Meet Our Instructors
Dedicated educators preserving the Appalachian culture.
Our Talented Team
Instructors in the Alleghany JAM are essential for passing down the rich Appalachian traditions. They offer after-school lessons in various traditional instruments and singing, taught by experienced musicians passionate about sharing their knowledge and skills. By providing children with the opportunity to experience community through the joy of participating in traditional mountain music together, the instructors play a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the region's musical heritage for future generations.
Emily Spencer
Banjo, Dulcimer, Stringband
Emily Spencer is the matriarch of the celebrated Whitetop Mountain Band, a family-based group now in its eighth decade. She plays in a distinctive, driving clawhammer banjo style she learned from local legends Jont Blevins, Lawrence Russell, and Enoch Rutherford. She is also among the region's most important music educators, directing initiatives throughout Appalachia.
Kyle Dean Smith
Mando & Guitar Classes
Kyle Dean Smith is from Grayson Country, VA and has lived a life deeply entrenched in oldtime and bluegrass music. His father, Kyle "Snake" Smith, was a well-known and respected guitarist and banjoist in the region and played with many notable musicians such as Whit Sizemore, Kyle Creed, Fred Cockerham, and Tommy Jarrell; this was Kyle Dean's childhood. Kyle Dean is a multi-instrumentalist who has appeared on countless recordings with artists such as Jerry Correll and Kitty Amaral and performed with artists such as Kenny and Amanda Smith and John Hartford.
Guitar & Banjo Classes
Lucas Pasley is an oldtime fiddler / banjoist and singer-songwriter from Sparta, NC in the heart of the southern Appalachian mountains.
Rooted in traditional Appalachian and Country music, Lucas often pulls lyrics from his family's writing in addition to his own with an emphasis on instrumental solos and harmony singing. His first album, Souls Living On, is a collection of four generations of songwriting in his family and his new album Ponies Back Home was released May 2023.
Interested in Joining a Class?
Discover the Richness of Appalachian Culture
Our talented instructors are passionate about sharing the traditions and music of the Appalachian region. Whether you're a beginner eager to learn or someone looking to refine their skills, our classes offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic Appalachian arts.
Expert Guidance
Learn from instructors with deep roots in the Appalachian culture and years of teaching experience.
Community
Learn from instructors with deep roots in the Appalachian culture and years of teaching experience.
Preservation
Learn from instructors with deep roots in the Appalachian culture and years of teaching experience.
