Northerly School for Music

09/16/2026

The sun is setting earlier, and I gotta say- nighttime music lessons at the Northerly is a real good kind of cozy ☺️

09/15/2026

The Northerly is so excited to welcome back Dakota Dave Hull!

Dave played our original location downtown and brought the house down with his dexterous rags and gift for storytelling.

Join him once again here in Lakeside with special guests Jon Edwards and Kyle Orla.

Hailed by everyone from Dave Van Ronk to Doc Watson, from the Washington Post to Downbeat to fRoots, Dakota Dave Hull’s guitar style spans a wide musical geography to create an infectious, uniquely personal blend of jazz, ragtime, folk, blues, Western swing, and vintage pop. Dakota Dave is a restlessly curious, adventurous traveler along the broad highway of America’s music. In his playing the masters speak, but in a vocabulary that is Dave’s alone: alternatively mirthful and moving, always melodic.

On stage or in the recording studio Dave has performed with Utah Phillips, Doc Watson, Robin and Linda Williams, Dave Van Ronk, John Renbourn, Paul Geremia, Spider John Koerner, Cam Waters, Sally Rogers, Butch Thompson, Peter Ostroushko, Garrison Keillor, and Norman Blake, and many others.

“One of the best guitarists in the world.” -Dave Van Ronk

10/17/26
Doors at 5:30
Jon Edwards 6:00
Kyle Orla 6:45
Dakota Dave Hull 7:30

Tickets available on our website, link in bio!

05/22/2026

⭐️ This Staff Pick comes from Blake Thomas: David Byrne’s “How Music Works” 

Here’s what Blake has to say about it:

This book is just a delight through and through and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone who is curious about music, or the music industry. It’s part biography, part music history, part science and technology, and takes you into Byrne’s artistic process and his unique understanding of the business side of entertainment. And, of course, it’s told through the lens of his one-of-a-kind brain. It’s fascinating, funny, and at times revelatory. Absolutely recommend it!!!

05/17/2026

Don’t miss the next BOOM CHUCK BRUNCH on Sunday, May 31st!

Playing an instrument is great — but how do you play with others? That’s what this workshop is all about.

We’ll learn two beginner-friendly tunes this month:�• Shove the Pigs Foot a Little Further Into the Fire (G)�• Shady Grove (D minor)

Learn by ear at the workshop or request notation/tab when you register.

Perfect for adults who know the basics but haven’t jumped into jams yet. Best suited for fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and guitar players.

Workshop starts at 11:00 — come at 10:30 for coffee, baked goods, and hanging out!

Sign up here: northerlyschoolformusic.com/workshops

05/16/2026

We’re so excited to showcase our new selection of Loog Guitars , available now for purchase at The Northerly!!!

Loog makes genuinely clever little instruments for kids because they simplify the learning curve without feeling like a toy. Their 3-string design makes chords easier for small hands, but they still use standard guitar tuning — so kids can eventually transition to a full 6-string naturally (we have both the 3 string and 6 string in stock). Add in the colorful designs, real wood construction, learning app, and flashcards, and it becomes a fun, low-frustration way for kids to start making actual music right away.

05/04/2026

Thank you to Northerly School for Music for supporting live music at SOLCA.

Their dedication to music education and community-building shows up in moments like these. We’re grateful to have them as part of this weekend.

04/06/2026

🎻Good question!!
Violin and fiddle are actually the same instrument—the difference is all about style. “Violin” usually points to classical or jazz, while “fiddle” leans folk, country, and bluegrass. Fiddle traditions also often emphasize learning by ear.

No hard rules, though—it’s all music. Whatever your style, we’ve got teachers ready to get you playing. Sign up today!

03/26/2026

Thinking about music lessons?

Right now is one of the best times to start—some after-school spots (that are usually full!) are opening up.

All ages, all levels, lots of instruments. Jump in 🎶

Nestled in Duluth's vibrant Lakeside neighborhood, Northerly School for Music offers private one-on-one music lessons for people of all ages. Whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced musician looking to expand your skills, we've got a teacher for you! Our awesome teachers offer less

03/23/2026

This is a great time to start music lessons! 🎶

As schedules shift into spring, some of those after-school lesson spots (that are usually hard to grab!) are opening up.

At Northerly School for Music, we offer one-on-one lessons for all ages and experience levels—whether you’re just starting out or getting back into it. Piano, guitar, fiddle, violin, banjo, bass, flute, and more.

If you’ve been thinking about it, now’s a really good time to jump in!

Nestled in Duluth's vibrant Lakeside neighborhood, Northerly School for Music offers private one-on-one music lessons for people of all ages. Whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced musician looking to expand your skills, we've got a teacher for you! Our awesome teachers offer less

03/20/2026

🪕Every fourth Sunday of the month, The Northerly offers a workshop specifically designed for adults who know the basics on their instrument, but haven’t ventured out to any jams - yet. It is best suited for fiddle, mandolin, banjo, and guitar players.

You can pick up the melody by ear at the workshop or prepare it in advance. Notation & tab is available upon registration to students who request it. This month: Arkansas Traveler (in D) and Sitting On Top Of The World (in G).

The workshop starts at 11:00, but come at 10:30 for coffee & socializing! Coffee and baked goods provided!

Register at northerlyschoolformusic.com/workshops