St. Francis Music Center

St. Francis Music Center named 2019 Outstanding Arts Organization of the year by the Five Arts Council! 

St. Francis Music Center opened its doors in 1979 with a dream to provide central Minnesota with a school for music and the performing arts. For over 40 years, our excellent faculty and staff have worked to offer a top-quality arts education in Little Falls and the surrounding rural area—a place where students at all levels of ability can come together to learn and experience the arts. We strive to make the Music Center a safe haven for children and adults alike where each person is welcome and valued.

Over 250 students come the Music Center each week for all sorts of lessons: piano, organ, voice, guitar, percussion, all band and bowed string instruments and composition. Dance, gymnastics, music theory, preschool classes, percussion and brass ensembles are available as well. We offer enrichment programs to engage our 55+ population. Learning the ukulele and watercolor painting classes are among the favorites. 

The Music Center has three string orchestras (even a ukulele orchestra!) in a county with no strings programs in any of the schools. The orchestras are free and open to any string player interested in playing in a group setting. The Center sponsors the St. Francis Community Chorale and a children’s choir. Add the members of these groups to the weekly lessons and over 450 people come to the Music Center to participate in the arts each week.

The Music Center’s excellent curriculum contributes to a vibrant arts community and is considered by many to be one of greater Minnesota's jewels. Our financial aid program serves families with low incomes or special needs who would not otherwise be able to participate in the Center's programs and benefit from music and the arts. Our ability to provide financial assistance is truly a gift to people in need—students with special needs, the unemployed, the underemployed and families struggling to make ends meet. 

The philosophy and goals of the Music Center aid the discovery of personal and performance abilities to enhance self-esteem for the well-being of all, regardless of age, economic level or previous experience. Your Give to the Max donation allows the Franciscan Sisters to offer a rich music and performing arts curriculum for all ages—and financial aid to families in need.

Thank you for your generous donation!