Michigan Academy of Folk Music

"Nate is not only a talented musician, he is also a gifted teacher! Our daughter was 8 when she joined MAFM & started playing the fiddle and less than 2 years later, she is able to play beautifully and confidently. Nate's approach to teaching music creates a very low stress environment. He encourages improvisation which keeps the creative energy flowing and the correction he gives in class is done in a gentle, lighthearted way. I can attest to this from a student's perspective as well. A month ago, I joined the adult guitar class with very little knowledge of how to play. Nate's group classes are small enough that he's able to give personal attention & helpful tips to each student. Now, several weeks in, I've learned how to read chord charts, play some basic songs & build technical skills (and have fun while doing it!). For any child or adult seeking to learn an instrument, MAFM is the best choice! Melissa"

"We have had two of our children do music lessons with MAFM over the past couple years and it has been a delightful experience. I love that the children are learning to play improv with others and many aspects of playing together that I never learned growing up in a classical music education. It has given them a sense of freedom to just enjoy what they are learning. Our favorite part is the community of both children and teachers that welcome all with kindness and make learning together enjoyable. We have really enjoyed the barn dances together as a family and family folk sing with our little ones this summer, also! So fun to make be able to bring the gift of music to all ages in our family. Nate and Jessica and the interns at MAFM are all top notch people, and we love our time together!"

"I cannot begin to express how lucky we feel to be involved with Michigan Academy of Folk Music. Our kids' skills on each of their instruments have progressed so quickly, and they (and us) are amazed at how soon they have been able to play with a group of others (in an ensemble) and make music that is enjoyable. Nate's teaching skills have challenged them, while at they same time encouraged them. My kids have continually become more confident and comfortable playing with and in front of others. They have also developed a real love of folk music. As folk music has such deep roots in American History, I love that they are experiencing this. Whether they stick with folk music long term or not, they will have considerable instrumental skills that can be carried forward in many different directions. Thank you so much, MAFM!"

"Being part of MAFM has given a tremendous boost to our family's musical growth. The joy of making music with friends and family has motivated my kids to progress far more quickly than independent lessons would have. Nate's gift for incorporating all skill levels to create beautiful music together makes everyone feel included and challenged. We are so grateful for MAFM!"

"We are blown away by what the kids learn and accomplish here! We have 5 kids in the program, 3 of whom just started on their instruments. After only the first semester they are playing so much better than we ever expected for such a short time. They have a large repertoire of songs and are able to play (jam) with each other - which builds amazing community. Nate not only teaches the kids to play their instruments but teaches them how to be musicians. They learn how to improvise within a key, how to take impromptu solos, and how to take a song and dress it up musically to make it your own. They learn this right from the beginning and it makes a huge difference in their confidence in their musical ability as well as their skill. Nate and Jess are very professional and make it a joy to be part of this program. Our kids love being part of this program so much that we never even have to tell them to practice. They practice on their own and then get together to jam for more practice beyond that! All on their own. That really says something. I highly, highly recommend this program!"