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Discover the joy of creativity at Headwaters Music & Arts!

A woman helps a young girl holding a violin during a music activity, with other string instruments displayed on a nearby table.
Adults glazing pottery pieces in a studio during a ceramics class.
Group of youth and instructors holding string instruments, including violins, cello, guitar, and harp, posing outside Headwaters Music & Arts.
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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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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.

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

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.

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  • 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!

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  • 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!

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Upcoming Events & Announcements

  • Black and white photo of a teenage girl, smiling and holding a microphone.

    Vocal Foundations Group Class

    All ages, 8 years +

    Tuesdays: 5:30 PM- 6:30 PM, January 6th, 2026-May 19th

    This welcoming group singing class is designed for individuals and families of all ages who want to learn to sing, build confidence, and develop strong musical skills. It offers an engaging, affordable way to begin your vocal journey—especially for those waiting for an opening in one-on-one voice lessons. Participants learn in a fun, low-pressure environment with a trained vocal instructor, exploring healthy vocal technique, basic music reading, ear training, and ensemble singing through age-inclusive songs and activities.

    Each 60-minute class includes warm-ups, vocal technique, music literacy, and group singing, with optional solos in a supportive setting. Enrollment is flexible: join at any time, pay month-to-month, and stay as long as you’d like. A 30-day notice is required to stop, except for students transitioning into one-on-one lessons.

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  • An older adult and a young child sit on the floor tapping wooden rhythm sticks together, smiling in a music classroom.

    Mini Musicians

    $150 for one adult and one child, $75 per additional child or additional adult.

    Tuesdays, 9:30-10:00 AM: January 13, 20, 27, February 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 2026

    Financial Assistance Available: Headwaters Financial Assistance Application

    Mini Musicians is an engaging 8-week music class that nurtures young children’s natural curiosity and love for sound through playful, interactive experiences.

    For families with children ages 1 to pre-K who are seeking meaningful bonding time and early learning through music, Mini Musicians provides a joyful space to connect and explore together. Guided by experienced music educator Sarah Leach, children and their grown-ups sing, move, play instruments, and discover the building blocks of rhythm and melody in real time—creating shared moments that nurture curiosity, confidence, and connection.

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  • A young girl and an adult sit at a pottery table, shaping clay together in a studio filled with shelves of ceramic pieces.

    My Kid n Me Pottery

    $150 for one adult and one child, $75 per additional child or additional adult.

    Thursdays, January 15th - February 19th, 2026 from 5:30–7:00 PM

    Financial Assistance Available: Headwaters Financial Assistance Application

    Looking for a fun and creative way to spend quality time with your child? My Kid-n-Me Pottery is the perfect opportunity to bond, laugh, and learn together. Guided by experienced potter Tom Daly, you and your child will explore clay side by side—shaping, joining, and adding texture to create unique pieces you’ll be proud of.

    No experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to create!

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