Talented musicians who bring Butch Hall flutes to life.
R. Carlos Nakai is the world's premier performer of the Native American flute, with over 50 albums spanning four decades and two Grammy nominations. Of Navajo-Ute heritage, Nakai transformed the Native American flute from a courtship instrument into a globally recognized concert and recording medium. Nakai's journey with the flute began after a car accident ended his promising trumpet career. He turned to the traditional cedar flute and discovered a voice that would carry indigenous music to audiences worldwide. His debut album Changes (1983) was among the first commercially released Native American flute recordings, and his catalog has since sold over 4 million copies. Nakai's artistry extends across genres — from solo traditional pieces to collaborations with symphony orchestras, jazz ensembles, and world music artists. His recordings with Butch Hall flutes showcase the concert-quality voice and precision tuning that Butch's instruments are known for. The rich, clear projection of a Butch Hall concert flute has been Nakai's choice for recordings requiring a powerful, centered tone that holds its own in ensemble settings. Beyond performance, Nakai is a dedicated educator and advocate for indigenous music traditions. He has lectured at universities worldwide and received numerous honors including the Arizona Governor's Arts Award and induction into the Arizona Music & Entertainment Hall of Fame.
Peter Phippen is a Grammy-nominated musician, composer, and one of the most versatile Native American style flute artists performing today. A long-time player of Butch Hall flutes, Peter's music weaves together world flute traditions, electronic soundscapes, and the deep, resonant voice of the Native American cedar flute. Peter's musical journey spans decades and continents. He has performed at major festivals, concert halls, and sacred sites around the world — from Sedona's red rocks to ancient temples in Japan. His recordings have earned multiple Native American Music Awards (NAMMYs) and a Grammy nomination, establishing him as one of the most decorated artists in the Native American flute community. What sets Peter apart is his commitment to pushing the instrument's boundaries while honoring its roots. He's a pioneer of multi-flute performance techniques, often playing several Butch Hall flutes in a single concert — from the bright, singing Little Bird in B minor to the thunderous Concert D minor in walnut. He favors Butch's concert flutes for their precision nest and ±.002" drilling accuracy, which give him the reliable intonation and projection he needs for professional recording and live performance. Peter is also a passionate educator who leads flute workshops and retreats across the country. He's introduced thousands of people to the Native American style flute, often recommending Butch Hall's basic flutes as the ideal starting instrument for their approachable hole spacing and forgiving breath response. Based in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Peter continues to record, perform, and teach, bringing the healing voice of the Native American flute to new audiences while deepening the practice of experienced players.