Have Questions?
We're Here to Help.

Whether you're exploring music programs, summer camps, events, volunteering, or supporting YAM, you'll find answers to our most frequently asked questions below.

Frequently Asked Questions

From registration and class schedules to instruments, scholarships, and performances, we've gathered answers to the questions we hear most often. If you can't find what you're looking for, please contact the YAM Upstate team HERE.

About Young Appalachian Musicians (YAM)

Young Appalachian Musicians (YAM) is a program of Preserving Our Southern Appalachian Music (POSAM), a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich traditions of Appalachian music through affordable instruction, camps, performances, and community engagement.

YAM offers programs for children, youth, and adults. Eligibility varies by program and location. Check out our AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM and EVENING PROGRAM pages to learn more.

Our After School Music Programs are hosted in local schools and DO require students to be currently enrolled at the participating school. We are currently in all but one elementary school in Pickens County plus Pickens Middle School.

Our Evening Music program is open to anyone to anyone, from youngsters to elders. You DO NOT have to be attending a participating school or organization to enroll. 

YAM focuses on learning music by ear, playing together, and passing along the traditions of Southern Appalachia in a welcoming, encouraging environment. Students learn from experienced musicians while building friendships, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for traditional music.

Instruments & Instruction

Instrument offerings vary by location and instructor but may include:

  • Fiddle
  • Guitar
  • Banjo
  • Mandolin
  • Bass
  • Ukulele
  • Dulcimer

Not at all! Beginners are always welcome.

No. Many students begin by renting an instrument through YAM.

Instruction is provided in small groups, giving students the opportunity to receive individual guidance while learning and playing with others.

For sure, but we recommend sticking with one instrument for at least a year.

Registration & Class Information

Registration is completed online through the YAM website. Please check out our programs page with registration buttons or reach out to use at connect@yamupstate.com for more information.

Class schedules vary by location. Most After School Music Programs meet once each week immediately after school, while Evening Music Programs meet one evening each week.

Depending on the size of the class, lessons can last 20 minutes to 1 hour.

Because of scheduling, we usually do not make up classes for individual students.

Yes! Students have opportunities to participate in After School Music Program Christmas programs. And, all students have the opportunity to perform at Kid’s Fest and the Winter Bluegrass Jubilee.

Tuition, Payments & Scholarships

Classes vary by type, so please visit our After School Music Program or Evening Music Program pages for details.

Yes. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and grant partners, scholarships are available for qualifying families. We never want finances to prevent a student from participating. Reach out to you program director for more information.

Payments can be made online or through other payment methods offered at your participating location.

You'll find buttons on each Music Program page for payments online.

Yes. Instrument rentals are available for many instruments while supplies last.

Families are responsible for repair or replacement costs resulting from damage beyond normal wear and tear.

Additional Questions

After School Music Programs generally follow the host school's cancellation decisions. Evening Music Program cancellations will be communicated by email and social media.

Absolutely! Volunteers are always welcome to assist with events, performances, fundraising, hospitality, and many other activities. The Program Director at each location can tell you more!

You can support YAM by making a donation, sponsoring a student, volunteering, attending performances, becoming a corporate sponsor, or donating an instrument. Please visit our DONATE page to learn more.

Please reach out to connect@yamupstate.com, we will get you to the resources you need!  We'd be happy to help!

Help Keep the Music Playing

Every donation helps provide music education, instruments, camps, and performance opportunities that inspire the next generation of musicians.

SUPPORT THE MISSION