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.
Upcoming Events & Announcements
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Conversing In Music: Jazz Improv Weekend!
Jazz Improv Concert: Friday, September 25th at 7:00 pm | Admission: $25 for Adults or $7 for Students
Jazz Improv Masterclass: Saturday, September 26th at 11 AM | Class Fee: $20 for Adults or $10 for Students
What if the music had no script? This September, internationally recognized improvising composers Steve Hirsh and Nathan Hanson are bringing a one-of-a-kind weekend to Bemidji.
Join us for a live community concert on Friday evening and continue the experience with an interactive masterclass on Saturday morning.
Whether you're a musician, music lover, or simply curious about improvisation, this is a chance to experience something completely unique.
This activity is made possible, in part, by a grant from the Bemidji Area Arts Endowment, a component fund of the Northwest Minnesota Foundation.
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First Friday Open Mic
Friday, October 2nd, and every 1st Friday! Registration begins at 6:30pm! Held at Headwaters Music & Arts
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!
Based right here in Bemidji, our featured performer Sonny Johnson will bring a smooth, rhythm-driven solo acoustic sound to us that he brings to local taprooms, patios, and community stages. Sonny is a former multi-band performer who started gigging at 16, and recently returned to the local music scene after finishing college and stepping into fatherhood… he delivers a comfortable, crowd-pleasing mix of songs from artists like Alex Turner, Jim Croce, and The Strokes—building energy while keeping the vibe just right.
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Spooky Candle Lanterns Pottery Night
Class: Saturday, October 10, 2026, 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm at Headwaters Music & Arts
Cost: $80.00
Financial Assistance is Available based on need: Financial Assistance Application
Looking for a unique fall date night or a creative evening out with a friend? Slow down, get creative, and celebrate the season with a hands-on pottery experience designed for two. This 21+ workshop invites you to relax, sip, and create side by side—participants are welcome to bring an alcoholic beverage to enjoy responsibly during class.
Led by master potter Tom Daly, pre-thrown lantern forms, carving tools, and stencils are provided so you can focus on creativity, connection, and enjoying the process together. Choose your glaze color, enjoy a seasonal treat from Headwaters, and return later to pick up your finished lantern—fired, glazed, and ready to cast a warm, enchanting glow throughout the fall season.
No pottery experience is necessary. Cost includes admission for two participants.
“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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