Free Instruction, Every Week
Learn directly from musicians who know this music. Guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, dulcimer— taught in the tradition your neighbors carry.
Pick-and-Bow Program
Pick-and-Bow is a free after-school program that puts traditional string instruments in the hands of Martin County young people ages 9-18. Every Friday at 3:30 p.m., students meet at Martin County High School to learn guitar, fiddle, banjo, mandolin, and dulcimer from local musicians who still play these tunes.
The focus is on learning by ear, playing together, and building real confidence as musicians. Students get steady instruction in the Appalachian repertoire their neighbors have carried for generations—and they get to play it, not just study it.
Every student gets a donated instrument at no cost. That removes the first barrier so every young person who wants to learn has the chance to pick up an instrument and start playing the music of their own region.
Pick-and-Bow is supported in part by South Arts. Additional support comes from ReString Appalachia, Guitars4Gifts, and Musack, with program collaboration including Appalshop and Hindman Settlement School.
Pick & Bow in Action
This is what the program looks like week to week—young musicians learning together, playing tunes their families know, and building the confidence that comes from making real music in a group.
What Students Get
Your Own Instrument
You don't need to own one. Every student gets a donated instrument at no cost, so cost never stops anyone from learning.
Real Community
Play with other young musicians. Perform together. Get mentored by working musicians. Build the kind of confidence that comes from making music with people you know.
How the Program Works
Every Friday at School
3:30 p.m., Martin County High School. Students get guided instruction, play together in groups, and spend time jamming—learning the way musicians have always learned, by listening and playing.
Connected to the Whole Ecosystem
School instruction is just the start. Students are connected with the working musicians, the shop, and the repair work happening at Webb Music Shop in Tomahawk. They see what real musical life looks like in their own place.
In the News
Recent coverage tagged to the Pick and Bow program.