funds and donated to the city,” she said. “The Wave lease details the community benefits as a public facility that includes scholarships; rates must be reasonable to allow as many individuals as possible to afford the use of The Wave, and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department is provided use of the facility at no cost.”

As with The Wave and the O’Shaughnessy building leases, Smith noted, the music school would be required to provide maintenance of the land and the building, and profide use of the facility in a similar manner as has been done with the WAVE.

Smith said the city will have to confirm that the school is financially prepared to construct and maintain the facility, amend its agreement with Project Whitefish Kids and then negotiate a new lease agreement with the music school.

2024

4/11: Contra Dance

Support Christian Johnson: A Pillar of our Musical Village

4/10: Lee Zimmerman with special guest Chris Crecelius

3/15: Flathead Valley Youth Symphony Spring Concert and RECORDING

3/5: Intro To Music Therapy

March 5th | 7pm Intro to Music Therapy

2/28: Classical Guitar Series with Laura Snowden

FEBRUARY 28, 2026 7:30 pm - 2026 Classical Guitar Series

2026 Classical Guitar Series UPCOMING Lineup

Laura Snowden (United Kingdom)

Jason Vieaux (United States)

SoloDuo (Italy)

PREVIOUS PERFORMANCES

Hao Yang (China)

About James Stroud

About North Valley Music School

Mike Perez Scholarship Fund Raises $2,910

Thank you!

String Day at North Valley Music School

JANUARY 15TH: STRING DAY WITH GLACIER SYMPHONY

2026 Classical Guitar Series

January 10, 2026 7:30 pm - 2026 Classical Guitar Series

2026 Classical Guitar Series Lineup

Hao Yang (China)

Laura Snowden (United Kingdom)

Jason Vieaux (United States)

SoloDuo (Italy)

About James Stroud

About North Valley Music School

Flathead Valley Youth Symphony Winter Concert

Fall Faculty Concert

Join us November 17th at 7pm

﻿

Wheels of Harmony

JOIN US October 29th at 6pm

Enroll today!

Free for all! Music at 7 pm

Brick by Brick. Note by Note!

Award-winning guitarist from Ukraine

Spring Break 2025

You’re invited!

Support programs for music education

Sunday, March 2: NVMS Faculty Concert

We love our music-minded community!

Voice Group Class: Starts Wed Feb 19

Donate today!

Thursday, October 24: Bamako Foli

Free dance at Whitefish Community Center

Attention Songwriters!

Save the Date!

Your nonprofit community music school

Night moves! August construction updates

Great Fish Community Challenge

GIVING TOGETHER FOR THE FLATHEAD VALLEY!

Join NVMS for its 8th Annual fundraiser

Capital Campaign News

North Valley Music School aims to build a new facility.