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: 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: 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."

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

Art has been a lifelong passion for me, and pottery has become one of my most rewarding creative outlets. I love sharing my skills and experience with others—whether they’re just starting out or have been creating for years—and helping them discover the joy of working with clay.

Since 2000, I’ve worked as a self-employed ceramic artist in Bemidji, MN, creating and selling handcrafted pieces, including a specialty line of aquarium art distributed to pet stores across Minnesota. In my studio, I maintain a clean, organized space to keep creativity flowing and productivity high. I value customer feedback as a way to continuously refine my designs and processes, and I’m always looking for ways to make the creation process more efficient without sacrificing artistry.

“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.”

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.”

Music Instructor: Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Sarah Hamrin (she/her) joins Headwaters Music & Arts with a BM in viola performance from Baylor University and a rich background in ensemble and solo performance across piano, violin, and viola. A repeat guest soloist with the Bemidji Symphony and finalist in the American Viola Society Collegiate Solo Competition, Sarah brings both artistry and warmth to her teaching. 

She has worked with students ages 5 to 80+, and her approach blends Suzuki-inspired philosophy with a wide range of musical literature. When not teaching, she enjoys painting, hiking, and discovering new sheet music.

“I believe there are many ways to enjoy and access music, and I hope to impart that joy to students.”

Voice Instructor

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Betsy has been using her voice in a myriad of different ways for as long as she’s been alive. From singing to public speaking and performing poetry, she’s done it all. With a background in technical singing, she knows the ins and outs to how to use her voice for whatever she needs. She has done a little of a lot in the music world, but focuses mostly on voice, piano, and dabbles in guitar and ukulele. Ask her about the kalimba she got in Capetown, South Africa or her penny whistle from Dublin, Ireland.

Experience & Education: Singing in choirs since 2001; 2 years of a Vocal Music Education major (which included private singing and piano lessons) at St Cloud State University. 3 years of coaching individual and group public speaking lessons in Speech and Debate (always favoring music and singing analogies for how to make progress on using the voice). She has also taught casual singing lessons off and on since 2017. 

Hobbies & Interests: At heart, I’m a storyteller. I have loved creating and telling stories with my friends in various settings since 2010! But, if I’m not telling stories or listening to music, you can probably find me trying (and failing) to cuddle with my cat, Capo. Or filtering through hobbies every 2-6 weeks.

Teaching Philosophy: At the end of the day, I am here to help you do something better than what you’ve been doing on your own. I want to meet you where you’re at, establish goals to where you want to be or go, and figure out a game plan to get there. I blend technique into fun and analogy-based “does that make sense” lessons. Always student-focused, building up skills and technique to create a foundation; or further build those up to break through new barriers. Finally, what drives me forward in teaching is helping foster love and passion for what has been a cornerstone in my life, and hoping to inspire someone else to pass that forward.

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.”