Learn the fundamentals of songwriting and structure, or continue your songwriting journey, in this exciting twelve-week course! Proficiency in an instrument of choice is strongly encouraged, but not required. This session will focus more on lyrics and lyricism. 

Songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and Reeves House Bandleader Tommy Jackson brings his storied creative expertise to this class.

This is an adult level course, though younger students may attend if they show a strong interest and have parent or guardian permission. Please note that fellow students' songs may contain adult language or content.

Please email info@reevesmusic.org with any accessibility requests upon registration, and with general questions. Full refunds minus processing fees are available up to one week before class begins only. Payment plans and scholarships are available—feel free to register and select “Pay by check,” then email us for specifics. Want to sponsor another student? Your tax-deductible donation can help fund scholarships and make music classes accessible to all!

Class will run for 12 sessions over 14 weeks, with breaks the week of 10/13 and Thanksgiving week.

Class Requirements: Notebook & pen or pencil, proficiency in an instrument, recording device.

**PLEASE NOTE: This class will be held at an alternate location owned by the Reeves Theater: 125 West Depot Alley (block building behind the Reeves)**

Learn the why and how behind your favorite songs with this music theory class. Whether a seasoned player who needs a refresher, or a music beginner excited to learn how music works, this class is fabulous for all stages and skill levels. This is considered an adult level class, generally open to older teens and adults, though certain younger participants who exhibit maturity may be able to participate. Email info@reevesmusic.org with questions.

Please email info@reevesmusic.org with any accessibility requests upon registration, and with general questions. Full refunds minus processing fees are available up to one week before class begins only. Payment plans and scholarships are available—feel free to register and select “Pay by check,” then email us for specifics. Want to sponsor another student? Your tax-deductible donation can help fund scholarships and make music classes accessible to all!

Please note: This is a 12-week class taught over 14 weeks. No class the week of 10/15 or Thanksgiving week.

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Notebook/pencil, recording device (such as a smart phone), optional instrument of choice

Open to all 4th-8th graders (at any school), the Junior Appalachian Musicians program provides instruction in traditional mountain music. Elkin JAM participants may choose between banjo, guitar, fiddle, or mandolin. Instruments provided as needed.

First class: Wednesday, September 3

Fall Break: Wednesday, October 15

Thanksgiving Break: Wednesday, November 26 

Last Class/Final Performance: Wednesday, December 3

Please email elkinjam@reevesmusic.org with any accessibility requests upon registration, and with general questions.

Full refunds minus processing fees are available up to one week before class begins only. Payment plans and scholarships are available—feel free to register and select “Pay by check,” then email us for specifics. Want to sponsor another student? Your tax-deductible donation can help fund scholarships and make music classes accessible to all!

Learn the fundamentals of bluegrass banjo technique. Recommended for ages 8-14 but exceptions may be made for younger students who demonstrate readiness.

Please email info@reevesmusic.org with any accessibility requests upon registration, and with general questions or concerns about whether this class is a good fit.

Please note, this is a 12-week course taught over 14 weeks. No class the week of 10/15 or Thanksgiving week.

Full refunds minus processing fees are available up to one week before class begins only. Payment plans and scholarships are available—feel free to register and select “Pay by check,” then email us for specifics. Want to sponsor another student? Your tax-deductible donation can help fund scholarships and make music classes accessible to all!

REQUIRED MATERIALS: 5 string banjo, finger picks, tuner

PREREQUISITES: None

Learn the fundamentals of bluegrass banjo technique. This is considered an adult-level class for older teens and adult students, but exceptions may be made for dedicated younger students. Email us with questions.

Please email info@reevesmusic.org with any accessibility requests upon registration, and with general questions or concerns about whether this class is a good fit.

Please note, this is a 12-week course taught over 14 weeks. No class the week of 10/15 or Thanksgiving week.

Full refunds minus processing fees are available up to one week before class begins only. Payment plans and scholarships are available—feel free to register and select “Pay by check,” then email us for specifics. Want to sponsor another student? Your tax-deductible donation can help fund scholarships and make music classes accessible to all!

REQUIRED MATERIALS: 5 string banjo, finger picks, tuner, recording device (such as a smart phone)

PREREQUISITES: None

This class is a music education session designed to teach guitar players how to effectively use a capo to enhance their playing. In this class, students will learn how to place the capo properly, choose the correct fret to match a song’s key, and use familiar chord shapes to play in different keys. The class will include examples of songs that benefit from capo use. It’s ideal for beginners and intermediate players looking to expand their musical versatility and adapt songs to different vocal ranges or styles.

Please email info@reevesmusic.org with any accessibility requests upon registration, and with general questions or concerns about whether this class is a good fit.

Please note, this is a 12-week course taught over 14 weeks. No class the week of 10/15 or Thanksgiving week.

Full refunds minus processing fees are available up to one week before class begins only. Payment plans and scholarships are available—feel free to register and select “Pay by check,” then email us for specifics. Want to sponsor another student? Your tax-deductible donation can help fund scholarships and make music classes accessible to all!

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Guitar, notebook, pencil, recording device (such as a smart phone)

PREREQUISITES: Fundamental knowledge of your instrument of choice (advanced beginner to intermediate level) and knowledge of basic chords and strumming patterns.

Learn the fundamentals of mandolin playing and technique. This is considered an adult-level class for older teens and adult students, but exceptions may be made for dedicated younger students. Email us with questions.

Please email info@reevesmusic.org with any accessibility requests upon registration, and with general questions or concerns about whether this class is a good fit.

Please note, this is a 12-week course taught over 14 weeks. No class the week of 10/15 or Thanksgiving week.

Full refunds minus processing fees are available up to one week before class begins only. Payment plans and scholarships are available—feel free to register and select “Pay by check,” then email us for specifics. Want to sponsor another student? Your tax-deductible donation can help fund scholarships and make music classes accessible to all!

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Mandolin, picks, tuner, recording device (such as a smart phone)

PREREQUISITES: None

The Nashville Number System class teaches musicians how to communicate with other musicians and read chord charts no matter what key any song is in. They will learn to read and write chord charts using numbers instead of lettered chord names. This system allows players to quickly transpose songs into any key by representing chords as scale degrees (1, 4, 5, etc.). Please email info@reevesmusic.org with any accessibility requests upon registration, and with general questions or concerns about whether this class is a good fit.

Please note, this is a 12-week course taught over 14 weeks. No class the week of 10/15 or Thanksgiving week.

Full refunds minus processing fees are available up to one week before class begins only. Payment plans and scholarships are available—feel free to register and select “Pay by check,” then email us for specifics. Want to sponsor another student? Your tax-deductible donation can help fund scholarships and make music classes accessible to all!

REQUIRED MATERIALS: Guitar, notebook, pencil, recording device (such as a smart phone)

PREREQUISITES: Fundamental knowledge of your instrument of choice (advanced beginner to intermediate level) and knowledge of basic chords and strumming patterns.