Tricia Andrews, Executive Director

Pronouns She, her, hers

Her favorite creative outlet "Creative outlets include gardening, baking, reading, camping, traveling, and playing my ukulele. Just picked up a baritone uke as well. Love that rich sound!"

Why she loves Headwaters “All activities here involve creativity, learning and growth. This includes lessons, classes and 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."

Family “I have three adult children and three grandchildren, and am close to my extended family, especially my sisters."

Her 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.”

Tanja Bennett, Accounts Billing & Bookkeeping

Pronouns She, her, hers

Her favorite creative outlet "Music and Art!"

Why she loves Headwaters “The staff and feeling in the building."

Family “Cat, horse, fish... One son in the area and one Grandchild."

Her favorite artists “John Prine and James Taylor"

Natalie Gille, Music Program Manager

Pronouns She, her, hers

Diamond Knispel, Marketing & Web Manager

Pronouns She, her, hers

Her favorite creative outlet "I am a painter/writer and I love to read and listen to music. I also enjoy graphic design and audio/video editing which I do at Headwaters and through my own small business where I am also an audio engineer. I love mixing sound at live music events, but even if I'm not working a show I really just love watching bands and dancing. Beyond that I find a whole lot of joy in fixing and building things."

Why she loves Headwaters “I lived in Bemidji, moved away, traveled, and then came back. When I came back I was looking for local places to bring my creative energies to. That got me through the door. When I met Tricia as she started as the Executive Director she was so kind and I felt so accepted and welcome. I had just walked in to hang up a poster and she stopped me for a chat so I handed her my business card. When she called me a few weeks later offering me an opportunity to teach I was so excited to find out Headwaters was the accepting and open place I had been looking for. Ever since I have watched other artists teach, display art, play music, hold events and every time I am stoked how welcoming the whole community and staff are. Headwaters gives hardworking creatives opportunities. I love getting to be a part of that."

Family “I share my life with my husband and best friend, Cassidy, and our sweet cat, Lady Gray.”

Her favorite artists “I have so many favorite artists and I can never seem to answer this question with just one! Norman Rockwell, Wassily Kandinsky, and Beatrix Potter are some of my favorite visual artists. Led Zeppelin, Nina Simone, Metallica and Jimi Hendrix are some of my favorite musicians. And then Maya Angelou and Mark Twain are some of my favorite authors.”

Cassidy Jay Schlauderaff, Arts Program Manager, Building Maintenance, & Technical Support

Pronouns He, him, his

His favorite creative outlet "I am a multi instrumentalist and composer. My main instruments of choice are guitar and drums but I also enjoy singing as well as playing bass and keys. I spend most of my evenings writing, playing, producing and recording music. I also love jamming with others and playing shows as I'm able. "

Why he loves Headwaters “I love Headwaters due to its open and positive atmosphere where creatives can come to learn and to share. It offers so many opportunities for growth and experience in the music and arts realm and is a gem in northern Minnesota because of this."

Family “My wife, Diamond, and our family kitty cat, Lady Gray.”

His favorite artists “There are so many musicians who are my favorite creatives and influences. They include but are not limited to: Charlie Hunter, Eddie Roberts, Brant Bjork, Wes Montgomery, Grant Green, Adam Deitch, Stanton Moore, Julian Lage, Jimi Hendrix, Dave Grohl, Dustin Kensrue, Teppei Teranishi, Les Claypool, Melvin Sparks, Jaco Pastorius, Kenny Burrell, J.J. Cale, Bob Marley, B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Freddy King, Buddy Guy, T-Bone Walker, Mahto Nanji, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Flea, Josh Homme, Mario Lalli, Gary Arce, Alfredo Hernandez, Chris Forsyth, Cedric Burnside, Jason Simon, Jack White, Eric Krasno, Guthrie Trap, Yussef Dayes and Stefan Koglek just to name a few!”

