My favorite music stand.

Artist and craftsman, Michael Norris has been designing and creating beautiful and functional, custom-made music stands for almost 30 years. A musician in his own right, who plays harmonium and guitar, he was determined to design the perfect music stand that would meet the specific needs of fellow musicians (amateur and professional), conductors, music students and schools, church choirs, chamber ensembles, and others.

Michael handcrafts his music stands from a small shop behind his log home in the forest high about Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho. Though he lives mostly off the grid in a rural area (he hasn’t had a TV in 35 years!), Michael still ships his products to customers worldwide, and of course, across the US. He offers more than 75 designs, available in many different kinds of wood, and a variety of stains.

Though his business keeps him busy, Michael takes time to marvel at the incredible natural beauty that surrounds him. He is an avid hiker and photographer. In addition, he’s been practicing yoga for 15 years and is an accomplished dancer.

Meet Michael…
What drew you to your chosen craft?
I liked to work with my hands making stuff and was married to a musician at the time who wanted a music stand so I made her one from scratch.

What do you enjoy most about your craft?
I like the handwritten letters that customers write me to say how well-handcrafted the stands are.

Why is it important for people to make things with their own hands?
Because it helps in our economy that stuff is made here and not overseas!

In what ways are handmade goods better than those that are mass-produced?
The handmade stuff is usually better in quality and appearance and will last far longer.

What does the future hold for your type of work?
Not too sure. Hopefully, I can get a few more years of making these stands before China copies me!

[Text from Handcrafted America / Jill Wagner]

[kevinbrianjohnsonmusic]

I'd love to get one someday!! Nice!!

[shy.kumquat]

Wow they’re really beautiful. I’ve always wanted a more elegant music stand. I need to save up for one. I’m from ID so I’ll be more than happy to support a local artist.

[lolamas]

Es un atril precioso! Me recuerda la solidez de los que he visto en Iglesias y monasterios, donde se colocaban los libros que usaban los monjes en el rezo coral... El trabajo de los artesanos no tiene precio!👏👏👏👏👏

[sofie]

omg...this world I stepped in lately (playing Violin) is so full of beauty and miracles and I noticed also musicians are usually such wonderful People

so beautiful 😍 💙✨️

[aMaudPowellFan]

I love that you are so happy with the stand and the craft that it embodies. Thank you for sharing ❣️

[violinhunter]

That is uniquely interesting. I would choose a wood which would be infused with pleasant aroma, like cedar. It would be my very own musical aromatherapy piece, like some violin cleaners. My music teacher's studio was very inviting because it smelled like a library and fine wood - the stand was wood, the windows were wood, the shelves were wood, the cabinets were wood, the piano was wood, the flooring was wood, and, of course, the violins were wood.

[buffalosoldierd]

I saw this when looking for ideas on building a music stand. I guess this isn't going to be a short project. Once I saw this I can no longer build a basic stand.

[dr.shilpagowda]

Love it. Now - Where can we find the upside down lightbulb lamp?

[tiktokyouguys]

dang if my orcastra had those they wouldn’t last long. The entire room flooded severely and lots of instruments and stuff was damaged. Mold is growing in the room everywhere and it sucks. I’m a band kid tho😂