Andy May is a soft-spoken man who calls children “youngsters” and adults “folks.” His talent as a musician and teacher is undisputed, but he’s likely best known as the founder of the Acoustic Kids Showcase. The showcase is a non-competitive “Opry-style” performance program that allows musicians [16] and younger to perform on professional stages at festivals around the country.
Educator
Andy as Educator
Sara Watkins: Andy May’s Acoustic Kids
Andy has a remarkable ability to make kids feel welcomed and valued as a person and musical contributors. I’m so glad Acoustic Kids has stayed involved in the community, because not only does it give all these kids good memories, but as they grow up, they’ll remember that their contribution is important. – Sara Watkins (Website) ⇨ Read more
Tennessee Arts Commission, Arts in Education: Andy’s School Program
Andy May has tremendous respect among traditional musicians nationwide. [He] has developed a program that … is devoted to the preservation of American traditional music. …The materials presented in his performances work well with the PBS documentary series “American Roots Music”….
—Hayden Roberts, Tennessee Arts Commission, Arts Education Director
Tennessee Arts Commission Folklife Program – Andy’s School Program
I thoroughly endorse and encourage your continued work in this area, and I think you’re uniquely situated to help implement future programming of this sort. Every school should be lucky enough to benefit from it.
—Robert Cogswell, Tennessee Arts Commission Folklife Program Director
Canton, CT, Creative Arts Council: School Program
Your ability to communicate with the children and adapt your program to the response of the audience and the different age levels …was most impressive.
—Sue Norland, Canton Creative Arts Council, Canton, CT
Canton, CT, Creative Arts Council: School Program
Your ability to communicate with the children and adapt your program to the response of the audience and the different age levels …was most impressive.
—Sue Norland, Canton Creative Arts Council, Canton, CT
Cultural Organization of the Arts, RI: Andy May’s School Program
His music and songs are simple and meaningful; his manner is easygoing and conversational. He not only shares his music with students, but also the creative process through which songs are written and instruments are mastered.—Joan Gardner, Cultural Organization of the Arts, RI