MJAM got its start in 2018 by a group of community leaders from Montgomery County Tourism, Ignite College, the Montgomery Museum, and local musicians and parents. It is held after school for about 25 kids on Monday afternoons at the Museum for children in grades 4-8. MJAM instructors teach fiddle, clawhammer banjo, guitar, bass, and dulcimer, and offer a variety of enrichment activities, as well. Field trips, performances by visiting traditional artists, and student performances are a vital part of the JAM philosophy, which stresses that traditional music is best shared with the community.

Each week during our spring and fall sessions children are offered a snack, instrument and ensemble performance instruction, and enrichment activities—and there are many opportunities to gain live performance experience at concerts and jams. Students have access to loaned instruments free of charge, and no applicants to the program are tuned away based on ability to pay.

Playing traditional music is fun, accessible, and multigenerational, and so helps connect kids, families, and communities, giving children a sense of belonging to a caring community that supports their academic and social growth and success.

MJAM is an affiliate of the regional Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc., and is funded independently from the Museum operating budget, and is governed by a volunteer advisory board with oversight by the Museum. 

To learn more about MJAM or serving on the MJAM Advisory Board or making instrument donations, please contact program director Jason Dilg at mjamprogram@gmail.com. To make a cash donation today, use the button to the right.