MISSION STATEMENT
Discover Music teaches young people to write songs as a tool for healthy self discovery, confidence and expression
VISION STATEMENT
Empowering people through creative expression to be the best versions of themselves and live lives of compassion, truth and wonder.
OUR VALUES
-
- Creativity – We’ll find a way, our minds are open and solutions are out there
-
- Integrity – We do the right thing because it’s the right thing
-
- Partnership – There are talented people around us and we do our work best when we engage them
-
- Community – We help ourselves by helping each other, everyone’s contribution matters
-
- Innovation – We are constantly looking for new ways to solve old problems
- Abundance – We are strongest when working with what we already have
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ken Onstad – Chairman of the Board
Ken Onstad has been in the music industry for over 40 years. He has worked with major labels and artists both in the U.S. and the U.K. Onstad is a founding member and president of two entertainment media companies, New Folk Records and Loud Folk Records. He is also working with two U.K.-based film companies that develop music films for broadcast and physical release.
Tim Cheesebrow – Board Member – Treasurer
Tim Cheesebrow is a driven and passionate leader. He has extensive experience in management, strategic planning, and works tirelessly to better the lives of others. He founded Discover Music in 2011, built its networks, services, curriculum, board and staff. He’s responsible for the vision implementation, reporting to the board, financial security, development, graphic design, web and tech, and also plays a large role in direct service delivery and studio sessions.
Tim’s leadership background includes ownership of the Underground Music cafe, during which time he renovated the physical space, ran a successful crowdfunding campaign, and grew the music community substantially.
He has spent almost 10 years in the classroom, both here in MN teaching sognwriting and as an AmeriCorp volunteer in MS where he taught science, religion, band, music and art. He is an outspoken advocate for music education and has spent many hours with the MN legislature, university leaders and professionals creating a different perspective on music education and expanding its official roles to include popular styles, improvisation, composition, production, and music technology.
Tim’s musical experience includes 20 years as a performing musician, 4 self produced albums, countless hours as studio musician, hundreds of songs written, and even a written and produced opera. He holds degrees in music composition and studio art from St. John’s University, and uses the latter in graphic and web design for many MN organizations and artists. He holds two patents for novel guitar accessory inventions, and plays shows almost every weekend showcasing his original material.
When not working on music, art or advocacy, Tim likes to volunteer for social causes, build things, make maple syrup, cook, and spend quality time with his wife and sons.
Tim is the author of Songwriting for Wellness: Using Music to Heal the Mind