We provide acoustic music education in a social context, upholding the highest standards of technical and creative development.

We do this through:

• group and private lessons, ensemble playing, and community jams,

• apprenticeship and advanced study programs,

• intimate and family-friendly live performances featuring world-class artists, &

• shared musical repertoire and appreciation, creative works, and community outreach.

Founded by Nate Roberts, Michigan Academy of Folk Music (MAFM) was born out of a desire to build community. Its creation was a movement away from a western music education system that is often built upon individualism, perfectionism and competitiveness. None of these help to foster true creativity, and they certainly don’t inspire confidence in young artists. Our firm belief is that the very highest standard of music education can be upheld while at the same time creating a welcoming and spacious atmosphere that encourages students of all levels to try, fail and continue trying.

Immersed primarily in the interactive, improvisational and accessible traditions of Bluegrass and Old-Time music, students at MAFM are gently pushed to go beyond the page and experience music as first and foremost a social activity. Through group classes, ensemble playing, community jams and events, interactive workshops, and live performances, students grow collectively, and develop together not only as technicians of their instrument, but also as musicians that are truly creative, confident and free.