The Bluegrass Music Academy is dedicated to developing future leaders by promoting bluegrass music education. Group sessions have begun, but there are still spots left for those who wish to join the program.
Lessons are held at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum. After receiving a grant from the Marilyn and William Young Charitable Foundation, the Academy expanded its programs to provide students with more comprehensive music instruction and leadership opportunities.
Randy Lanham, who leads the academy’s efforts, said the grant expands the program to develop a new generation of leaders in bluegrass music.
“We have so many ideas for expanding our lessons and outreach programs that we need to spend more time building on these efforts and empowering others to take on leadership roles.” “I realized something,” Lanham said.
Under Lanham’s guidance and in collaboration with local musicians Chris Armstrong and Randall Howard, the academy now offers private lessons, online instruction, expanded group classes, and special programs. Lanham said his focus is not only on playing music, but also on inspiring leadership.
Former students Mackenzie Bell and Braydon Hood are among those stepping up as instructors. Bell is a fiddle player who started in group lessons and now teaches both group and private lessons while earning a degree in traditional music from Owensboro Community Technical College. Hood earned a degree in classical violin from the University of Kentucky and joined the staff as a mandolin instructor, combining his love of classical and bluegrass music.
Lanham said volunteers play a key role in the academy’s success. Sarah Malone and her son Parker, both former students, now teach children’s classes and organize performances at local nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Orville Snyder, a retired fiddle player, also volunteers to help with lessons.
The academy is known for its commitment to the community. Lanham said musicians donate their time to perform at nursing homes, hospitals and other nonprofit organizations. Lanham added that the joy the music brings residents shows how powerful a few simple notes can be.
“So many people think you have to be a trained teacher to serve through music, but that’s not the case,” Lanham says. “You can teach a lot of music, starting with a few simple notes and chords. It doesn’t have to be difficult to have fun playing. The smiles on the faces of the residents are the result of being present and sharing the music. It shows that it is really important.”
The next session of group lessons began on October 22nd. For more information or to sign up, visit bluegrasshall.org/education/lessons.
