Purchase a membership

Please review our terms and privacy policy, then select an option below to enroll in our school membership.

$6/month $65/year

We are happy to have you here, and whether you’ve just begun your musical journey, or you are continuing the adventure, we’re honored that you've chosen us.

Here are a few things that you’ll want to know.

Membership Dues

The benefits of AMS membership include:

  • two student recitals each year
  • discounts on summer camps and workshops
  • listing in the AMS Business Network on our website
  • e-newsletters, special mailings, and members only offers
  • discount tickets to AMS events
  • sheet music copies, as applicable
  • online lesson website for live-streaming lessons

Student recitals

Student recitals are held in Spring (typically mid May or early June) and in Winter (typically early December). Students of all ages and skill levels are encouraged to perform. Detailed recital information will be disseminated well in advance of recital dates.

Summer camps

We offer a variety of summer camps, for many ages and styles of music, where students learn in a supportive group environment. Visit our Summer Camp page on our website to learn more.

AMS mission

Our mission: Strengthening Western North Carolina communities through music education and outreach. To honor our late director, the Paul Thorpe Music Education Fund was launched to raise awareness and funds for the school, particularly for the scholarship and outreach programs.

Being a nonprofit organization, AMS is governed by a volunteer board of directors and managed by an executive director and part-time staff.

Current AMS programs include:

Private music lessons for students of every age and ability level in a wide variety of instruments and styles.

Group classes, masterclasses, and workshops

Sound Education Outreach: faculty-led student ensembles that rehearse regularly and perform at community sites for families, seniors, veterans, the homeless, and people with disabilities.

Summer camps in a variety of musical styles for children and youth ages 4 – 18.

Need-based scholarships for those unable to afford private music lessons.
A lending library of donated instruments for loan to students whose families cannot afford to purchase or rent an instrument.

AMS strives to keep music education accessible to all; our goal is to set enrollment fees and studio rental rates as low as possible.