Music Instructor: Voice, Piano

Pronouns: She/her

Experience & Education: “I have been teaching voice for more than a decade and have taken voice lessons that entire time, as well! “

Hobbies & Interests: “I love to build my life around a healthy opera voice, so, I practice, jog, meditate, compose, perform and spend time at home.”

Teaching Philosophy: “We were all created to be musical, we just have to learn to allow it. Each student is different and my goal is to work with them to maximize natural and exquisite technique! We work hard to strengthen head voice and falsetto to create our strongest voice possible.”

Music Instructor: Piano, Clarinet, Voice

Ari is a Bemidji State University graduate who teaches middle school in Red Lake, MN. Ari has taught piano, voice, and clarinet students for many years in private lessons, group lessons, as well as at Bemidji MusiCamp where she spends a week of her summer volunteering as an MC at camp. Ari enjoys her time away from work going for hikes with her dogs, Phoebe, Barney and Ludacris, as well as baking for her friends and family.

"I truly love teaching lessons at Headwaters. The students are all so curious and enjoy learning about music. It is a privilege to reflect on growth with students!"

Music Instructor: Percussion

Pronouns: they/them

Experience & Education:  I started teaching music 5 years ago in Grand Rapids, after playing snare drum in the Twin Cities-based drumline River City Rhythm. Now I study music performance at BSU with a focus on classical and mallet percussion, but I play many other music styles and percussion disciplines.

Hobbies & Interests: I like to listen to records, build drums and restore vintage percussion instruments.

Teaching Philosophy: Music is something innate about being human- no matter your background, identity, or experiences, everyone can enjoy music. My goal when playing, studying, or teaching music is to help music enhance our lives.

Art Instructor: Manga Art Club

Pronouns: he/him

"I am a passionate advocate for the world of anime and the transformative power of art. I love the storytelling and visual art in anime and manga. Growing up, I loved drawing from Dragon Ball Z, which ignited my passion for art. Manga inspired me to create graphic novels of my own and grow as an artist. I am currently working on my own manga and also love creating portraits through painting, drawing, and pyrography. Additionally, I have started my journey with digital 3D sculpting and rigging. I've had the privilege of learning from a one-on-one mentor from Disney in animation classes. I look forward to creating some fun manga and anime with you!"

Music Instructor: Guitar

Pronouns: he/ him

Experience & Education “I’ve been teaching at Headwaters since 2005. I have a BS in Biology and a BA in Philosophy. Life and music, in my opinion, are two words describing a singular process. My music is the byproduct of a lifelong quest for creative self-expression wedded to a particular discipline – in this context, guitar, bass guitar, and chess.”

Hobbies & Interests: “Philosophy, Science, Music, Art, Meditating, Nature, Reading, Writing, Chess, Yoga, Positive Psychology, exercising, playing with adorable animals.”

Teaching Philosophy “Music should be fun… period! My goal is to make this instrument so enjoyable that it requires no effort to invest the necessary time to gain mastery – you should play because you “want” to, not because you “have” to. I’ve studied jazz, blues, rock, funk, country, folk, metal, ragtime, pop, lap, reggae, punk, polka, classical and more. Whatever direction you want to take, I will do my best to get you there – this is your journey… I’m merely a guide.”

Music Instructor: Voice

Pronouns: she/her

Education & Experience: I'm retired from BSU and Red Lake Nation College after an academic career in Louisiana and Minnesota as an Environmental Sociologist. I studied piano at the Royal Conservatory of Music and voice at Manitoba Conservatory of Music. I worked as a professional musician in bands and dinner theaters in Winnipeg, Toronto and Texas, and on CBC TV. I currently sing with the Bemidji Chorale and work on productions with Bemidji Community Theater.

Hobbies & Interests: I enjoy the wonder of the outdoors at Grantwood Cottage on Grant Lake. I've been running an AirBnb since retiring in 2019 and I love meeting people from all over the country. When I can, I love to travel. My most recent adventure was to South America and Antarctica.

Teaching Philosophy: Music is a universal language that connects and enriches our lives. Sharing this with students is such a privilege. Everyone can experience the joy of participating in music at any age or experience level. Just as I continue to learn and grow with each new experience, I welcome opportunities to contribute to others on their learning journeys. I particularly love to see the changes in people as they learn technique and discover newfound confidence with their musical abilities. That's joy.

Music Instructor: Piano, Trumpet

Admin Role: Music Teacher Mentor & Support

Pronouns: she/her

Experience & Education: '“I have taught private piano lessons for several years in two time periods: fresh out of college, and recently at Headwaters. I have also taught classroom music three years in Bemidji and one year at Ponemah. I have subbed in the schools in this area for eight years, worked with children for 30+ years. I earned a B.A. in General Music from Gustavus Adolphus College and an Elementary Teaching Licensure Gr. 1-6 from Augsburg College."