Annalise Aakhus, Music Instructor teaching Voice, Piano

Pronouns She, her, hers

Primary Instrument Voice

Experience & Education “Hello! I have been teaching voice for more than a decade and have taken voice lessons that entire time, as well! I love and live to teach classical vocal music. I attend BSU with a focus on music education with an emphasis on voice”

Hobbies & Interests “I love to build my life around a healthy opera voice, so, I love to practice, jog, meditate, compose, perform and be 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! I LOVE to sing and we work hard to strengthen head voice and falsetto to create our strongest voice possible.”

Julia Anderson, Music Instructor teaching Violin, Viola, Piano, Music & Movement, Mini Musician

Pronouns She, her, hers

Primary Instrument Violin, Viola, beginning Piano

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

Family "My husband Dane, four kids: Ethan, Connor, Dylan and Gavin and our cat Rachel."

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."

Luke Bastian, Music Instructor teaching Piano

Pronouns He, him, his

Primary Instrument Piano

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

Hobbies & Interests "Music, Gaming, Swimming."

Teaching Philosophy “With the right guidance and teaching anyone can learn how to play music, because music is for everyone."

Leisa Bragg, Music Instructor teaching Clarinet, Piano, Voice, Guitar

Pronouns She, her, hers

Primary Instrument Clarinet

Experience & Education “I have a BME from University of Northern Colorado with 30+ yrs of music teaching experience.”

Hobbies & Interests “Playing music, concerts, reading, cooking.”

Teaching Philosophy “Everyone can be a successful music student.”

Sawyer Corcoran, Fiddle

Pronouns He, him, his

Tom Daly, Adult Pottery, Youth Pottery

Pronouns He, him, his

Primary Medium Pottery

Experience & Education “I got my ceramics and teaching education at Bemidji State University. 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 about clay at Headwaters for over 16 years.”

Family “My family here in Bemidji consists of me, my wife, and our adopted son who is a wonderful scottish terrier.”

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 pick and 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.”

Kathy Douglas, Music Instructor teaching Cello

Pronouns She, her, hers

Primary Instrument Cello

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 am new to teaching cello, but have had a lot of experience in teaching children as a former girl scout leader, youth and family director, para professional and now a social worker. ”

Family "I was born and raised in Bemidji, MN. My family roots go back to the start of the 20th century in this area- as homesteaders and loggers. I am married to my high school sweetheart and we have three girls."

Hobbies & Interests “I enjoy many hobbies and interests. I enjoy playing cello, singing, gardening, and I am a maker and 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 at. I like connecting with my students through their personal interests and curiosity to refine and enrich their knowledge while learning and exploring their instrument."

Kari Ekhoff, Music Instructor teaching Voice, Piano, Musical Theater Camp

Pronouns She, her, hers

Caleb Erickson, Music Instructor teaching Guitar

Pronouns He, him, his

Primary Instrument Guitar

Experience & Education “My education is improving each day. For those seeking a more “customary” answer, I have a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy. Life and music, in my opinion, are two words describing a singular process. The harmony we cultivate within our lives is infused with the music we play. That being said, 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. I’ve been teaching here since 2005.”

Family “(My family) is loving, supportive, and charismatic. If you care more about what they do, consider the following: my dad is an ex-professional hockey player turned businessman, my mom is a doctor, my eldest and youngest brother are businessmen and my other younger brother is a cell biologist. I’m the eccentric visionary with delusions of grandeur…”

Hobbies & Interests “Philosophy, Science, Music, Art, Meditating, Nature, Reading, Writing, Chess, Yoga, Positive Psychology, exercising, playing with adorable animals, and doing anything that’s life-enhancing.”

Teaching Philosophy “Music should be fun… period! My goal is to make this instrument so mind-numbingly enjoyable that it requires no effort whatsoever to invest the necessary time for gaining 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 countless other styles. Whatever direction you want to take, I will do my best to get you there – this is your journey… I’m merely a guide.”

