Administration

Dr. Paul Wirth – Artistic Director

Dr. Paul Wirth is a prominent figure in our national piano teaching community. With his Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from Temple University, and his Master and Doctorate degrees in Piano Performance from Indiana University, he co-founded and is now the Artistic Director of the Wirth Center for the Performing Arts in St. Cloud, MN, a bustling performing arts center with 300 students taught by a faculty of twenty. He has also been on the faculty of the University of Northwestern, MN as Artist in Residence. Chosen as the 2004-05 Teacher of the Year by Thursday Musical, and inducted into the Steinway Teacher Hall of Fame, Dr. Wirth has taught numerous first prize-winning students of regional, national and international competitions – with thirty-eight of his pre-college students having performed over eighty solo performances with orchestra, including appearances with the Minnesota and Saint Paul Chamber Orchestras. In addition to his presentations at conventions and conferences, Dr. Wirth’s GRAVI-DVD – a cutting edge DVD on teaching piano technique to children – is available on Youtube, with the long awaited Gravi-DVD II now being distributed everywhere. His masterclasses, most recently at the Suzuki Music School of Westport Connecticut, the Northern Ohio Music Teachers Association, and the Minnesota Music Teachers Association 2019 Convention are always well received, and his presentations, drawing upon 38 years as a pre-college specialist teaching advanced concepts to 4 -18 year olds, often elicit further engagements. This past January, he was featured in a guest artist tutorial on the wildly popular ProPractice YouTube channel of Dr. Josh Wright. Wirth is also an avid supporter of young performers, having co-founded the Salon se Lève concert series in Minneapolis and the internationally recognized Young Artist Piano Camp, summers in Minnesota. Wirth devotes his time to teaching young artists, presenting at conventions, conferences and piano teacher organizations, giving masterclasses, teaching teachers, publishing pedagogical materials, and practicing! Dr. Wirth maintains three studios: at the Wirth Center for the Performing Arts in St. Cloud, MN, at the Schmitt Music Center in Brooklyn Center, MN, and at his home in St. Joseph, MN where he lives with his wife and greatest support, Kathy.

Email: pwirth@wirthcenter.org

James Newman – Executive Director

James Newman is a nonprofit leader, finance professional, and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience guiding organizations through strategic growth, fundraising, and operational transformation. Driven by a conviction that the arts are vital to healthy communities, James blends business discipline with a lifelong passion for creative expression.

After earning his undergraduate degree in Philosophy from St. Cloud State University—during which he was heavily involved in collegiate arts organizations and played in the college emo band Dayplanner—James launched SNCI Health Services, an enterprise he owned and managed for ten years before a successful exit in 2010. He completed his MBA at St. Cloud State University that same year and built a versatile corporate and institutional career with roles at the SCSU School of Education, Wolters Kluwer Financial, Coldspring Granite, and the startup launch of Lakeside Health Services. James also served on the Board of Directors for Children’s Day Montessori from 2014 to 2020, including five years as Board Treasurer.

As Executive Director of the Wirth Center for the Performing Arts, James spearheaded a major new chapter: the relocation of the center and the launch of the new Community Art Center in downtown St. Cloud. This initiative transformed a historic building into a vibrant, multi-use hub for music, arts education, performance, and community gatherings—designed to foster belonging and fuel downtown revitalization.

A self-described multi-instrumentalist of modest skill, James remains an enthusiastic supporter of local music and creative culture. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, traveling, hiking, playing pool, and spending time with their two large dogs.

Email: jnewman@wirthcenter.org

Tracy Walberg – Assistant Director

Need info

Email: NEEDED@wirthcenter.org

Reivews

    
 
 
         
   K T 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our two daughters have been taking piano lessons at Wirth Center for a few months and the experience has been wonderful.  They like their teacher, Angela, and the fact that they can learn popular music as well as classical.  A benefit of being a student here is they can be a part of a larger music community and participate in recitals and be inspired by other musicians at Wirth.
  
 
        
   Elizabeth Jensen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We’ve been so enriched by the time we’ve spend at the Wirth Center. Miss Danielle does a lovely and wonderful job instructing ballet. My daughter loves taking piano lessons with Ms Angela, who is attentive and does a wonderful job engaging and challenging my daughter in a way that is so motivating to her. Mr. John is an amazing drum instructor as well. And he does a great job connecting with and encouraging my son. He makes learning so much fun! We’re grateful for the excellence, and warmth, and humility of all the staff. Their passion to help students develop their own passion for music is so evident and it is a truly inspiring culture to get to be a part of.
  
 
        
   Emily Cottrill 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. An excellent school for those interested in music or dance.  We have been so pleased right from the start.
  
 
        
   Heather Guzman 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Both of my daughters take lessons with Angela at the Wirth Center.  I can only speak amazing things about her and her talent.  She is always so accommodating and meeting us wherever our needs may be.  She keeps lessons fun but challenges them when needed.  I would highly recommend her and the facility whenever asked!
  
 
        
   Chelsea Kilanowski 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The ballet classes at The Wirth Center are truly top notch.  Our instructor is wonderful and teaches all levels.  The students move from a very playful learning atmosphere when they are young to a more strict one as they age, all while being nurtured in the best way possible.  We couldn’t be happier!

Administration

Dr. Paul Wirth – Artistic Director

James Newman – Executive Director

Tracy Walberg – Assistant Director

Reivews

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