Since 2002, some of the country’s finest old-time musicians and students of all ages and levels have gathered on Big Cowan in Letcher County, Kentucky, to celebrate our rich mountain music.
What we share at the CCMMS is music and so much more! It’s a meaningful and immersive experience in an Appalachian Community. Our events offer a mix of fiddle and banjo tunes, mountain singing (including ballads, hymns, work songs, and more), old-fashioned square dancing, and storytelling.
Here, you’ll learn more than tunes and techniques. We believe in sharing the music along with context, history, and culture, taught by instructors who’ve been immersed in it their whole lives.
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or accomplished musician, eight years old or eighty, you’ll have the opportunity to dig deep into the rich repertoire of Kentucky music and gain experience playing with other musicians.
Note:
Mountain music has been passed down through the generations as young learners listened to and played along with their older family members and neighbors.
In keeping with this tradition, classes are taught in call and response, rather than written music.
Whatever your age or level, this will improve your ear for music and help you join in the fun of playing with other musicians from the get-go!
— Carla Gover (Artistic Director), Stacy Dollarhide (School Coordinator), Valerie Horn (Executive Director Cowan Community Action Group, Inc.) and the rest of the staff and volunteers at the CCMMS
The Cowan Elementary School, Cowan Community Center and Appalshop are wheelchair accessible. The Cowan Creek Mountain Music School is a family event; no alcohol, drugs, profanity or frowns are permitted.
