Making Mountain Musicians
Appalachian music is the most important cultural resource of our region. Though it's easy for such a tradition to slip away into history, Mountain School of Strings is dedicated to creating the next generation of mountain musicians. We have programs for both adults and youth in fiddle, banjo, guitar, bass, and many other instruments.
Combined with the help from our generous donors, our tuition-based classes support our free and low-cost programming. We provide after-school classes at every elementary school in the county, free summer camps, and other events.
Ellen Ray Lee founded our organization as Transylvania Youth Strings in 2010 to provide youth with the opportunity to learn a stringed instrument. We have since grown into a hub for mountain music, hosting both the Mountain Music Throwdown and Transylvania County Junior Appalachian Musicians.
Mountain music is important. If you think so too, please consider donating or – even better – attending one of our classes! We'd love to see you.