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 2

No Class: 9/23 and 11/25

Last Class/Final Performance: Wednesday, December 2

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 this wonderful instrument in Fiddle Level 1. With a focus on traditional Surry County and Appalachian music, this class is perfect for students who are new to the fiddle or hoping to pick it back up after a long time away.

This is an adult level class but is open to fiddle students aged 13 and up who are able to participate at an adult level, or even to younger students accompanied by an adult who is also participating in the class.

What to bring: Fiddle (we may be able to provide an instrument, email info@reevesmusic.org to inquire), notebook and/or recording device, water.

Prerequisites: None, but a fundamental musical understanding is helpful.

Please note: This is a 12-week class taught over 13 weeks. There is no class the week of Thanksgiving.

The banjo is an ancient and fascinating instrument, and the clawhammer style of playing, like the banjo itself, has cross-continental roots. 

The syncopated, driving sound has been the heartbeat of southern dance music for centuries accompanying the fiddle long before guitars were available in the southeastern Appalachians.

Here in Surry County, we have one of the richest, most distinct, and widely celebrated clawhammer banjo styles that can be heard at string band festivals around the world.

This style of banjo is also a wonderful and accessible accompaniment for signing.

This is an adult level class but is open to banjo students aged 13 and up who are able to participate at an adult level.

What to bring: 5-string banjo (we may be able to provide an instrument, email info@reevesmusic.org to inquire), notebook and/or recording device, water.

Prerequisites: None, but a fundamental musical understanding is helpful.

Please note: This is a 12-week class taught over 13 weeks. There is no class the week of Thanksgiving.

Have you been practicing on the banjo, fiddle, bass, or guitar and have been itching to get together with some other folks to make some music in a relaxed community setting? Then this class will be a perfect fit!

We will compile a list of traditional string band tunes that everyone is familiar with at the beginning of the semester so you will have plenty of time to dust them off before we play them together. We’ll be focusing on playing at a good danceable rhythm, phrasing, and intonation as we become more proficient at making music as a group.The instructor plays the instruments listed above, but if you play another traditional instrument, you’re very welcome to join in! Advanced beginner/intermediate skill level.

This is an adult level class but is open to students with a basic understanding of their instrument. Younger students are welcome if accompanied by an adult - we love parent/grandparent/grandchild combinations!

What to bring: String instrument of choice, notebook and/or recording device.

Prerequisites: Beginner level knowledge of your instrument. Feel free to email us if you have questions! 

Please note, this is a 12-week class taught over 13 weeks. No class the week of Thanksgiving.

Take your violin skills to the next level with this class. Intended for students with a fundamental knowledge of how to play their instrument, Fiddle Exploration will help students grow more confident in their playing in a supportive group setting. If you have questions about your skill level matching this class, don't hesitate to email us so that we can put you in touch with instructor Jonathan Owens.

This is considered an adult class, but younger students may be admitted with permission from the instructor.

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!

REQUIRED MATERIALS: fiddle/violin, notebook & pencil, recording device (such as a smart phone).