As an independent non-profit organization, Headwaters Music & Arts strives to create an environment in which the arts and arts education is accessible to all. As we affirm in our values statement, we envision a community in which no one misses out. Headwaters Scholarship Program aims to remove barriers for youth programming and make our offerings accessible to all.

Headwaters offers several scholarship and grant options for all of its youth programming. We consider all applications carefully and offer reduced tuition or fees based on available funds. Our annual financial assistance budget is supported by generous donors, including Minnesota State Arts Board, Region 2 Arts Council, and Bemidji Area Arts Endowment. Headwaters Scholarship Program is also made possible by individual contributors as well as fundraising events and initiatives led by our Headwaters Board of Directors, staff and volunteers.

If you are interested in receiving assistance for lessons or a class or camp, your first step is read through our info below. If you have questions you can take a look at our FAQ page to get you started. 

Headwaters Music Program  (year-round, one-on-one music lessons)

First, register and pay the $45 annual admin fee. Then immediately consider the following options: 

  1. Minnesota Afterschool Advance (MAA): MAA helps Minnesota families who meet income requirements use the Minnesota K-12 Education Tax Credit to help them pay for educational afterschool programs, including music lessons and youth arts programming offered here at Headwaters Music & Arts. Your students program fees may be covered through  a Minnesota Tax Credit through Minnesota Afterschool Advance. Thanks to our funders,  if you are approved for MAA,  we are able to offer a scholarship to cover the final 25% of your program  fee not covered by the MAA.

    Before your child can be considered for financial assistance through MusicLink Foundation, families are expected to apply for a loan through MAA.

  2. MusicLink Foundation: As an Alliance Partner with MusicLink Foundation, Headwaters provides scholarships to reduce music program fees. MusicLink supports us by processing applications and providing additional support to Headwaters instructors and students. Those who have applied for, but have not received the MAA Tax Credit Loan are encouraged to  complete the Parent/Student Information and Policy Form at MusicLink.

  3. Headwaters Merit Based Music Scholarship:  The purpose of this scholarship is to reward hard work and commitment to studying a musical instrument. Merit based scholarships are open to all Headwaters Music Program students ages 8-18. Submission deadline is the third Friday in July for the following program year. Up to three $300 Music Scholarships for Headwaters Music Program instruction are awarded each year. For additional details or to apply, please contact us.

  4. Sibling Discount: In a one-for-one style, if one student is taking music lessons then one additional sibling qualifies to receive a 10 % discount on their one-on-one music lessons. An example of this is if your family has two children, one sibling is full price and one qualifies to receive 10% off their fee. If you are a family with four children taking one-on-one lessons, two of your children can qualify for the 10% discount because two are paying full price.

Headwaters Arts Program (group classes, camps, and workshops)

 First, register for your selected group program or workshop Then, immediately consider the following options:

  1. Minnesota Afterschool Advance (MAA): MAA helps Minnesota families who meet income requirements use the Minnesota K-12 Education Tax Credit to help them pay for educational afterschool programs, including music lessons and youth arts programming offered here at Headwaters Music & Arts. Your students program fees may be covered through  a Minnesota Tax Credit through Minnesota Afterschool Advance. Thanks to our funders,  if you are approved for MAA,  we are able to offer a scholarship to cover the final 25% of your program  fee not covered by the MAA.

  2. Headwaters Scholarship:  Program fees may be reduced up to 50% for those who qualify based on financial need. Just complete the application and submit it with the requested documentation when  you register for your selected group program or workshop. Typically, this grant is based on qualifying  for free or reduced school lunches through your school district.