FAQs • Headwaters Music and Arts

Scholarship FAQs

Would my child qualify for a scholarship?

If your child qualifies for free or reduced school lunches your family will most likely qualify for Headwaters Grant and/or MusicLink Foundation Grant.

MAA Low Income Scholarships are based on income as well. We encourage you to visit their website for more details.

Headwaters Music Program Scholarships are currently only offered for one-on-one music lessons. To qualify for this scholarship you must show a propensity for your instrument and measurable improvement because of it.

My child has divorced (or separated) parents. Which guardian needs to provide our financial info or is it both?

For both Headwaters Grants and MusicLink Foundation Grants your primary household income is what matters most in the application. Minnesota Afterschool Advance has its own requirements. Details are on their website - or give them a call, they are very helpful!

Do I have to provide financial info for the Headwaters Music Program Scholarship?

No, this scholarship is not based on financial need. Anyone, regardless of income level, may apply.

When will I be notified about my eligibility?

Typically you will receive a response within a week. We encourage you to apply for a scholarship well before the program begins, at least a month ahead of time if possible. If this is simply not feasible in your situation, we will still do our best to get you squared away.

Do I have to reapply every year?

Yes. We need up-to-date financial info from the most recent tax year for grants.

How does it work if I want to take an additional program or instrument and I already received a grant or scholarship?

Minnesota Afterschool Advance will determine the size of the tax credit loan you qualify for. This amount may be used for more than one activity. Scholarships through Headwaters Music & Arts are for one instrument at a time, and one group class at a time. If you are applying for summer camps, there is no limit to the number of camps you may apply for.

I have more than one child that I wish to receive a scholarship for - do I have to fill out the application for each child?

Yes, please fill out an application for each child.

What if I withdraw from lessons or the program that I received a scholarship for?

You are expected to follow through on the time commitment for the program you received a scholarship for.

I am applying for a scholarship for a child on behalf of their parents or guardians. What steps should I take?

While we eventually require signatures from a parent or guardian, it is acceptable to submit details on their behalf. We are happy to assist you in this process.

Will my child automatically qualify for a scholarship if we meet the requirements?

We carefully budget each year to offer scholarships for lessons and classes, and our scholarship fund depends upon the amount we can raise through events, sponsorships, grants, and individual donations. Most years we have been able to approve every application, but approval does depend upon available funds and the amount of applicants.

For our merit based scholarships there are only three available and applications will be reviewed and scholarships awarded to the three students who best match the criteria.

General FAQs

What kind of programming does Headwaters offer beyond private music lessons?

We offer various group classes and workshops for all ages including K-12 art clubs, pottery, and preschool programming. We also offer family workshops as well as music events and enrichment activities. Our Arts programming includes literary, visual, theater arts, and more. If the events and workshops do not receive enough registrations we may postpone that class or club for awhile but we generally reschedule for a future date or the next school year.

How long are music lessons, and how often?

Lessons are usually a half hour long, but hour-long lessons are also an option. Lessons usually take place once a week. The schedule is more flexible over the summer, when you might have fewer lessons or have to plan around vacations and trips.

What if I don't have an instrument?

Headwaters has Schmitt Music instruments available for purchase or rent.

Registering or shopping online was not working for me - what should I do?

Generally issues with your registration can be resolved in a few simple ways:

Switching to a different browser (Google Chrome works best)
Card issues - you may have entered your card info incorrectly, it could be expired or out of funds. Try entering your card info again or try a different card.
Incomplete registration questions - go through them again and double check.
Or your page may have timed out. Try refreshing and re-enter details.

Ultimately, if you keep having computer errors and using a different device does not work you can call our office at 218.444.5606

MMTA FAQs

What is MMTA?

MMTA stands for the Minnesota Music Teachers Association. It organizes programming for musicians at every level. These include exams, contests, theory exams, keyboard skills and ensemble festivals. Programming is offered at sites locally and across the state.ine what program is the best fit for you.

What is the benefit of participating in MMTA?

MMTA programs can serve as motivating goals for students and provide structure to lessons. As students grow, MMTA programs can help record progress. They are great opportunities for students who’d like an additional challenge.get connected. A teacher will determ

How does MMTA fit into my lessons?

Teachers work with students throughout the year on an MMTA program or exam. Working on MMTA material can be a supplement to other lesson work or can make up the bulk of the lesson, depending on the program.

I’m not sure if my child is ready.

The best way to know is to have a conversation with your teacher. There are many options for all levels and interests.

What is the cost?

Each program costs between $15-$25. Headwaters offers a number of scholarship opportunities.

How do I participate?

Express your interest to your Headwaters teacher or info@headwatersmusicandarts.org to get connected. A teacher will determine what program is the best fit for you.