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.

EVENTS

An Evening with Patricia Barber - A Benefit for School of American Music

Friday, April 26, 2024 7:00 PM EDT

The Acorn, 107 Generations Dr., Three Oaks, Mich.

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Renowned Chicago jazz singer, pianist, and composer Patricia Barber will be performing a benefit for the School of American Music. Fresh off her European tour, Patricia will perform with her band, Neal Alger on guitar, Emma Dayhuff on bass, and Greg Artry on drums.

Patricia Barber website

About Us

The School of American Music provides music education, free concerts, community service, and special events year round throughout Harbor Country.

Donna Mitchell teaching vocals

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

People in lawn chairs enjoying outdoor music event

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

Teachers from SAM learning about Neurodivergencies

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.


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maggie martin smiling

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.


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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.


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Celebrating Ten Years of School of American 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.

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Many thanks to our corporate sponsors!

The Pokagon Fund

Harbor Country Rotary

Everwise Credit Union

Flagship Foods

Michiana arts foundation logo

Michiana Arts Foundation

Graham Services logo

Graham Services