"Unprofitable Instruments"

As I deal with the craft of building medieval instruments, my fundamental attitude is one of respect. Master medieval craftsmen were capable of creating products requiring a sophistication of skill equal to monuments of any age since. From the lofty Gothic cathedral to the intimate illuminated manuscript, they excelled in their craft. My time spent studying the British Museum citole has shown me t

06/01/2026

This past year I did something crazy and even more "unprofitable" than building medieval instruments. I started a Montessori high school on my family's old growth oak forest in the suburbs of St Paul, MN. It has been an incredible experience!

Even though it wasn't profitable in the traditional sense, just like my beloved instrument business, OFA gave back in so many ways. First, I spent a lot more time in our beautiful forest! I watched the forest embrace the teenagers, giving them a place to work with their hands, discover with their minds, and explore their social roles with their peers. And I saw the students shape and improve the forest, removing invasive plants, foraging for healthy ones, and protecting native species. Together, students, teachers, and I, responded to the needs and opportunities of the moment, creating a powerful innovative school.

As the school year wraps up I am looking forward to returning to long hours in the workshop!

If you would be so inclined, you can support my school through a monetary donation, or by simply following us on Facebook.

www.OFAmontessori.com
https://givebutter.com/spring-2026-fundraiser-b2mtuc
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61569502293514

Oak Forest Academy Oak Forest Academy is a Montessori High School in Shoreview, MN. We are a community for curious, passionate students who love to think beyond the traditional classroom.

04/30/2026

This vielle is currently heavier at the peg end than the body end—a very disorienting feeling. It is very satisfying to have the body so thin already!

04/23/2026

Chipping away at Vielle #10.

04/13/2026

Nothing like taking one of the last steps on one vielle and one of the first steps on another in quick succession!

04/10/2026

It’s that time again: Battle Abbey vielle #10, ready to start!

03/27/2026

Last year at Kalamazoo I was fascinated by tool marks on unfinished medieval artifacts, including what seemed like unnecessary variety within a small space. Today I noticed that my own work bore a variety of tool marks, dependent upon the grain of the wood and the relationship between the workbench, the object, and my body. I feel a little bit wiser.