Beaver Island has always had its own song, carried on in it's musical traditions and in the hearts of its people. Through TUNES Music Makers, that song continues to grow stronger each year.

Now in our second year, TUNES has become a source of pride, connection, and inspiration for our island community. More than sixty islanders of all ages have taken lessons in guitar, piano, fiddle, mandolin, ukulele, accordion,saxophone and voice. Between our in-person lessons and our virtual course offerings, we are giving students access to opportunities in the arts that have not been available on Beaver Island in recent years.

This year, our students experienced something truly unforgettable. During our annual fundraiser, they performed publicly for the very first time before an audience of more than 175 people. The stage was filled with brave young learners and several of our “senior” students, each one beaming with pride. Their courage and joy brought the crowd to their feet.

One of our 12-year-old students opened the 2025 Bud McDonough Memorial Softball Tournament with a solo electric guitar performance of the National Anthem. It was a moment that captured the spirit of TUNES perfectly.

In the classrooms, Ruby John brought her fiddle and her contagious joy to Beaver Island Community School, introducing children to the rhythms of our island’s musical heritage. We brought an Instrument Petting Zoo to the school so students could touch, strum, and explore instruments for the first time. We also soft-launched our new Rock Band Class, giving students the chance to collaborate, build confidence, and find their voice.

The stories that have come out of this year are powerful. One young student learned a special song to play at his uncle’s memorial service. Parents tell us that music is changing their family life. Teachers have noticed that students who once struggled to find an outlet are now shining. And one mother shared that her daughter nearly gave up her instrument until TUNES offered her new ways to learn and styles that fit who she is.

These moments are the heartbeat of TUNES. They remind us why we started this program and why it must continue.

On Beaver Island, access to music education cannot be taken for granted. Ferry and airline travel, unpredictable weather, and limited resources make it challenging to sustain consistent lessons and opportunities. But with your support, we are ensuring that every child and community member has the chance to learn, grow, and connect through music.

🌟 Looking Ahead

As we move into our third full year, we are excited to keep growing. In 2026, we plan to expand group classes, strengthen our Rock Band program, and bring more teaching artists to the island. We are also working to implement a music therapy program designed to support mental health, healing, and emotional expression for students of all ages. With your help, we can make these goals a reality and ensure that the next year of TUNES is filled with even more confidence, creativity, and connection.

🎵 Your gift to TUNES for Tomorrow makes an immediate impact

$50 provides one lesson for a student
$200 covers a month of private lessons for one student
$600 sponsors a full 12-week session for one student
$1,000+ supports group classes like Rock Band and professional development

Every donation, large or small, helps us keep the music playing. Together, we are building confidence, preserving tradition, and nurturing harmony in the heart of Beaver Island.

Help us reach our $25,000 goal to sustain lessons for every child who wants to learn, expand our Rock Band program, and launch our new music therapy initiative that will support mental health and healing through the power of music.

Because when you give to TUNES, you are giving Beaver Island TUNES for Tomorrow.

Other ways you can give:

TUNES, PO Box 46, Beaver Island, MI 49782

https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/tunesmusicmakers

TUNES for Tomorrow

By TUNES Music Makers

TUNES for Tomorrow

Preserving Beaver Island's musical legacy while inspiring tomorrow's voices.

Team Members