No stranger to the ukulele world, Aaron Keim has been teaching ukulele techniques and performing at festivals since 2004. As an educator with a bachelor's degree in music education and a master's degree in musicology, his true talents lie in his ability to adapt instruction to fit a wide range of learners and learning styles. Aaron is an ambassador for old time folk music in the ukulele world, adapting banjo and guitar techniques to the ukulele (including playing in the "clawhammer" tradition). His YouTube instructional videos have gained a worldwide following and have led to teaching and performing opportunities in North America, Europe and Australia.
Aaron is also a skilled luthier. In 2007, he started his own banjo ukulele company in Colorado - with Heidi and Rob Litke - called Beansprout. They made over 100 instruments together before Aaron moved to Oregon to work for Mya-Moe Ukuleles (myamoeukuleles.com) in 2011. During his time with Mya-Moe, he was a part of building over 2,000 custom instruments and developed an interest in domestic/local/salvaged woods, vintage woodworking equipment, and traditional hand woodworking techniques. When the founders of Mya-Moe - Gordon and Char Mayer - decided to retire from ukulele building in 2018, Aaron returned to building instruments (both banjo ukuleles and standard ukuleles, as well as banjos) under the Beansprout name (thebeansprout.com).
The Quiet American is husband and wife duo, Aaron and Nicole Keim. A home-grown modern folk revival, their music incorporates traditional ballads, banjo breakdowns, raggy choruses, gospel duets and other dusty Americana gems, all delivered on a wide variety of acoustic instruments. Gathered around a single microphone, Aaron and Nicole present a concert experience that pays tribute to old time folk music traditions yet strives to connect to a modern audience. Dusty back porch or shining concert hall, The Quiet American reminds you why homemade, handcrafted, American folk music will never fade away.
