School of American Music

About School of American  Music

The School of American Music was founded in 2012 by Garth Taylor, who had a vision of creating an inspired and inclusive community united and enriched by the joy and love of music. Today his vision has been realized.

SAM is dedicated to providing education, performance, and audience opportunities in music and the related arts in the Southwest Michigan area. We value excellence in teaching, diversity, equity, and inclusion, affordability, supporting working musicians, and sustainability.

Our lessons are taught by highly qualified instructors who are also performing musicians. Most are available for children and adults at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of proficiency, and scholarships are available for students of all ages. We teach contemporary, classical, jazz, blues, gospel, bluegrass, and rock-n-roll. Twice-yearly recitals and other performance opportunities are embedded in our pedagogy.

Our concerts range from world-class performances, to sing-alongs, to outdoor music festivals. Most of our programming is free.

To ensure our continued contributions to Harbor Country, we have launched the Future Fund campaign to establish an endowment. To support the campaign, we plan paid intimate house concerts and themed productions. We are volunteer-board managed and supported, and welcome enthusiastic partners in our endeavor. Click here contribute to the Future Fund; all donations are matched dollar for dollar by the Michiana Arts Foundation. The School of American Music is grateful to all its generous benefactors!

For information about how to enroll for classes, attend events, or support the school please visit schoolofamericanmusic.com
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