Hobbies & Interests: “I enjoy gardening, bird watching, wildflower ID, biking, cross country skiing and dogs!”

Teaching Philosophy: “My teaching philosophy is to teach the basics as each student explores the piano as a valuable instrument at his or her own pace. I strive to make learning piano a pleasurable activity for my students.”

Music Instructor: Piano, Violin

Pronouns: she/her

Experience & Education: “I’ve taken piano lessons since age five and have also taken violin lessons and been part of the high school orchestra.”

Hobbies & Interests: “I enjoy spending time with my family, working out, hanging out with friends, playing music, and taking advantage of the beautiful place we live by spending time outside year round and doing cold water therapy in the winter!”

Teaching Philosophy: “Whether you’re pursuing music as a career or taking lessons for fun, music is one of the best forms of personal enrichment and is a great tool for maintaining mental and emotional well-being. I’m dedicated to helping my students find joy in their own music and encouraging them to work hard. And above all, reminding them that music is a gift that should be shared with others!"

Music Instructor: Violin, Piano, Viola

Admin Role: Music Program Coordinator

Pronouns: they/them

Experience & Education: I am certified to teach Suzuki Violin up to book 10 through the University of Denver, CO. I have an undergraduate degree in violin performance through St. Cloud State University, and a graduate degree in violin performance with a pedagogy emphasis from the University of Denver. I’ve been teaching music lessons for nine years.

Hobbies & Interests: I love anything that requires me to keep my hands busy! I’m interested in cross stitch, crochet, knitting, and video games. I also play Dungeons and Dragons regularly with my friends.

Teaching Philosophy: I truly believe that anyone can learn an instrument with the right guidance and attitude! Music is such an important part of life, and I love having the opportunity to share its magic with all my students. I work with them to match their interests and explore the aspects of music that are most important to them.

Music Instructor: Piano

Pronouns: she/her

Experience & Education: “I am in my third year of pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Music from Bemidji State University and am involved in both the piano and vocal studios there.”

Hobbies & Interests: I enjoy reading books, community theater and music, outdoors activities (especially in the summer), lap swimming, and spending time with my family and friends.

Teaching Philosophy: Music is something that everyone creates. It allows us to connect with one another, so helping students understand the technical and expressive aspects of music and giving them a language to describe what they are playing or hearing can lead to greater enjoyment and confidence with the art form. Mostly, though, it’s about having fun!

Music instructor: Guitar, Piano

Pronouns: she/her

Education & Experience: Janey is a recent high school graduate, participating in Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) through North Central University in Minneapolis MN. She's been a worship leader for 7 years at Calvary E-Free Church in Walker, MN. A singer/songwriter for 4 years, she attended Camp Electric in Nashville for several summers as well as performing original music at local venues in the past year. Her teaching experience in the past two years has been with students ages 12-16, primarily on piano in addition to guitar and vocals. 

Hobbies & Interests: Janey is an avid writer, primarily in the form of songwriting and poetry. She enjoys exploring the outdoors and traveling. 

Teaching Philosophy: Janey is passionate about helping young people embrace their gifts and see music as a means of personal expression. Through sharing one's heart and story through performance and writing, lives are changed and people are brought together.

Music Instructor: Violin, Viola, Piano

Pronouns: she/her

Experience & Education: “Suzuki certified violin books 1 & 2 through University of Hartford, CT. Violin teacher for 18 yrs. I studied at North Park University in Chicago IL and under the late Dr. Walter Halen”

Hobbies & Interests: “I love cooking, baking, gardening, hiking with my family, painting, and am a serious book-a-holic.”

Teaching Philosophy: “I believe that music is vital for healthy growth, which means that everyone can be a musician. I love watching and helping that growth as students find confidence in themselves and grow in the ability to express themselves. Music engages brain and heart and body, and it is a privilege to be a piece of students stories."

Music Instructor: Cello

Pronouns: she/her

Experience & Education: “I started playing cello when I was 10, taking lessons from Francis VanDorn in Bemidji, MN. I played throughout school in small ensembles, orchestras and completed in state competitions. I did not continue playing in college, but have continued to study on my own. I’ve had a lot of experience teaching children as a former girl scout leader, youth and family director, para professional and now a social worker. ”

Hobbies & Interests: “I enjoy playing cello, singing, gardening, and I love to explore different methods of creating such as using wood burning, stone carving, yarn work and making jewelry. I love learning new techniques and skills.”

Teaching Philosophy: “My teaching philosophy is to meet my students where they are. I like connecting with my students through their personal interests and curiosity to refine and enrich their knowledge while learning and exploring their instrument."

Music Instructor: Piano

Pronouns: he/him

Experience & Education: “I am working on Bachelor's degree in Music Ed. and Piano Performance and Pedagogy”

Hobbies & Interests: "Music, Gaming, Swimming, Playing piano for church services at St. Phillips, BSU events, and musicals at Paul Bunyan Playhouse.”

