Harmony at the Heart of Beaver Island
TUNES Music Makers provides accessible, high-quality music education and creative opportunities to the Beaver Island community, with a special focus on improving the mental health and well-being of both young people and older adults. By fostering creativity, building confidence, and strengthening social connections across generations, we enrich lives while preserving the island’s unique musical heritage. Our mission is to ensure that every member of our community—regardless of age, background, or financial situation—can experience the transformative power of music as a tool for personal growth, emotional wellness, and cultural continuity.
Music Lessons for Every Age—With Youth at the Center
Lessons run in 12-week sessions. Before each session begins, we review registrations and award scholarships based on need and available funding. To stay true to our mission and serve the community responsibly, we prioritize scholarships for school-aged students first, followed by senior citizens, and then adults if funding remains.
And in gratitude for their service: Veterans receive music lessons at no cost.
If you are interested in lessons, we encourage you to apply under Registration.
Contact Us
- tunes@tunesmusicmakers.org
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Tunes Music Makers
PO Box 46
Beaver Island, MI 49782
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Register For Lessons
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How do you put a moment like this into words?
As Beaver Island’s Emerald Isle Irish Feile came to a close, a small corner of a deck became the setting for an extraordinary session. World-class musicians sat shoulder to shoulder with island favorites, sharing tunes for hours on our little island in the middle of Lake Michigan.
Among them were TUNES student Ronan Wearn and former student Sophie McDonough, experiencing something they may carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Their instructor Ruby John was there. Their virtual instructor, Caitriona Kennedy, had traveled from Ireland to play the Feile, and was right there playing with them, too. And sitting beside Ronan was internationally renowned icon of traditional Irish music, Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan.
For Ronan and Sophie, this was more than an unforgettable session. It was a chance to hear, feel, and be part of the living tradition they are helping carry forward.
Lessons open doors, but experiences like this are transformative.
Thank you to all the musicians who welcome Beaver Island’s young musicians into the fold.
This was a surprising and joyful closing of a very special weekend. ☘️
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
Thank you to everyone who came out to support these talented young musicians last night! Every cheer, clap, and encouraging word inspires them to keep learning, working, and playing on. 🎶
Special thank you to Circle M for hosting them and to instructor Paul for all the extra time and preparation.
Beaver Island rocks! 🤘
7 CommentsComment on Facebook