Brooke Johnston, Music Instructor teaching Piano

Pronouns She, her, hers

Timothy Johnston, Art Club Instructor, Adult Pottery

Pronouns He, him, his

Primary Medium Ceramics, plaster, mold making, painting, printmaking

Experience & Education “BA in art from BSU.”

Family “Wife Brooke, sons Landon and Zander.”

Hobbies & Interests "Photography, Tikis, Scuba diving, ”

Teaching Philosophy “I believe that students are capable of doing great work at any age, and my job is to inspire and empower them to think and work like artists, while working alongside peers. I challenge students to try new things and to achieve what they thought they couldn't.”

Diamond Knispel, Art  Instructor, Marketing & Web Manager

Pronouns She, her, hers

Primary Medium Acrylic Paint

Experience & Education “I have known I wanted to be an artist since I was a kid. When I was 11 years old I checked out a book from the public library on pencil picture-perfect portraits and by age 12 I was taking commissions. I began teaching art at age 19, first as a tutoring gig and then as a teacher for group classes . I have also had the privilege of working with folks with disabilities for many years. My first job was at Aitkin County DAC at age 16 and I continued to work at DAC’s into adulthood. One of my first teaching gigs was teaching art to folks with disabilities which really was a learning opportunity for my own art as I began to think of media and art with a more accessible lens. I currently work as an artist, teacher, and the Marketing & Website Manager here at Headwaters!”

Family “I share my life with my husband and best friend, Cassidy, and our sweet cat, Lady Gray.”

Hobbies & Interests “When I am not painting I love exploring the wild world and I always carry a camera for taking reference photos. I also find joy in writing, mechanics, building things, and mixing sound. Sometimes I take my motorcycle out for a spin.”

Teaching Philosophy “Anyone can be an artist, it just takes practice. The world is made up of shapes and colors and anyone can find a creative way to depict those. I find joy in meeting my students where they are on their creative journey and working with them to get them a bit further down the path. Art should be fun to create and fun to learn!”

Chloe Knott, Music Instructor teaching Piano, Violin

Pronouns She, her, hers

Primary Instrument Piano, Violin

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

Family "I live with my parents and five siblings!"

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!"

Steve Kvale, Music Instructor teaching Violin, Piano, Guitar

Pronouns He, him, his

Primary Instrument Violin

Experience & Education “I worked as a mental health professional before retiring. I play violin with the orchestra. I have played in a quartet and have jammed with friends over the years.”

Family “My family circle includes three adult sons and a granddaughter.”

Hobbies & Interests "Chess, long walks, practicing the violin.”

Teaching Philosophy “I wish to support students that are in the beginning stage of music making in a way that instruction is enjoyable, yet challenging. It is hoped that playing music will be intrinsically rewarding.”

Rolf Lund,  Music Instructor teaching Guitar, Ukulele, Banjo

Pronouns He, him, his

Primary Instrument Guitar

Experience & Education “(I have) taught music for 10 years at home and at Headwaters Music & Arts”

Family “(My family is) myself and my wife Lisa”

Hobbies & Interests "Outdoor activities, biking, hiking, canoeing, camping”

Teaching Philosophy “To inspire students to want to learn more and find the joy in playing music.”

Corey Medina,  Music Instructor teaching Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitar, Bass, Rock Band Program

Pronouns He, him, his

Primary Instrument Guitar

Experience & Education “I was gifted my first guitar when I was 12 years old and was taught 12 bar blues by a family friend. From there I was a part of a Native youth music team where I learned chords and how to play lead with a band. I traveled all over the country with that band for 9 years. I sat in as a music teacher at Aurora Waasakone Community of Learners for a year, while also being their Native Liaison. All my life I have found my way towards teaching or mentoring others, from doing a TedXTalk in Gull Lake, MN, speaking at school youth rallies with my band or mentoring other musicians.”

