Welcome to RiverFlutes. I'm Dylan Hays, an artisan flute maker with deep roots in Native American and Nordic heritage. Each flute I create is handcrafted with care, blending two rich cultural traditions into instruments that sing with authenticity and soul.
My journey as a maker is one of honoring the past while crafting something new — every flute tells a story, and I invite you to be part of it.
Growing up Lumbee in Robeson County, I was shaped by the rich heritage of my people and the traditions of my Scottish and Nordic ancestors. My path to flute making began simply — with a pocket knife, tiki torches for bamboo, and a YouTube video from my good friend Charlie of BlueBearFlutes as my guide. What started as curiosity became a calling. Today, every flute I craft carries the spirit of those humble beginnings and the wisdom passed down through generations. I make each instrument by hand, honoring both my Native American roots and the Nordic craftsmanship in my blood, creating flutes that bridge cultures and speak to the soul.