Headwaters Summer Sampler Special

Thinking about learning an instrument, but not sure where to start? Try out what feels right with our Summer Music Sampler- a fun, flexible way for kids, teens, and adults to explore music lessons at a discounted rate!

June - August, 2026 | $100.00 for 4 Lessons

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Discover the joy of creativity at Headwaters Music & Arts!

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

Share your Voice!

As part of our organization’s strategic planning, we want to hear from our community! We currently have two surveys available: one for current participants, and a separate survey for members of our wider community who have not yet joined the Headwaters family. We appreciate your time and input as we plan for the future!

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.

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

Upcoming Events & Announcements

  • Annie Humphrey & Friends Benefit Concert

    Social Hour: 5:30–7:00 PM in the Headwaters parking lot
    Concert: 7:00 PM $10-$50 sliding scale


    Join us for a special evening of music, community, and celebration with Anishinaabe folk singer Annie Humphrey from the Leech Lake Reservation. Annie’s powerful voice and storytelling reflect the beauty, struggle, and spirit of life in the North. The concert will feature performances by Annie Humphrey along with special guests Justice Humphrey and poet Brian Babb.

    Social Hour highlights:
    Food and activities provided by Annie Humphrey and Fire in the Village, Kwe Humphrey and VES families, and Headwaters Music & Arts volunteers. Proceeds from food sales support the Voyageurs student scholarship fund.

    All proceeds help support free music lesson opportunities for students through the Headwaters Music & Arts and Voyageurs Expeditionary School partnership. Come be part of an evening rooted in music, generosity, creativity, and community connection.

  • Berry Colander Pottery Workshop

    Workshop: June 13 | 4-6 PM
    Glazing Session: June 20 | 4-6 PM

    Ages 16+

    Clay, glaze, and firing are included, and a variety of pottery tools will be available in the studio for participants to use.

    Financial Assistance Available: Headwaters Financial Assistance Application

    Create your own handmade berry colander in this hands-on pottery workshop. Participants will shape and design a functional colander from clay, learning techniques for forming, trimming, and creating drainage holes that make the piece both beautiful and practical for rinsing fresh berries and produce. After the pieces have been fired, participants will return to the studio to glaze their colanders, adding color and finishing touches before the final firing.

  • Botanical Impressions Pottery Workshop

    ~ SOLD OUT ~

    Workshop: 10-3:30PM 2 hour break for drying at 11:30
    Glazing Session: July 25th 12-2PM

    Ages 16+

    Clay, glaze, and firing are included, and a variety of pottery tools will be available in the studio for participants to use.

    Financial Assistance Available: Headwaters Financial Assistance Application

    Capture the beauty of nature in clay in our Botanical Impressions Pottery Workshop, led by potter Tom Daly. In this hands-on experience, you’ll press leaves, flowers, and natural textures into clay to create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the organic world around you. With guided instruction and plenty of room for creativity, you’ll explore surface design techniques while crafting functional or decorative pottery.

    Participants are encouraged to bring any plants or flowers they’d like to use in their pieces, but a variety will also be provided if you don’t have your own.

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.

  • 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!

  • 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!