Teaching Philosophy: “Music is a medium everyone can connect with and as a teacher it’s my job to find a way to connect my students with their musical side any way I can.”

Art Instructor: K-4 Art Club, Lil Artist

Pronouns: she/her

Experience & Education: “BA in theater production.”

Hobbies & Interests” "Making historical and cosplay costumes, sewing, outdoors activities, attending concerts, exploring state parks, and playing board games.”

Teaching Philosophy: “Everyone is an artist you just need to find your art form and go with it. The art that you produce is your own art form.”

Music Instructor: Piano

Pronouns: she/her

Experience & Education: “I’ve been playing piano for 53 years and I still love to play! I have a Master’s in music composition and look forward to composing again when I retire as an Occupational Therapist. I’ve been accompanying vocalists, choirs, and worship since since the 5th grade. I’ve worked with children’s theatre, directed choirs, taught at Voyageurs and BSU, worked for the Arts Council, and much more.”

Hobbies & Interests: “My primary interests include the outdoors: walking the dog, running, biking, paddle boarding, skiing. But I also love creating things: cooking, knitting, quilting, baking. I also love a good book.”

Teaching Philosophy: “Music is essential to humanity and woven into the daily fabric of our lives. I hope to teach my students how to participate in this great human activity through training and inspiration, tailoring my teaching to their needs but keeping the whole of music as the background for learning.”

Music Instructor: Rock Band, Guitar

Music Instructor: Voice

Pronouns: she/her

Experience & Education: Vocal performance major at BSU

Hobbies & Interests: Coloring, Legos, performing in operas, musicals and plays.

Teaching Philosophy: I teach my students vocal health to make sure they can sing well, and I teach how to use the Alexander technique.

Art Instructor: Creativity Club

Nicholas Jackson is a fantasy illustrator and painter. He aims to tell fantastical stories that spark imagination and fascination.

Born and raised in Minnesota, Nicholas has been creating his art for over 15 years. He decided it was time to bring these stories to the world to help bring sparks of imagination to anyone who sees his work.

His art is created to make you look at the world around you and see that there is magic in everyday things and everyday people. Inspiration is available to us all if we only stop to look and listen.

Music Instructor: Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo

Pronouns: he/him

Experience & Education “I’ve taught music for 10 years at home and at Headwaters Music & Arts. I have sung in choirs and have taken piano and guitar lessons in the past, but am mainly self-taught.”

Hobbies & Interests: "Camping, canoeing, biking, hiking, painting with acrylic paints, playing music at home and in church.”

Teaching Philosophy: “Music is good for your mind and soul, exciting and comforting. Learning should be an enjoyable discipline, so I always blend music theory with playing or singing.”

Music Instructor: Guitar, Ukulele

Pronouns: he/him

Experience & Education: Self-taught guitarist of 21 years. Aspiring multi-instrumentalist.

Hobbies & Interests: Video production & photography, Song writing, Painting, Exploring new places, Telling jokes.

Teaching Philosophy: Everyone is creative and learns in their own way. It’s never too late. “Just do it” often works. The process is the product.

Music Instructor: Early Childhood

Pronouns: she/her

Education & Experience: Bachelor's of Music in Vocal and Instrumental Music Education from the University of North Dakota. Playing the piano for 27 years, 21 years accompanying, 13 years of teaching  piano lessons. Several years of early childhood and elementary aged group music instruction.

Hobbies & Interests: Cooking, baking, running

Teaching philosophy: Music is for everyone. We can use music to help create beautiful people.

Pottery Instructor

Pronouns: he/him

Experience & Education: “I got my ceramics and teaching education at BSU. I’ve been working on my own as a clay artist for nearly 30 years. I ran the pottery program at camp Thunderbird for girls for 14 years. I’ve been teaching at Headwaters for over 16 years.”

Hobbies & Interests: "When I’m not working with clay or spending time with my wife and dog, I enjoy physical activities outdoors including fishing, exploring with my canoe, and gardening.”

Teaching Philosophy: “I try to create a safe, relaxed atmosphere where students young and old feel free to explore their creativity at their own pace. I like to show many variations of skills and techniques so they can choose what suits them for what they wish to accomplish, with me there as a guide. I’m there to cheer successes and help diagnose problems and find solutions. In the end I want everyone to walk away happy with what they’ve done.”

Music Instructor: Percussion

Pronouns: he/him

Experience & Education: “My musical interests continued at Bemidji State University as I was earning my degree in Science Education. I play with various groups in the Bemidji area.”

Hobbies & Interests: "Hunting, camping, wood working, Stanley Kubrick, learning new things.”

Teaching Philosophy: “Practice makes improvement.”

