| As a young man he attended the Institute of
American Indian Arts and studied fine arts with Oscar Howe at the
University of South Dakota at Vermillion. After graduation Bryan became an
elementary school teacher for seven years. Since 1991 he has committed
himself to his chosen art and craft, the cedar flute.
In addition to being a premier Native
American flute player, Bryan is internationally known for his
craftsmanship of traditional flutes. While he says that his knowledge of
the flute is primarily self-taught, he also acknowledges "the elders,
relatives and friends" that took the time to teach him about the flute.
When one hears the depth and the age in the sound of his instruments, the
importance of this tradition becomes quite apparent. Bryan feels the
experience of making his own flutes and learning the old songs has been
nothing but a "good blessing." His music, however, is made up of the old
and the new, and he takes great pride in skillfully blending the
traditional and contemporary.
According to Akipa, "The flute can be
very relaxing and soothing. In old times it was the music for lovers. The
essence of wind, the melody of a red cedar flute, where it comes from and
where it goes is a mystery. So is everyone born of the spirit of
love."
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