JAM
Junior
Appalachian
Musicians
The Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program offers students ages 8 to 17 lessons in traditional mountain music on fiddle, banjo and guitar. Professional musicians guide the classes every Wednesday from 3:45-5pm through demonstration, repetition and verbal instructions. Students learn traditional songs, dances, and games in a safe, engaging environment with their peers
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Our JAM 2026/27 roster is currently full, but please join the waiting list to be notified if a space becomes available!
In order to be supportive of families during a volatile economic season, BMCA is maintaining last year’s tuition rate.
Tuition is $12 per session or $10 per session when paid by the semester.
The traditional music of North Carolina’s Appalachian region has taken its place as one of the nation’s renowned art forms. Introduced by immigrants from the British Isles, Africa, and Europe, and influenced by Native American tradition, the stringed instruments, tunes, and songs of our mountains play an enduring and dynamic role in the development of American popular and classical music.
JAM is supported by the N.C. Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts. JAM is a regional program; BMCA hosts the Buncombe County classes.
Instrument Rental
The Black Mountain Center for the Arts has a small inventory of instruments that are available for rent for $20 per month (first come, first served).
2026-2027 JAM Dates
Semester I
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
October 7, 14, 21, 28
November 4, 11, 18
December 9, 16*
*Fall Showcase
Semester II
January 6, 13, 20, 27
February 3, 10, 17, 24
March 3, 10, 17, 31
April 7, 14, 21, 28
May 5, 12**
**Spring Showcase
Tuition Rates
In order to be supportive of families during a volatile economic season,
BMCA is maintaining last year’s tuition rate.
Tuition is $12 per session or $10 per session when paid by the semester.
Please call our office (828-669-0930) if you have questions about JAM.