Family “I am Dine (Navajo) from New Mexico and moved to Bemidji in 2012 to be with my, now wife Cassandra. This year I will be celebrating 10 years of being married and have 2 kids in elementary school. In 2016, my parents and 3 younger sisters moved up from New Mexico to share a house with us in Northern MN”

Hobbies & Interests "Guitar is almost always my go-to hobby. I love any time I can be learning something new or pushing myself to learn a new style. Other hobbies include drawing with my kids, working out (most recently boxing), doing design work on Adobe Illustrator and in the summer, I try to get in as much motorcycle riding as I can.”

Teaching Philosophy “Music is powerful, but the power comes from you and your life’s experiences. Music is whatever you need it be, but when you create it, it’s a fulfillment that makes all time, practice and courage to try to make music, all worth it.”

Steven Nicoson, Viola, Piano, Violin

Pronouns He, him, his

Vincent Noble, Music Instructor teaching Voice, Piano, Guitar, Ukulele

Pronouns He, him, they, them

Primary Instrument Voice

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

Family “(My family is) wife Crystal Noble, clarinetist and current HMA board member; brother Ray Noble, music teacher and bass player/sound tech for Blonde and the Bohunk; mother, Nadine Meyer, church pianist and former director of music; father, Don Noble, guitarist and vocalist; and Baby Noble TBD.”

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.”

NikkiLee Nolden, Music Instructor teaching Piano, Guitar, Ukulele, Voice

Pronouns She, her, hers

Primary Instrument Voice

Experience & Education “I have a B.A. in Music Performance with Vocal Emphasis and am in my 3rd year teaching General Music, Choir, and Band at Schoolcraft Learning Community.”

Family "My family lives here in Bemidji!”

Hobbies & Interests “I enjoy photography and interior design and playing with my dog and 2 cats. They're pretty great.”

Teaching Philosophy “I think everyone is able to participate in music and at any age. I strive to keep a nurturing and welcoming personality and environment where people aren't afraid to express themselves through music”

Tom Nord, Music Instructor teaching Percussion

Pronouns He, him, his

Primary Instrument Guitar

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.”

Family “The Nord family of Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Bemidji.”

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

Teaching Philosophy “Practice makes improvement.”

Wyatt Parthun, Music Instructor teaching Piano

Pronouns He, him, his

Primary Instrument Piano

Experience & Education “I’ve had four years of high school music education and piano lessons, and also a year of college level education. I am currently enrolled at BSU for a degree in piano pedagogy so my college experience will continue to increase.”

Family “My family and I have always lived around Bemidji and both of my parents graduated from Bemidji State University. My grandfather was a music professor at BSU for a while, and my mother also went to BSU for a music degree. My dad was the 'strange' one since his degree is in criminal justice. They always like to joke about me carrying on the family legacy of music, but I guess it isn’t so far from the truth.”

Hobbies & Interests "Up until college I would tell everyone my hobbies were playing the piano and singing. However, now that I’m pursuing that more seriously, I’m not sure they count (as hobbies) anymore. I do also enjoy trading card games quite a lot. I’ve been Into MTG since I was about 13, and I also used to play chess rather frequently when we had a club. I’ve dabbled in a lot of other things, but the only other thing that has stuck around is my love for theatrical performance. My highschool put on a number of plays and now I’m participating in the opera at BSU.”

Teaching Philosophy “I’m not sure I have a teaching 'philosophy’ per se. Over my time at college I’ve been exposed to a ton of different teaching styles and philosophies and I have found that many of them have their merits. I also think it’s important to note that what works for one student does not always work for another. So if anything, 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.”

Steven Radley, Music Instructor teaching Trombone

Pronouns He, him, his

Primary Instrument Trombone

Experience & Education “Bass Trombonist in the summer community band. I’ve enjoyed 6 years of playing with the Bemidji Symphony Orchestra. I’ve taught brass players from beginning to High School level lessons. (I have a) B.A. Trombone Performance BSU”

Family “We are originally from Southern MN. I live in Bemidji, my Mom and Dad live in Luverne, MN, two sisters – Kristen & Melissa live in Sioux Falls. I have two nieces and one nephew.”