Music Instructor: Piano, Guitar, Ukulele

Pronouns: he/him & they/them

Experience & Education: “ I was a music theatre performance major at Carthage College; I have a B.S. in Business Management form Mankato State with minors in administration and music; and I have a GTL Secondary Math Education from Mankato State.”

Hobbies & Interests: "North American Vexillological Association member (flag studies), Urban advocate, Mathematician, and Fantasy reader.”

Teaching Philosophy: “Education is a relationship between someone looking to attain knowledge or skills and someone who can lead them down that path based on their experience. Musical skill begins with the joy of performance and is grown through an understanding of music and its structures. In my experience, this means musical literacy, the application of curriculum, and active performance. We can have fun making music because making music is fun, and we take lessons, practice and listen so we can make better music.”

Music Instructor: Piano

Pronouns: he/him

Experience & Education: “I’ve had four years of high school music education and piano lessons, and now college level education. I am currently enrolled at BSU for a degree in piano pedagogy.”

Hobbies & Interests: "I enjoy trading card games. I’ve been Into MTG since I was about 13, and I used to play chess frequently when we had a club. The only other thing that has stuck around is my love for theatrical performance. My high school put on a number of plays and now I’m participating in the opera at BSU.”

Teaching Philosophy “Over my time at college I’ve been exposed to many different teaching styles and philosophies, which have their merits. What works for one student does not always work for another. I’d say the main focus is to remain flexible and draw from whatever resources you can as long as the students is responding well and progressing.”

Marketing Coordinator

Pronouns: he/him

Arden is a multidisciplinary artist, photographer, musician, and writer with over 25 years of experience in digital and print marketing. As the Marketing Coordinator for Headwaters Music & Arts, he brings award-winning designs and a wealth of expertise in branding, storytelling, and community engagement. Since moving to Bemidji in March 2022, he has found his slice of heaven and is passionate about contributing to a thriving artistic community.

Favorite Creative Outlet: Photography, music, writing, digital design, and rock collecting. Exploring geological treasures—especially Lake Superior agates and Minnesota rocks—provides endless artistic inspiration and fuels his creative process.

Favorite Thing About Headwaters: The way it brings people together through music and the arts. Creativity, connection, and community make this place special, and he’s excited to help grow its presence through meaningful outreach and storytelling.

Favorite Artist: John Lennon—not just for his creative genius, but for his ability to distill complex truths into simple, profound reflections. His artistry went beyond music; he was a philosopher at heart, shaping perspectives on life and the world in ways that continue to inspire him.

Community Engagement Coordinator

Pronouns: he/him

Favorite Creative Outlet: Hiking, camping, fishing, rock climbing, and anything else in the outdoors fill my cup! I love meeting new faces and talking to all of the talented people who come through the front door of Headwaters Music and Arts.

Favorite thing about Headwaters: I love all of the unique programs available at Headwaters Music and Arts. Our talented instructors and dedicated administrative team allow anyone to pursue interests and skills ranging from piano lessons to manga art, and almost everything in between! There is something for everyone at Headwaters Music and Arts, even if it’s simply enjoying the wonderful voices of the First City Singers on Monday afternoons.

Favorite Artist: I will always be captivated by the raspy, yet smooth, voice of Chris Stapleton. It feels like just yesterday that my sister introduced me to his hit song “Tennessee Whiskey.” Not long after first hearing his music, I bought his record on vinyl. I continued to fall in love with his voice as the record spun on many nights during my graduate schooling. I finally had the chance to see him in person at the Xcel Energy Center. Unfortunately, that experience ruined all future concerts for me, as they will never live up to Chris Stapleton.

Arts Program Manager

Pronouns: she/her

Favorite Creative Outlet: "Singing, baking, cooking, gardening, drawing, and sewing"

Favorite thing about Headwaters: “I love Headwaters because it brings art and music to the community by offering space and opportunity for anyone to be involved."

Favorite Artist(s): “Mozart is my favorite classical music artist and Ichiko Aoba, a Japanese Folk singer and songwriter, is my favorite modern musical artist. Diamond Knispel is currently my favorite painter. Her artwork tells beautiful stories that strongly resonate with me."

Executive Director

Pronouns: she/her

Favorite Creative Outlet: "Gardening, baking, reading, camping, traveling, and playing my ukulele. Just picked up a baritone uke as well. Love that rich sound!"

Favorite Thing About Headwaters: “All activities here involve creativity, learning and growth. This includes lessons, classes, clubs and events, of course, but also the work of our board and admin team. So many fine possibilities, all built on our foundation of music, art and community. I love my job."

Favorite Artist: “My heart belongs to poet Mary Oliver. Several years ago I traveled to Kansas City for a conference, mostly to see her. Was first in line at a book signing event, asked her to sign her name on the page with the poem Mindful.”