Founded in 2019 by Eric Olson, the Olson String Studio offers individualized, high-quality instruction designed to cultivate technical mastery, musical artistry, and personal growth. Previously the Olson Violin Studio, the program has grown from a single teacher offering only violin lessons to a team of expert instructors offering violin, viola, cello, and bass.
Rooted in the mission of the Bemidji Performing Arts Academy — to provide high-quality transformative education and experiences through music — these lessons create a safe and inspiring environment where students of all ages can explore their potential and develop confidence through disciplined musical study.
Lessons run year-round, with flexible scheduling to accommodate students from beginner through advanced levels.
Equip students with strong technical skills, accurate intonation, rhythmic precision, and expressive interpretation.
Foster confidence, discipline, and self-awareness through one-on-one mentorship tailored to each student's needs.
Inspire curiosity, creativity, and sustained engagement with music as an art form — far beyond the lesson room.
Reinforce professionalism, responsibility, and respect consistent with the Academy's core values.
Encourage students to use their musical skills to enrich the community through performance and collaboration.
Weekly 45- or 60-minute private lessons, depending on age and level
From September to May at arranged time
Qualified professionals dedicated to both musical and personal development
Students are encouraged to share their progress through:
Performance classes offered every semester — a supportive space for students to present their work and grow as performers.
Local and regional music festivals and competitions for students ready to perform beyond the studio.
Chamber music collaborations and masterclasses for students at the appropriate level — an introduction to ensemble playing.
Public outreach events hosted by BPAA — giving back to the Bemidji community through the gift of live music.
From beginner fundamentals to advanced repertoire, our violin instruction covers technique, musicality, and performance preparation for students of every level.
Viola lessons emphasize the instrument's unique voice and repertoire, with attention to the technical demands that distinguish it from other strings.
Cello instruction builds a strong technical foundation while nurturing each student's individual musical voice — from first position through advanced solo and orchestral repertoire.
Double bass instruction covers the foundational techniques and repertoire essential for ensemble and orchestral playing, as well as solo performance at all levels.
We welcome students of all ages — from young beginners (typically age 5–6 and up) through adults. We'll discuss readiness and fit during your free trial lesson.
Yes — students are expected to have access to their own instrument for practice. We're happy to guide you on what size and quality to look for when getting started.
After you submit our contact form, we'll reach out to schedule a complimentary 30-minute trial lesson with the appropriate instructor. No commitment required — it's an opportunity for us to meet each other and find the right fit.
Our teachers draw from a variety of established pedagogical approaches — including Suzuki principles, traditional conservatory methods, and modern technique — tailored to each student's age, goals, and learning style.
Yes — performance opportunities are an important part of our program. Students are encouraged to participate in studio recitals and community performances as they progress.
The studio year includes 31 lessons spread across the academic year, billed as a consistent monthly fee. That fee covers everything — lessons, recitals, performance class, and accompanist fees — so there are no surprise add-ons throughout the year.
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, winning awards including first prize in the "Artistic Ambassador Competition" sponsored by the Minnesota Music Teacher's Association, along with performance fellowships, teaching assistantships, and numerous grants.
Olson holds Violin Performance degrees from Michigan State University and the University of Minnesota, a Music Theory degree from Michigan State University, and an MBA from Temple University in Philadelphia.
Seth Freundschuh is a cellist, educator, and musical collaborator dedicated to building strong, student-centered music communities. His work focuses on developing young musicians, elevating ensemble performance, and designing programs that expand access to high-quality music education.
He specializes in orchestral pedagogy, ensemble leadership, and curriculum development — guiding students from their first notes through advanced repertoire. He currently serves as Adjunct Faculty in the School of Music at Bemidji State University and maintains an active performance life as a soloist and ensemble musician throughout northern Minnesota.
Freundschuh holds degrees from Concordia College (Moorhead), 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 brings years of teaching experience across a variety of settings. Prior to moving to Bemidji, she launched several beginning string programs in New Hampshire and taught at the Manchester School of Music.
She performs regularly as a member of the Bemidji Chamber Orchestra and has appeared as guest concertmaster of the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra. Anderson holds a Master's Degree in Music Education from Bemidji State University.