Hobbies & Interests "Listening to new music, biking, board games, bread baking, concerts.”

Teaching Philosophy “Listen, Warm-up, Practice, Repeat… Do this for 20 minutes a day and you’re set”

Casey Rasmussen, Music Instructor teaching Piano, Clarinet, Trumpet, Voice, Rock Band Program

Pronouns She, her, hers

Primary Instrument Piano, Voice, Clarinet

Experience & Education “I have been teaching and working in music since 2013. When I was in college, I assistant taught and conducted small and large bands and orchestras. I have also taught private lessons for all band instruments, voice, and piano. Recently, I have been co-teaching the Headwaters Rock Band Program as well! I graduated with my degree in music education and adaptive special education in 2018 and I have so loved working with music in a way that everyone can understand.

"All of my experiences add up to teaching my students in an individualized way so that they can all learn and succeed in their own way.”

Family "I live in Bemidji with my fiancé, our daughter, and our cat Clover. My family lives all over Wisconsin and Minnesota, some are even out in Georgia and California! We love to paint and watch movies when we aren't playing with friends, or hanging out with family.”

Hobbies & Interests “I like to do all sorts of things that have nothing to do with each other. Cooking, baking, crocheting, singing, playing music with friends, trying new foods, drawing and painting, learning about anatomy and psychology, reorganizing my home, and taking care of my plants.”

Teaching Philosophy “I believe that everyone, of any age or skill level, can see success when they are learning. I do my best to always be a consistent and predictable teacher so that my students know they can trust me and have an honest relationship. I value having a good connection with my students, and I celebrate every accomplishment no matter how small.
I find new ways to better teach my students and strive to be the best teacher I can for all learning styles. Everyone is welcome in my studio!”

Maranda Stauffacher, Art Club Instructor, Lil Artist

Pronouns She, her, hers

Primary Medium Fiber arts

Experience & Education “BA in theater production.”

Family “Two sons, a cat, two guinea pigs, and two hermit crabs."

Hobbies & Interests "Making historical and cosplay costumes, 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.”

Mary Thoreson, Music Instructor teaching Piano

Pronouns She, her, hers

Primary Instrument Piano

Experience & Education “I studied piano for 12 years and have been playing for 53 years and I still love to play! I also have a Master’s in music composition and I look forward to returning to writing music again when I retire as an Occupational Therapist.
"I started accompanying my Dad when I was in 5th grade and have been accompanying vocalists, choirs, and worship ever since. My favorite musical activity is jamming with other musicians. I have worked with children’s theatre, high schoolers , directed choirs, taught at Voyageurs and BSU, worked for the Arts Council, and more things than I can remember.”

Family "I am lucky to have a loving husband, Terry Nielsen, 3 grown children and 1 awesome grandson who lights up my world.”

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

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

Conner Tollefson, Music Instructor teaching Violin, Piano

Pronouns He, him, they

Primary Instrument Violin

Experience & Education “(I am a) current student at Bemidji State University.”

Family “I have a lovely old cat named Scrooge.”

Hobbies & Interests “Besides music I am drawn to many artistic pursuits, primarily drawing, but dabbling in new art forms in of itself has become a hobby too.”

Teaching Philosophy “All playing is an application of the basics, the more advanced you get the more important those basics get. So it's very important to develop a strong foundation for your playing.”

Carolyn Towler, Music Instructor teaching Piano, Trumpet

Pronouns She, her, hers

Primary Instrument Piano

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."

Family "I have a husband and three step daughters who all live in the Bemidji area.”

Hobbies & Interests “My hobbies & interests are gardening, bird watching, wildflower ID, biking, cross country skiing and dogs!”

Teaching Philosophy “My teaching philosophy is to teach the basics as each child 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.”