Northern Michigan Music Scholarships

Non-profit Organization

About Northern Michigan Music Scholarships

Northern Michigan Music Scholarships and MiMusic Studio are committed to making music education accessible for underserved students of all ages. We provide full or partial tuition for private lessons, classes, and fine arts camps like Blue Lake, serving 25–40 students monthly across Northern Michigan.

Our focus is on reaching rural and remote areas, including through our partnership with TUNES of Beaver Island, where we offer online lessons and in-person workshops in a community with no formal music program.

Unlike many programs, our scholarships often support students for the entirety of their music journey, helping them grow with consistent, long-term access to the arts.

About Our Board of Directors

(Click Photo to View Bio)

Karine Pierson | President

Tiffany Falls | Vice President

Molly Flowers |Treasurer

Tara Palmer-Pop | Board Member

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT:

The Northern Michigan Music Scholarships would like to thank the following donors and businesses for their generosity and support of our scholarship program in 2024:

The Jim Thompkins Foundation

The Kawaii Gallery

Dale and Loreena Quasius

Chuck and Barbara Hale

Dianne Baker-Hale

JB Davies

Katherine Lawrence

Aaron Brooks

Sheryl King

The Art and Mary Schmuckal Foundation

Oleson Foundation

Jam and Bread Non-Profit Cadillac

Oryana

TC Guitar Co

Discovery Cruises

Jenny Clean

Quirky Crate

Re-Eclectia

Mundos Coffee

Dharamsala Yoga

The Original Hot Yoga

Garrison Digital

The Begonia Foundation

JoJo’s Cookies

Testimonials

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to share my deep gratitude for Karine and the incredible scholarship program at Mimusic. Thanks to this generous opportunity, my daughter has had the life-changing chance to learn the violin—a dream that would not have been possible for us otherwise.

Music has always been meaningful to my daughter. She has long found comfort and joy in listening to it, but now, through her lessons with Karine, she is learning to see music, to feel it, and to bring it to life with her own hands. This transformation has been extraordinary to witness. Learning to play an instrument has not only expanded her understanding of music—it has given her confidence, discipline, creative expression, and a whole new way to connect with the world around her.

Karine’s teaching style is something truly special. It is rooted in fundamentals and strong technique, but she delivers it with warmth, humor, and a sense of fun that makes each lesson feel like a celebration of learning. As someone who went through middle and high school music programs that were often rigid and joyless, I can tell you firsthand that this approach is rare—and so needed. Karine brings music alive in a way that is both accessible and inspiring.

The atmosphere at Mimusic is just as impactful as the instruction. The studio is a loving, welcoming space where students are encouraged to be themselves, make mistakes, and grow. It’s a place of encouragement, artistry, and community.

This scholarship program has opened a door for my daughter that leads not just to music, but to self-expression, joy, and personal growth. I cannot thank Karine and Mimusic enough for their vision, their generosity, and their unwavering dedication to nurturing young musicians.

With sincere gratitude,
Allie Robinson-Ollila

Allie Robinson-Ollila, Blessed Be Tea and Apothecary, LLC

“Thanks to the Mimusic scholarship, my daughter went from loving music to making it—with joy, confidence, and creativity.”

“Karine’s teaching style is the perfect blend of strong fundamentals and pure fun—something I never experienced in school music programs.”

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“MiMusic is more than a studio. It’s a loving, inspiring community that brings music to life for kids and families.”

“This program didn’t just teach my daughter violin. It gave her a new way to express herself, and a deeper connection to the music she loves.”

Karine makes music feel magical, not intimidating. She teaches with heart, humor, and serious skill.”

I am truly grateful for the scholarship program at MiMusic. My daughter has flourished in her musical skill and knowledge, she’s been able to learn several new instruments, make new friends, and grow her confidence and love of music. Thank you so much to Karine and the MiMusic scholarship for such amazing opportunities
The MiMusic scholarship has done so many amazing things in my life, I am thankful beyond words! It’s been wonderful to learn about music and get to play with inspirational friends and teachers. I could never thank Karine enough for all the opportunities she has given me.
The decision to support MiMusic Studios/Northern Michigan Music Scholarships as a donor was a very easy one. After watching Karine help my two daughters learn how to love music by making their lessons so fun and engaging, I decided to take lessons for myself. Being an adult learner isn’t easy, but the atmosphere of the studio is so safe and welcoming for everybody.

Karine is constantly participating in outreach activities in the community to encourage more kids to develop a love of music. She works tirelessly to provide a variety  opportunities for people of all ages and all skill levels to get involved. She has created a space that is open, supportive, and nurturing. Donating to the scholarship fund is an easy way to make sure that the opportunity to learn and grow in this environment is available to everyone.

Contact Us

Learn music the fun way.

Address:

3003 Garfield Road N, Traverse City. MI 49686

Phone:

231-632-1636

Email:

Store Hours:

Monday – Friday | 12 PM – 6 PM
Saturday by Appointment
Sunday Closed

Contact Us

Learn music the fun way.

Address:

3003 Garfield Road N, Traverse City. MI 49686

Phone:

231-632-1636

Email:

Store Hours:

Monday – Friday | 12 PM – 6 PM
Saturday by Appointment
Sunday Closed

Our Mission:

To support all people in their arts education, the mission of Northern Michigan Music Scholarships is to provide music lessons and instruments to students who have financial need or who are otherwise underserved in the community. These lessons are to be provided in a safe learning environment, by a highly qualified music instructor on the student’s chosen instrument. We also provide artist development programs including placement, management, and musical equipment and sound services. We make a concerted effort to seek out students from different backgrounds and serve students with special needs. We intend to bridge the gap in our community to provide an arts education to all students, regardless of income, cultural background, identity, or ability. We believe all people deserve access to an arts education.