JAM is an after-school program for children in grades 4 – 8 and beyond that introduces music through small group instruction on instruments common to the Appalachian region, such as fiddle, banjo and guitar. Each JAM program is individually operated and funded.
In JAM, instrument instruction is often augmented by dance and vocal instruction as well as string band classes and group enrichment lessons, which introduce children to additional Appalachian culture and history. The JAM program model provides children with opportunities to not only learn traditional music, but to also perform in small and large groups. Field trips, visiting artists and an introduction to the rich history of music unique to each local community further supplement program offerings. Each JAM program is encouraged to foster musical traditions by teaching local styles of traditional mountain music and dance to children. Instructors are also encouraged to teach students to learn music by ear, as to preserve oral traditions as much as possible. Other teaching methodologies and instructional skills are covered in regional professional development and training sessions held multiple times per year and hosted by JAM. JAM also encourages student engagement across programs with regional performance and learning activities throughout the year.
Jam Programs within the counties of the Blue Ridge Music Trails include (click to access class information)
- Alleghany JAM
- Ashe JAM
- Avery JAM
- Blue Ridge JAM (S. Jackson Co.)
- Boone JAM (Watauga Co.)
- Buncombe Co. JAM
- Caldwell JAM
- Folk School JAM (Clay & Cherokee Co.)
- Haywood Co. JAM
- Henderson Co. JAM
- Jackson Co. JAM
- Madison Co. JAM
- Morganton JAM (Burke Co.)
- Pacolet JAM (Polk Co.)
- Stecoah JAM (Graham Co.)
- Stokes JMM
- Surry Co. TAPS
- Swain Co. JAM
- Toe River Arts TAPS (Mitchell Co.)
- Transylvania JAM
- Yadkinville JAM (Yadkin Co.)
Ramsey Center for Appalachian Studies
