The North Shore is rich with musical talent, offering opportunities to artists of all genres and a variety of venues for audiences to enjoy throughout the region. A long-standing Duluth program is helping ensure this legacy continues by supporting the next generation of artists as they carve out their place in the music scene.
The Music Resource Center (MRC) in Duluth is a program of the nonprofit Armory Arts and Music Center (AAMC), offering students an introduction to music education. Now in its 14th year, the MRC provides young artists with the tools and resources to practice music while learning other aspects of the music business. The objective of the program is to offer a healthy, supportive environment where students can thrive and experience the magic of music, guided and mentored by professional, working artists.
Melissa Weisser, MRC program manager, is proud of the depth of talent and experience the instructors bring to the program. “All of our instructors and mentors are working artists with over 60 years of combined musical education and performing experience,” Weisser said. “We are fortunate to offer a variety of training on piano, guitar, drums, violin, and trumpet for students.”
Along with Weisser, who is a professional artist, part-time musician, and graduate in communication art and design, the MRC’s instructors include Shanna Willie of the bands The Undesirables and Moon Dogs; Traxx Kavajecz, a member of Born Too Late and an MRC alum; Micheal Furchert, who was born in Germany and has over 25 years of performing experience in the U.S.; and Axel Swanson, who has expertise in guitar production and music theory.
The AAMC’s mission includes honoring the value of American culture and the arts while emphasizing arts education. The organization offers the MRC to students of all backgrounds, noting that no prior experience is required to participate. Cost or skill level is not a barrier to joining the program.
The MRC serves students in grades 5-12 through a drop-in model, allowing participants to attend as their interests and schedules permit. No preregistration is required. The drop-in program gives students the opportunity to explore the craft of music through instruction and hands-on experience in performance, recording, setting up public gigs, voice coaching, and songwriting.
“Students and parents report that there are limited places for teenagers in the area to gather and express themselves in a safe and welcoming environment during after-school hours,” Weisser said.
One-on-one lessons with instructors are available by preregistration and may be scheduled by the day or for an entire semester. Instruments, recording equipment, and other resources are provided at no additional cost for all MRC programs. Summer camp sessions are available for elementary- through high school-aged students, with registration beginning in April. The 2026 schedule and registration information are available on the organization’s website.
The MRC operates out of Sacred Heart Music Center in Duluth and is open Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 7 p.m. The program has a minimal cost of $50 per semester, which includes unlimited visits, or $10 for five visits, usable throughout the school year to accommodate flexible student schedules. Individual lessons are available for $30 per hour during regular program hours.
“We encourage all students to stop in and try it out,” Weisser said. “Scholarships are available, and we strive to serve all students regardless of income or other barriers.”
Under the guidance of instructors, students have opportunities to form their own bands, participate in monthly jam sessions, and attend workshops on a variety of music-related topics designed with student input. In addition to building foundational music skills in a space that fosters creativity, Weisser said participants also gain confidence and a sense of belonging.
“We are proud that students get a sense of belonging, giving them the confidence to pursue their musical passion, as well as tools to thrive in other areas of their lives,” she said.
According to Weisser, alumni of the MRC have gone on to pursue careers in the music field, including teaching music at the collegiate level, forming bands, and touring professionally throughout the Midwest.
The Music Resource Center operates out of Sacred Heart Music Center, located at 201 W. 4th Steet in Duluth. More information on the Music Resource Center is available online (dulutharmory.org/mrc) or by calling the AAMC office at 218-464-0227.
