Headwaters School of Music and the Arts

Headwaters School of Music and the Arts opened in 1992 offering private music instruction. Since then, we have expanded into a non-profit, multi-disciplinary community center for the arts found in the heart of Bemidji's downtown, known less formally as Headwaters Music & Arts.  All of our activities are inspired by - and shaped by - our vision statement: “Seek Music, Engage the Arts, Build Community.” We are home to a whole range of music, art and community experiences, and are proud of what we have to offer.  

When you support us with your dollars, time, or ideas, you allow Headwaters Music & Arts to dream a little bigger. Because of the donations we've received, we've been able to start a rock band program, expand our art and pottery offerings and make our lighting and heating more energy efficient. Come January we will have beautiful indoor and outdoor signs that include Ojibwe language translations. 2022 Give to the Max contributions support our financial assistance program for youth interested in music lessons, art or pottery classes, and summer camps. This means that because of you, we will be able to continue to make art and music experiences happen for all those who dream about making music, creating art, and, in the best of all possible ways, reaching their full potential.  

As an independent nonprofit organization guided by an all-volunteer board of directors and a pledge of fiscal responsibility, we seek to inspire creativity through music and art and thereby strengthen our organization and our programs. To accomplish our work, we are committed to the following values: 

Inclusion and Diversity No one misses out. We value access to the arts for all, and strive to create an environment in which the arts and arts education is accessible to all.

Empowerment Dreams come true here. We value our role as a caring, fun-loving and nurturing place to learn, teach, and grow.

Creativity and Innovation We imagine the possibilities. We meet the art and music needs of the community. We are committed to developing diverse funding sources to transform the imagined into reality.

Collaboration and Community Building  We are stronger together. We value relationship within our Headwaters family, with other arts organizations, and among our friends in the greater Bemidji community.

We at Headwaters Music & Arts- our admin and instructing staff, our volunteers and board members, and our community partner and supporters - are proud of what we do here. What we do matters.  We know, deep in our bones, that we make a difference. Thank you, thank you, for your interest and for your support. And stop by sometime for a visit or a quick look around!