The hills and valleys of Lumpkin County have a strong tradition of making music. After the fields were plowed and the hoes laid down, the mountain people took up their picks and bows and began to play the tunes learned from their ancestors.  A treasured tradition, however, is lost unless it's passed down to the next generation.  In an effort to preserve and promote the traditional music of our region, The Georgia Pick & Bow Traditional Music School, in cooperation with NGCSU’s Appalachian Studies Center, continues  “Passing the Pick & Bow.” 

The mission of the traditional music school is to offer affordable music lessons on traditional instruments such as the banjo, fiddle, guitar, mandolin and upright bass.  The ten-week course tuition is $100, and will be offered during both fall and spring semester.  A $50 non-refundable deposit is due upon registration, with the remaining $50 due on the first day of class. Students may apply for tuition and instrument scholarships if there is a need.  Each ten-week session is limited to 40 students and is on a first-come, first-served basis, so get your registration and deposit sent in early to reserve your spot.

Who:      Students in grades 4 – 12.

What:    Lessons in traditional “roots” music, such as bluegrass & old-time.

Where:   Lumpkin County Middle School

When:   Thursday afternoons (3:30-4:30PM)

Why:    For the preservation of the traditional music of North Georgia.