Share your Voice!


As part of our organization’s strategic planning, we want to hear from our community! We currently have two surveys available: one for current participants, and a separate survey for members of our wider community who have not yet joined the Headwaters family. We appreciate your time and input as we plan for the future!

Headwaters Music & Arts: A center for creativity in the center of Bemidji

Headwaters Music & Arts began offering music lessons in Bemidji as a nonprofit over 30 years ago, with 7 teachers for 72 students. In 1997, we moved to our current location at 519 Minnesota Ave and became a full-service school of the arts.

Because of incredible community support in the form of time, materials, expert advice, and donations, Headwaters has grown into a gathering place where students and community members of any age can experience a wide variety of arts activities, ranging from recitals and rock band shows to clay, mural painting, and other fine arts.

Picture of Headwaters Music & Arts building and a black sign with the Headwaters logo in primary colors

Upcoming Events & Announcements

  • Campfire Jam

    Friday, November 20th! Begins at 6:00pm. Held at Headwaters Music & Arts

    Campfire Jam was established by our friend Mike Naylor almost two years ago.  Mike had this idea of creating a space for musicians of all playing levels to simply get together to play and sing. Mike and Tricia put together a songbook with the words and chords for songs from singers like  John Prine, Hank Williams, The Beatles and Dylan. Nothing terribly current, although we always encouraged others to bring new or favorite songs to share. We sat in a circle around our indoor campfire - designed by Sol Bijnagte - and shared music and stories. Sometimes just two or three folks, occasionally there were 6 or 8. Regardless, Mike showed up every third Friday night, guitar case in hand. If you know Mike, you know you can count on him to show up. 

    This month, we will gather once again.  Because it is hard to imagine this circle without Mike in it, this may well be our last Campfire Jam.  But, we invite you to come be part of this campfire gathering as we remember Mike, play a few songs, and consider how we might continue this third Friday tradition.

  • First Friday Open Mic

    Friday, November 6th, and every 1st Friday! Registration begins at 6:30pm! Held at Headwaters Music & Arts

    Cost: $4/per person or $10/family

    Whether you’re a seasoned performer, sharing your work for the first time, or simply looking for a welcoming place to spend your Friday evening, there’s a place for you. Around here, you're welcome to take the stage—or simply find a seat and settle in 

    Enjoy coffee, homemade treats, and an evening of music, poetry, storytelling, and community. Refreshments are served by Voyaguers Expiditionary School, and purchases support the Headwaters Scholarship fund!

    Our featured performer, Aaron Tank, is a guitarist and songwriter based in Duluth, MN, currently working as a Substance-use Counselor. Aaron's songs stem from a mystical folk perspective and draw from Blues and Americana-related topics and styles. He is also a founding member of the original alt rock band Stardust Collective. Aaron is originally from Turtle River and works as a substance abuse counselor.

  • Ceramic Ornaments Pottery Workshop

    Create on Saturday, December 5th and glaze: on Saturday, December 12th, from 1:00–2:30 PM at Headwaters Music & Arts, 519 Minnesota Ave NW, Bemidji

    Cost: $20.00 per participant (Ages 6+)

    Financial Assistance is Available based on need: Financial Assistance Application

    Create one-of-a-kind ceramic ornaments to treasure for years to come! Whether you're crafting heartfelt gifts for family and friends or starting a new holiday tradition, this two-part workshop is a fun, creative way to celebrate the season.

    Each participant will receive a fresh slab of clay to design and cut out as many ornaments as they can. Use a variety of tools to add textures, patterns, and personal details that make each ornament uniquely yours. Then return the following weekend to glaze your creations and bring them to life with color!

    No prior experience is needed—just bring your creativity!

A group of adults and children smile together while sitting among large blue foam blocks.

“What truly sets Headwaters apart is its commitment to accessibility, offering sliding-scale tuition and scholarships to ensure that financial limitations do not hinder participation. The organization offers a wide range of opportunities, from private music lessons to group art classes, making it a versatile hub for creativity in northern Minnesota.”

-Joe Gould, Beltrami County Commissioner

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Discover the joy of creativity at Headwaters Music & Arts!

Get Involved at Headwaters

  • Two women sitting behind a table with a Headwaters Music & Arts banner at an outdoor event. The table has craft supplies, a small sign, and a rainbow-colored ribbon decoration. A few other people are visible in the background under a canopy and around the event area.

    Support Headwaters

    Volunteer, donate, participate - there are so many ways you can support Headwaters Music & Arts.

  • Local band playing instruments during an Open Mic event at Headwaters Music & Arts

    Community-Led Activities

    Headwaters is home to several groups led by volunteers from the community. Open Mic, First City Singers, Campfire Jam, Handbell Choir, and more!

  • Headwaters Music & Arts Adult Rock Band students performing playing instruments like the drums, guitar, bass, & singing

    Group Music

    At Headwaters you can participate in group music activities, from youth choir camp to preschool music to forming a rock band!