COVID-19 Notice
On-site classes are canceled due to the COVID-19 crisis until further notice.
Online lessons are available
We are raising funds to provide scholarships up to 100% of the cost of lessons.
SCHOOL OF AMERICAN MUSIC
Michiana’s Musical Connection
SCHOOL OF AMERICAN MUSIC
Michiana’s Musical Connection
Two Simple, Painless Ways to Donate to SAM
The School of American Music welcomes your donation, especially now that Covid-19 has shut down our live lessons and other programs. But in addition to your check, you can help us when you shop online at Amazon or at Harding’s supermarket
SAM Offers Online Courses
The School of American Music is offering online courses in Piano, Violin, Voice, Guitar, Ukulele and Mountain Dulcimer, effective immediately. Under Michigan guidelines, SAM has suspended face-to-face lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scholarships for the online course are available.
Offering Individual Instruction for
Offering Individual Instruction for
About the School of American Music
The School of American Music (SAM) offers quality, one-on-one instruction in instrumental music, voice, and music theory and composition, delivered by experienced teachers who are also performers. From a single student in April 2012, SAM has grown to serve more than 100 students per year. Most lessons are available at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels, and offered to both children and adults.
Every effort is made to keep lessons at SAM affordable. Because it is a not-for-profit corporation, SAM isn’t under pressure to make money. Many of the funds it raises—through benefit performances, grants and contributions—are returned to students in the form of scholarships.
Private lessons take place in studios on the second floor of the Three Oaks, Mich. library, 3 North Elm Street in Three Oaks. Group lessons and other activities, such as the Harbor Country Singers, are offered at SAM’s Arts & Education facility at 14 Maple Street, Three Oaks. The A&E Center also houses SAM’s recording studio and is home to its pre-school programs.
SAM regards performance as a key part of musical instruction, and holds twice-yearly recitals featuring its students and teachers. Because its students, faculty and participants in associated activities represent a huge pool of musical talent, SAM-based musicians are frequently asked to perform in concerts, benefits, sing-alongs and other musical events in the area it serves.
Some Of Our Recent Activities
“Dreams and Visions,” a free concert featuring Jennet Ingle on oboe, Rachel Goff on viola and Mariah Boucher on piano, was presented by SAM at Converge Community Church in New Buffalo on the evening of February 28. The performance included the world premier of a trio composed by Marjorie Rusche. A grant from the Pokagon Fund paid for the concert.
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Who We Are
Board of Directors
Arthur Anderson
John P. Balich, A&E Caretaker
Philip Bauman
Robert Blake
Thomas Flint
John Forbes
Stephanie Grider
Priscilla Lee Hellenga
William Korbel, Treasurer
Evan Margol
Robert R. Mueller, Vice President
Pat Putnam
Ron Spears
D. Garth Taylor, President
Staff
Donna M. Mitchell, Executive Director
Priscilla Lee Hellenga, Director of Event Planning
MISSION
Our mission is to provide education, performance, and audience opportunities in music and the related arts in the Southwest Michigan area.
Future Fund Underwriters
Anonymous
Judith & Robert Dryden
Greg Fine
Graham Tree Services
Jim McDaniel & Kevin Hochberg
Ron Spears
Sue Taylor
OUR CORE VALUES
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING:
Offer programs only when there are highly qualified people to lead them.
OPENNESS:
Operate a community institution based on transparency, fairness and openness to all in participation and governance.
SUSTAINABILTY:
Ensure financial security and the ability to continue to provide programs.
AFFORDABILITY:
Keep fees low and provide scholarships when needed.
LOCAL:
Support Local artists and teachers. They are vital to our quality of life.
CONSIDER A TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION
To support the arts in the Michiana Region
Volunteer at SAM
The School of American Music is always looking for folks who want to be involved in the day-to-day operations of SAM or in special projects we have planned throughout the year. Perhaps you have a special skill or talent you want to share. Maybe you are very organized and looking for ways to improve the world around you. If you’d like to help out, send us an email with your name, address, phone number and email address, and let us know a little about what kind of volunteering you’re interested in. One of us will give you a call to see what we can do together.