We're building community one tune at a time.

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JAM believes

that children who are actively engaged in traditional mountain music are more connected and better prepared to strengthen their communities for future generations.

We envision

a world in which all children have the opportunity to experience community through the joy of participating in traditional mountain music together.

Our mission

is to provide communities with the support and tools they need to teach children to play and dance to traditional old time and bluegrass music.

What’s Happening in the JAM World

Holiday Traditions in Appalachia

Dec 28, 2019

Check out our holiday e-newsletter, with the 12 Days of JAM Christmas and more!

JAM Kids Featured in New Series

Nov 6, 2019

New from The Lulus and Los Lulus en Español: LULUS AMERICA, an upcoming series that takes you on adventures all across the Americas in search of kids with amazing stories to tell. Four Junior Appalachian Musicians are featured in this sneak peek! Stay tuned for the entire episode, coming in 2020!

Our Founder, Helen White

Oct 17, 2019

The mountains are still with a great silence. We have lost the vibrant earthly presence of Helen White, our fearless leader. As you all know, nearly twenty years ago in Sparta, North Carolina, Helen started from scratch the program that quickly became known as Junior Appalachian Musicians. What everyone may not know is that her goal was not only to preserve old time and bluegrass music and dance with future generations. Helen cared deeply for people. On a daily basis, she heard the tough...

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