Garth Taylor - A Life Well Played
We are deeply saddened to share the unexpected passing of Garth Taylor, founder of the School of American Music. Garth was a passionate musician, visionary leader, and devoted member of our community. His legacy lives on through the students he inspired, the programs he built, and the belief that music has the power to connect, uplift, and transform lives.
As we grieve this loss, we remain committed to carrying forward the mission he began. Thank you for joining us in honoring Garth’s memory.
Public Memorial Details - July 9, 2025 - The Acorn Theater
Garth Taylor Obituary
Read Our Full Tribute here
School of American Music
Our mission provides opportunities for area residents and visitors to participate in the arts and in educational programs.
The School of American Music is Michiana’s musical connection.
We Value:
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
We offer programs only when there are highly qualified people to lead them.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We operate a community institution based on transparency, fairness and openness to all in participation and governance.
AFFORDABILITY
We strive to keep fees low and provide scholarships to all those in need.
OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
We support local artists and teachers, who are vital to our quality of life.
SUSTAINABILTY
We have launched an endowment fundraising campaign to ensure financial security and the ability to continue to provide programs.
Harbor Country Singers Love Songs Sing-Along
Thursday, July 24, 2025, 6:30 PM EDT
Rain date: Thursday, July 31, 2025, 6:30 PM EDT
Spring Creek Stage, facing Dewey Cannon Park
Arts & Education Center, 14 Maple St., Three Oaks, Mich.
Free Event
Producer: Pat Putnam
The Harbor Country Singers will lead a "Love Songs" summer outdoor sing-along at the Three Oaks Arts & Education Center and Dewey Cannon Park. The sing-along will include songs "My Girl", "Love Me Tender", "It Had to Be You", "You're the Inspiration", and many others. Song books with music and lyrics will be provided. Please bring your own chair or blanket. In case of rain, the sing-along will be a week later.
The Harbor Country Singers community choir is a community outreach of the nonprofit School of American Music and is supported by a grant from the Pokagon Fund and donations to the choir.
About Us
The School of American Music provides music education, free concerts, community service, and special events year round throughout Harbor Country.
Lessons
Our lessons are taught by performing musicians to students of all ages. We offer beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes in styles ranging from contemporary to classical, gospel to bluegrass. Scholarships are available
Events
Our events range from free family concerts with exceptional performances to community singalongs to outdoor music festivals.
We also have ticketed concerts of world-class performances for the benefit of the school’s Future Fund.
Harbor Country Singers
The Harbor Country Singers is a community choir supported by the School of American Music and a grant from the Pokagon Fund.
The chorus rehearses and performs at seasonal events, including an annual Christmas concert and outdoor singalongs in the warmer months.
NEWS & UPDATES
October 27, 2023
SAM Completes Teacher Training for Neurodivergent Learners
Teachers for School of American Music (SAM) recently completed a training session on methods for teaching “neurodivergent” learners – a term specialists use to describe people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Asperger’s, ADHD, or other neurological conditions.
August 29, 2023
Harbor Country Singers Announces New Director and Start of Rehearsals for Christmas Concert
The Harbor Country Singers (HCS) community choir is pleased to welcome their new director, Maggie Martin, and will be starting rehearsals in late September for the annual Christmas concert.
July 20, 2023
School of American Music Extends Tuition Promise to NW Indiana
The School of American Music (SAM) provides professional-level music instruction to students of all ages with a promise that tuition will be affordable and students who need scholarships will receive them. In addition, 100% scholarships are offered to young clients of the Michigan non-profit Neighbor-by-Neighbor (NxN), with free musical instruments from Drew’s Gift of Music.
January 13, 2022
School of American Music Turns 10!
For a decade now, the School of American Music has enriched Harbor Country with the sound of music. Join our campaign to raise an endowment so that SAM continues to fill the need for arts programming in southwest Michigan.
We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of our corporate sponsors and grants who make our programming at the School of American Music possible! Your commitment to the arts and education helps us bring music to our community, inspire students, and create unforgettable experiences.
Michiana Arts Foundation
Everwise Credit Union
Everwise Foundation
The Pokagon Fund
Indiana Michigan Power
American Electric Power Foundation