Where Young Musicians Get Their Start

Whether your child is picking up an instrument for the first time or building on skills they already have, the YAM After School Music Program provides a welcoming place to learn, grow, and make music with friends while developing a lifelong appreciation for Appalachian music.

YAM’s after-school music programs give young musicians a place to learn, grow, and belong. Through engaging instruction, hands-on learning, and opportunities to perform, students build musical skills, gain confidence, and develop lasting friendships while discovering the rich traditions of Appalachian music.

After-School Music Program

Our After-School Music Program brings music directly to participating schools, making it easy for students in grades 3–5 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 where they build musical skills, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for Appalachian music.

Participating Schools

Ambler Elementary

Ben Hagood Elementary 

Central Academy of the Arts

Clemson Elementary

Crosswell Elementary 

Dacusville Elementary 

East End Elementary

Forest Acres Elementary

Liberty Elementary 

McKissick Academy of Science and Technology 

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.

Program Focus

- 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

Who It's For

- Students in grades 3-5
- Beginners welcome
- Students attending participating schools

What Students Learn

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. 

The payment portal below is for students already enrolled. 

Tier One

$ 5 Weekly
  • 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

$ 7 Weekly
  • 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

$ 12 Weekly
  • 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.
Looking for More Flexible Class Times?

YAM's Evening Music Programs are a great option for students in 3rd grade and up who need a later schedule or want additional opportunities to learn and play alongside other musicians.

evening music classes upstate sc