Find the Right Program for
Your Young Musician
Whether your child is picking up an instrument for the first time or continuing their musical journey, YAM offers welcoming programs that build confidence, friendships, and a lifelong appreciation for Appalachian music.
From afterschool lessons to evening classes, there's a place for every student to learn, grow, and belong.
Afterschool Music Program
Our Afterschool Music Program brings music directly to participating schools, making it easy for students to discover the joy of traditional Appalachian music without adding another stop to your family’s day.
Students learn in small groups from experienced local musicians in a fun, encouraging environment.
Participating Schools
Ambler Elementary
Ben Hagood ElementaryÂ
Central Academy of the Arts
Clemson Elementary
Crosswell ElementaryÂ
Dacusville ElementaryÂ
East End Elementary
Forest Acres Elementary
Liberty ElementaryÂ
McKissick Academy of Science and TechnologyÂ
Pickens Elementary
Six Mile Elementary
Pickens Middle School is a part of our club program that operates during the school day one day per week.
- Weekly lessons during the school year
- Small group instruction
- Affordable tuition
- Instrument rentals available
- Scholarships available for qualifying families
- Homework center while students wait for lessons to begin
- Students in grades 3-5
- Beginners welcome
- Students attending participating schools
Students learn to play traditional Appalachian string instruments by ear, developing musical skills while building confidence, teamwork, listening, and creativity. Instrument options include:
- Guitar
- Banjo
- Fiddle
- Mandolin
Tuition & Enrollment
To enroll in an Afterschool Music Program, please reach out to the Program Director at your school. If you are not sure who that is, personnel in the school’s office will know.
Affordable weekly tuition is offered on a tiered pricing system, making music education accessible for families throughout our community. Instrument rentals are $10 per month. Scholarships are available, so please be sure to reach out to you school’s program director.Â
The payment portal below is for students already enrolled.Â
Tier One
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Family with 2-4 members living in the home with an annual Income of $0.00-$50,000. For each additional family member living in the home subtract $7,000 to the income amount.
Tier Two
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Family with 2-4 members living in the home with an annual Income of $41,000-$60,000. For each additional family member living in the home subtract $10,000 to the income amount.
Tier Three
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Family with 2-4 members living in the home with an annual Income of $61,000-above. For each additional family member living in the home subtract $13,000 to the income amount.
Evening Music Program
The Evening Music Program welcomes students, families, and adults who want to experience the rich traditions of Appalachian music.
Whether you’re just getting started or continuing your musical journey, these community-based classes offer a welcoming place to learn and connect with others who share a love for traditional music.
Participating Locations
Pickens Evening Program
When: Thursdays
Where: Hagood Community Center, 129 Schoolhouse Street
Six Mile Evening Program
When: Tuesdays
Where: Roper Building, 149 N Main Street
Central Evening Program
When: Mondays
Where: Southern Wesleyan University, Fine Arts Building, 907 Wesleyan Drive
Easley Evening Program
When: TuesdaysÂ
Where: Easley First Baptist, 300 E 1st Avenue
Salem Evening ProgramÂ
When: Thursdays
Where: Eagles Nest Art Center, 4 Eagle Lane Salem
Lesson start times vary by location.
- Ongoing classes year-round
- New sessions begin each month
- Small group instruction
- Multiple Upstate locations
- Instrument rentals available
- Scholarships available
- Students in 3rd grade and above
- Teens
- Adults
- Families learning together
- Anyone unable to attend after-school classes
Students receive instruction on traditional Appalachian string instruments while developing musicianship, confidence, and performance skills in a supportive, intergenerational environment.
Instruments include:
- Mandolin
- Guitar
- Banjo
- Fiddle
Tuition & Enrollment
To enroll in an Evening Music Program, please reach out to connect@yamupstate.com to share your interest.
Affordable monthly tuition ($50 per month) and optional instrument rentals ($10 per month)Â make it easy to begin learning at any time.
Students pay tuition at the first lesson each month. The payment portal below each program names is for currently enrolled students.Â
Evening Program
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Instrument Rental: Flat Rate of $20 Per Month if needed. Monthly fees are due at the beginning of classes.
Questions Before
You Enroll?
Learn more about our programs, policies, instruments, scholarships, and what to expect before your first lesson.
