Michigan Academy of Folk Music

★★★★★Katie Brumley

Be prepared to work hard and reap the joyful rewards. "Nate's job is to remind us that we love to play music." And love it, they do. Our home is filled with bluegrass; if my boys aren't playing banjo, mandolin, guitar, or fiddle, they're listening to the latest tune Nate recommended. "Nate knows everything!" Plant your roots deeply. While Nate is a broadly skilled musician - adept at playing many instruments in a wide variety of styles - he encourages his students to dig deeply into the tradition that inspires them. We are grateful. Thank you, Nate!

★★★★★Jane Stoepker

Taking mandolin lessons from Nate has been pure joy! He is patient, fun, kind, and incredibly talented! MAFM is a place for ALL ages. The programs for children, families, adults, teens . . . are amazing. MAFM is a welcoming place to explore all of the possibilities on what it means to make music and sing together. If there is even an inkling of trying it out, be brave and walk in the door! It is so much fun and a true gem that Holland has such a remarkable place to learn and build community through music.

★★★★★megan van

Trying to review MAFM is overwhelming. There is so much to say. This is a community unlike any other. Excellence is expected, and achieved. Students are challenged to be their best. Nate and his staff are patient and gifted teachers, musicians and mentors. Our kids consider him one of their best friends. Music is the highlight of our week. We’re so thankful Nate and Jessica put down roots and shared God’s gifts with the community around them.

★★★★★Jeff and Melissa Roessing

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

★★★★★Jennifer Wolthuis

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!