Founded in 2025, Bemidji Performing Arts Academy is a community-centered arts organization dedicated to inspiring musicians of all ages and abilities. We believe the performing arts are a powerful way to build confidence, foster creativity, and create meaningful connections. Through high-quality instruction, supportive mentorship, and engaging performance opportunities, our academy provides a welcoming place where students can grow, explore their artistry, and discover the joy of making music together.
To provide high-quality transformative education and experiences through music.
To break cycles of toxic social negativity through the unifying power of music, fostering confidence, self-reliance, and community connection through high-quality artistic activities.
(In Order of Priority)
Acting with transparency, honesty, accountability, professionalism, and respect. Integrity is our highest priority and the foundation of all actions and relationships.
Pursuing the highest standards in education, artistry, and organizational practice — but never at the expense of integrity.
Embracing creativity and forward-thinking in all aspects of musical learning and performance — but never at the expense of integrity or excellence.
As Assistant Professor of Music at Bemidji State University, and owner/operator of the Olson String Studio, Olson enjoys a musical career encompassing performance, teaching, and management. He performs domestically and abroad, and has won awards including first prize in the "Artistic Ambassador Competition" (sponsored by the Minnesota Music Teacher's Association), various performance fellowships, teaching assistantships, and numerous grants to fund musical activities. Olson holds Violin Performance degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Minnesota, a Music Theory degree from Michigan State University, and a Master's in Business Administration from Temple University in Philadelphia.
Seth Freundschuh is a cellist, educator, and musical collaborator dedicated to building strong, student-centered music communities and creating meaningful artistic experiences. His work focuses on developing young musicians, elevating ensemble performance, and designing programs that expand access to high-quality music education. Seth specializes in orchestral pedagogy, ensemble leadership, and curriculum development, with experience guiding students from their first notes through advanced repertoire. He is deeply committed to thoughtful, inclusive teaching practices and to supporting the next generation of musicians. He currently serves as Adjunct Faculty in the School of Music at Bemidji State University. Alongside his university work, Seth maintains an active performance life as a soloist and ensemble musician, bringing a warm, versatile sound and a strong collaborative approach to his work with university ensembles, chamber groups, and regional arts organizations throughout northern Minnesota. His work blends artistry, education, and service, grounded in the belief that music transforms lives and that every student deserves the opportunity to grow through meaningful musical experiences. Freundschuh holds a cello performance degree from Concordia College (Moorhead), a Music Education degree from University of Minnesota - Duluth, and a Master's of Music Education from Bemidji State University.
As a private teacher and Director of the String Program at Gene Dillon Elementary, Anderson has years of teaching experience in a variety of settings. Prior to moving to Bemidji, Anderson lived in New Hampshire, where she launched various beginning string programs and taught at the Manchester School of Music. She performs regularly as a member of the Bemidji Chamber Orchestra. She has also appeared as guest concertmaster of the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra. Anderson holds a Master's Degree in Music Education from Bemidji State University.