School of American Music

Our mission provides area residents and visitors opportunities to participate in the arts and 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, vital to our quality of life. 

SUSTAINABILITY

We have launched an endowment fundraising campaign to ensure financial security and the ability to continue to provide programs.

ABOUT S.A.M.

The School of American Music is Michiana’s musical connection. The School of American Music was founded by D. Garth Taylor in 2012 to serve as a music resource in southwest Michigan. Over a span of 10 years, he built a student population up from one in 2012, to more than 100 students in 2022, assisted by a full Board of Directors and Priscilla Hellenga, who served as the first Executive Director, and Donna M. Mitchell who succeeded Priscilla in that role in 2017. 

Today the School of American Music offers Harbor Country an array of services, including free concerts, after-school instruction in local public schools, and private house concerts.

The board is composed of volunteer community members who actively support its mission to provide education, performance, and audience opportunities in music and the related arts in the Southwest Michigan area.  The school is supported by individuals, merchants, and foundations who recognize the cultural value SAM brings to the area.