Nora Tennant received a grant from the Fletcher Bright Memorial Grant for Young Musicians and the Bill Breen Bluegrass Youth Education Fund last year, which helped pay for fiddle lessons and ensemble coaching at the Michigan Academy of Folk Music. “I’m so thankful to the IBMA Foundation for providing me with this opportunity,” Nora said.
“Fiddle is something new to me. I have significant experience in the classical world, but my brothers have been very involved in the folk school. I have busked with them, and became increasingly interested in fiddle music, especially bluegrass and Irish styles. When I took fiddle classes at the Michigan Academy of Folk Music, I learned how to solo, chop, play different kinds of backup, play fills, and much more! Since this semester taking fiddle, I have improved much as a fiddler and as a musician.”
Ensemble work at camp focused on new rhythms, back-up styles, chords, and songs, Nora said. “A crucial part of learning how to play with others has come from ensemble class, as I play with a variety of instruments, ages, and levels. Because of the ensemble I am able to play much more efficiently with my brothers in downtown Holland as we busk to make money for music lessons. It’s been a joy this year because in addition to learning so much about music, I made new friends and have learned to enjoy music in a new way.
“Without the help of the IBMA Foundation, I could not have attended the Michigan Academy of Folk Music (MAFM) last year. I am deeply grateful, and I hope to continue pursuing fiddle at MAFM and reaching new levels of musicianship,” she said. “Thank you!”
RETURN to the March 2026 issue of The Cornerstone.
Photo: Nora Tennant, second from right, performs with her ensemble.
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