“Seek Music, Engage the Arts, Build Community”

The Headwaters School of Music and the Arts works daily toward fulfilling this mission. In September of 1992 the school opened, offering private music lessons with seven teachers and 72 students. In 1997, HSMA purchased a building at 519 Minnesota Avenue in Bemidji and entered a new era as a full-service community school of the arts. With incredible community support offered through donations of time, materials, expertise, and monetary gifts, the building has become a place where a wide variety of arts activities take place, from orchestra concerts and children’s productions in the main performance area to large-scale projects like clay, arts, and mural painting in the arts studio.

A full schedule of art and music classes is offered for all ages. Private lessons are available in a variety of disciplines, as well as group classes and workshops. Classes are designed to enrich the arts education of school children, and to unlock the creative potential of teens and adults. Both the experienced artist and the novice who is interested in trying something new will find opportunities at HSMA.

The HSMA Presentation Series brings artists of regional and national acclaim to Bemidji for performances, and the First City Celebration in July has grown into a full-scale celebration of the arts.

HSMA is a private non-profit school with a 501 (c) 3 designation. We are supported not only through tuition for our programs, but also through grants from various arts organizations and agencies, and through memberships and contributions from the community. HSMA is committed to allowing arts access for all, and financial aid programs are available.

We welcome you to talk with us and join our family of artists, budding artists, and appreciators of the fine arts.