The Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) program offers students in grades 4 to 8 lessons in traditional, old-time, bluegrass, & mountain music on Guitar & Banjo. Professional musicians will guide the classes through demonstration, repetition, and verbal instructions. Students learn traditional songs, dances, and games in a safe, engaging environment with their peers.
Pricing: $225 registration fee per student*
*This fee covers the entire 14-week semester, costing less than $20 per lesson. JAM program students will also gain free admission to our Heritage Music Series each September.
JAM Open House - September 9, 4-5:30
Visit our open house to meet the instructors, see our site, learn about JAM, and register in person!
Hart Square - 5055 Hope Road, Vale, NC
14-week Semester
Guitar or Banjo - Tuesdays, 3-5:30
First Semester:
September 23, 2025 - January 6, 2026
Class Dates:
September 23
September 30
October 7
October 14
October 21
October 28
November 4
November 18
November 25
December 2
December 9
December 16
December 30
January 6
The first hour will consist of supervised study hall/warm-ups to allow for fluctuating bus/bell schedules.
Scholarship opportunities are available upon request. Please reach out to mya@hartsquare.com to inquire about options.
Meet the Instructors
Guitar Instructor - Nate Moody
Nate Moody is a career musician, educator, and lifelong participant in traditional Appalachian music. With over 20 years of experience in guitar and 12 years as a classroom music educator, Nate brings both depth of knowledge and a passion for teaching to every lesson.
Nate earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education (K-12) from Appalachian State University, graduating magna cum laude. He went on to serve as a general music educator in Alexander County Schools for more than a decade, where he taught Pre-K through 5th grade, directed elementary chorus programs, and organized countless student performances. Beyond the classroom, Nate has worked as a private guitar instructor since 2014, creating adaptable and engaging lessons for students of all ages and abilities.
In addition to teaching, Nate is an experienced church musician and music director, currently serving at SOMA Church in Hickory, NC, and formerly with several other local congregations. His leadership in worship bands, combined with his background in traditional Appalachian guitar, gives him a unique ability to connect historical music traditions with modern performance.
Banjo Instructor - Justin Hefner
Justin Hefner is a lifelong musician with a passion for both performing and teaching traditional music. He is the banjo player for The Catawba River Boys and also performs with The Bruce Long Orchestra as a trumpet player. In addition to his stage work, Justin shares his love of music as a trumpet and banjo instructor at the Harper School of Music.
Over the years, Justin has held numerous church music leadership roles, serving as a choir director, organist, and praise band member in the Hickory and Newton areas. His wide-ranging background in classical, sacred, and traditional styles gives him a unique approach to teaching and performance.
Justin studied music at Lenoir-Rhyne University and Catawba Valley Community College, where he focused on music education and performance. With decades of experience across instruments and genres, Justin is dedicated to helping young musicians grow in skill and confidence while fostering a love for Appalachian music traditions.
Program Director - Mya Banner
Mya Banner has been with Hart Square since 2019. She started as a tour guide and field trip demonstrator, where she served children and adults by teaching the history of the collection and local trades. Mya began working full-time for Hart Square as a Membership and Education Manager in 2020.
She oversaw the launch of our Hart Square Membership Program, Hart Square Folkways Program, and the Catawba JAM Program.
Mya was promoted to Program Director in 2024 and manages the planning and execution of all of Hart Square's events, field trip programming, and folkways classes. She is also Hart Square's social media, webpage, and marketing team lead.
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