Learn the Rhythms
of Appalachia
Preserving Appalachian Heritage Through Music
Unlock the Music of the Mountains
Dive into our collection of instructional videos, each crafted to help you master the unique sounds of Appalachian music. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced musician, discover the joy of playing and preserving our cultural heritage.
Mandolin
Mandolin
The mandolin brings a bright, percussive sound to Appalachian music, with its eight strings delivering melody and rhythm. In this tradition, it complements the fiddle and banjo, especially in bluegrass, where its quick-picked notes and rhythmic "chop" chords are essential. The mandolin's clear tone is crucial for the spirited solos that typify the virtuosic Appalachian style.
Fiddle
Fiddle
The fiddle holds a place of great cultural significance in Appalachian music, which is a blend of African, Irish, Scottish, and English traditions. In Appalachia, the fiddle was one of the primary instruments that settlers brought with them due to its portability and the ability to provide a wide range of music for dances and social gatherings.
Dulcimer
Dulcimer
The dulcimer, specifically the Appalachian or mountain dulcimer, is a staple of American folk music, particularly in the Appalachian region. It is a stringed instrument of the zither family with a fretted fingerboard, typically played on the lap by strumming or plucking. The mountain dulcimer has a distinctive hourglass or teardrop shape and traditionally has three or four strings. Its sound is sweet and melodic, often used to accompany the voice or other instruments in ballads and hymns.
Ukulele
Ukulele
The ukulele, with its light, harmonic sound, adds a unique flavor to Appalachian music, though it's less traditional than the fiddle or banjo. This small, guitar-like instrument, typically with four nylon strings, is known for its ease of play and portability. In Appalachian settings, it often provides rhythmic backing and a mellow counterpoint to the sharper tones of other stringed instruments, contributing to the diverse tapestry of mountain music.
Guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a versatile mainstay in Appalachian music, offering rich harmonies and robust rhythmic support. With six strings and a larger body than the mandolin or ukulele, it serves as the backbone for many ensembles, underpinning melodies with its deep, resonant chords. In Appalachian genres, particularly bluegrass and folk, the guitar's role extends to finger-picked styles and flatpicking leads, showcasing the instrument's broad expressive range within the mountain music tradition.
Banjo
Banjo
The banjo, with its distinctive twang and rapid-fire picking, is central to the Appalachian music tradition. This five-stringed instrument, often featuring a drum-like resonating body, is renowned for its driving rolls and lively rhythms that propel the music forward. In Appalachian genres, such as old-time and bluegrass, the banjo's energetic clawhammer and three-finger picking styles are pivotal, giving the music its characteristic bounce and vigor.
Singing
Singing
Singing in Appalachian music is a conduit for storytelling, conveying the region's history and emotions through song. Characterized by its heartfelt, often plaintive quality, Appalachian singing can range from solo ballads to tight, soulful harmonies. The vocal style is typically direct and unadorned, with an emphasis on the narrative and emotional expression, reflecting the trials and joys of mountain life. Singing binds the community, preserving and passing down tales and traditions through generations.
Dancing
Dancing
Dancing in Appalachian culture is a vibrant and communal expression of life, closely intertwined with the region's music. Traditional dances such as clogging, flatfooting, and square dancing are rhythmic and energetic, often mirroring the lively tempo of the accompanying banjo or fiddle. These dance forms are not just performances but social gatherings that foster community and celebrate Appalachian heritage, with each step and stomp resonating as a living echo of the mountains' heartbeat.
Stringband
Stringband
In Appalachian music, the string band is the quintessential ensemble, bringing together instruments like the fiddle, banjo, guitar, and sometimes the mandolin or bass. These bands are the lifeblood of the region's musical gatherings, providing a full, rich sound that underpins both dances and social events. The interplay of strings creates a tapestry of melodies and rhythms that define the Appalachian sound, with each instrument contributing its voice to the collective harmony and driving the lively spirit of mountain music.
Featured Video
Black Eyed Susie D tuning Clawhammer Banjo
What Our Learners Say
Xaida
Returning AJAM Student
Alleghany JAM has the best teachers ever. They really care about their students. It’s also fun to meet new friends here!
Alexa
New JAM Student
I like everything about Alleghany JAM. The teachers are so nice and helpful in class. We have lots of fun activities!
Hazel
University of Chicago Student
As a former AJAM student, I appreciate how I learned the joy of playing music with others and being a part of a music community. Now that I’m in college, I can find other musicians to play with, and it’s helped me make friends.
Ready to Immerse in Appalachian Arts?
Our instructional videos are a great start, but joining our classes will give you a hands-on experience in learning and preserving Appalachian music and culture.
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