General Info
If you have any questions contact CCMMS Coordinator Stacy Dollarhide at ccmms@cowancommunitycenter.org or call (606) 633-3187. If you prefer to send a check for tuition rather than use the online service below, please contact Stacy and use the address below.
All students are encouraged to get signed up as soon as possible because class sizes are limited.
Please make checks payable to Cowan Community Action Group, Inc. and mail to:
Attn: Stacy Dollarhide
Cowan Community Action Group
PO Box 268
Whitesburg, Ky 41858
E-mail: ccmms@cowancommunitycenter.org
Tuition for Kentucky students is $350 and $450 for out-of-state students and includes a morning class, plus access to all workshops, jams, concerts, lunch and other activities during the week.
Kids on the Creek, a music and arts class for 5 to 10 year olds is $350 and all KOC students receive full scholarships.
Need Help Paying?
Full scholarships are available for all young folks age 22 and younger and for adults if needed. All youth and adults requesting a scholarship can do so online when you register for your class.
If you have any questions contact CCMMS coordinator Stacy Dollarhide at CCMMS@cowancommunitycenter.
Also contact Stacy if you would rather pay by check than online. She’ll be glad to here from you!
Since the school began in 2002, our goal has been to see that every child who wants to learn mountain music gets the opportunity to do so at the Cowan Creek Mountain Music School, regardless of family income.
Thanks to a generous bequest by Nancy and Harvey McClellan, and donations from many other good folks, ample scholarships are available for youth and adults. Since Nancy’s passing in 2013 to CCMMS 2023, we provided over 600 scholarships to youth and adults, totally $109,000.
To secure a scholarship and register for a class:
- Select “Scholarship Ticket” HERE and choose your class from this registration form.
- The CCAG, Inc. staff will then receive your scholarship request and register you for class.
- You will then receive an email confirming your class registration and scholarship.
- Please apply as soon as possible since class sizes are limited to 10 students.
The Cowan Creek Mountain Music School offers a limited number of teaching assistantships to qualified young musicians who would like to develop their own teaching skills while assisting the Cowan Creek instructors throughout the week.
Teaching assistants should be competent performers in their own right and able to communicate with individuals and groups.
Duties include help in preparing materials for the classes; assisting with instruction during the classes; leading or assisting with jam sessions; playing with the students at the evening square dances; assisting with the student recitals; and assisting the Cowan Community Center staff with logistics during the week as needed.
Assistants receive a stipend for the week, and housing will be provided if needed.
Teaching assistants are selected by the Artistic Director from January through March and the number varies by class need and available funding. TAs receive a small stipend and housing for the week. Some memorial teaching assistantships are also awarded the previous year to recognize students who show outstanding musicianship and leadership potential.
Interested in serving as a 2024 TA? Contact: Carla Gover at CarlaGover@gmail.com
The Charlie Whitaker Memorial Apprenticeship
The Cowan Creek Mountain Music School is pleased to offer an apprenticeship to a student or teaching assistant for the purpose of a year of intensive study with a master musician who has taught at the Cowan Creek Mountain Music School either as an instructor or a visiting master. The program will fund expenses relating to travel and documentation and will provide an honorarium to the master artist. The mentor and apprentice will have ample opportunities to showcase the results of their year’s work at local festivals and other venues. The program is intended to encourage and spread the growing enthusiasm of young people for connecting with the cultural traditions of their region and carrying on these traditions on in their own lives and communities.
The apprenticeship program honors the memory of Charlie Whitaker, who introduced a new generation to square dancing at the Cowan Creek Mountain Music School, from the first school in 2002 until his passing in 2009 at the age of 80. Charlie was also the caller of the Carcassonne square dances for over 60 years and led countless dances around the state. He had a gift for including everyone in the fun of a dance and saw it as a vehicle for helping young folks develop confidence and leadership skills. Charlie taught and encouraged many new callers, most notably Erin Stidham, who attended her first square dance at the age of 14 at the 2002 CCMMS and became a Kentucky Folklife Apprentice with Charlie two years later. Erin is now the house caller for Cowan Community Center events and has joined the CCMMS faculty. Erin’s apprenticeship has been critical to preserving dance as a vital part of community life in east Kentucky. The apprenticeship program is intended to honor Charlie’s remarkable lifetime contribution to mountain arts and his mentorship of Erin serves as a guiding example of what we hope the apprenticeship program will achieve.
THE DETAILS:
- The apprenticeship program is primarily aimed at young adult students or teaching assistants, ages 15 to 30, who are progressing well in their chosen instrument or art and are ready to commit to a year of digging deep into the tradition.
- The apprenticeship is not limited to music but can also include dance calling, storytelling or other mountain art.
- Applicants should choose a potential mentor from among the CCCMS faculty and visiting masters, past and present, and should consider as specifically as possible what skills they would like to gain during the year of study. How frequently and for how long the mentor and apprentice meet is flexible, since there may be significant travel involved. The schedule of meetings should be agreed upon by both at the beginning of the apprenticeship year.
- In addition to work with the mentor, the mentor and apprentice may also visit elder masters, perform or lead workshops together.
- Your application will be strengthened if you contact the prospective mentor and swap ideas for the apprenticeship year before starting the application. If contact info is needed email John Harrod (see below).
- The mentor will receive a $1000 honorarium for their work with the apprentice and the apprentice will be reimbursed for gas mileage and recording supplies up to, but not exceeding, $1000. Please see the Charlie Whitaker Memorial Apprenticeship Application Form and the Charlie Whitaker Memorial Apprenticeship Application Guidance page, below. One apprentice will be chosen each year in which both funding and a promising applicant are available.
TO APPLY: Email lostjohnharrod@yahoo.com to request the Application Form and Application Guidance as soon as you are interested in applying. Follow the application guidance as you fill in the application as a Word document. No cover letter is needed. Your application will be stronger if you discuss the potential apprenticeship with your chosen mentor before completing the application. Email John Harrod if contact information for the mentor is needed. All applications must be returned as a Word email attachment to lostjohnharrod@yahoo.com before 12:00 noon, June 1st, 2023.
Questions about the program or application process can be addressed by email to: lostjohnharrod @yahoo.com.
Applications will be forwarded to a panel of three Cowan Creek Mtn Music School faculty who will choose a potential apprentice and then assure that the chosen mentor is willing and able to work with the apprentice for the year. All applications must be received by 12:00 noon, June 1, 2024. The selected apprentice will be announced during the Cowan Creek Mtn Music School and work with the mentor should begin immediately thereafter.
CHARLIE WHITAKER MEMORIAL APPRENTICESHIPS
2024 - 2025 Blakeley Burger, Mentor - John Harrod
2023-2024 Pierceton Hobbs, Mentor - Don Rogers Pierceton was reared at the headwaters of the Big Sandy River in Dickenson County, Virginia. The 24 year old multi-instrumentalist and songwriter has been influenced by the musicians, ballad singers and storytellers in the shadow of Pine Mountain. He currently leads the Pick & Bow afterschool music program at Cowan Community Center and local schools. Pierceton with work with Don Rogers on guitar technique, including flatpicking. Many thanks to the Nancy McClellan Charitable Gift Fund for sponsoring this apprenticeship.
2022-2023 Grace Rogers, Mentor - John Haywood Grace Rogers, from Bath county, is a guitarist, singer/songwriter and banjo player. She and John will focus on east Kentucky banjo styles, including two-finger tunes. Grace plans to share her new tunes and technique with students of the Louisville Folk School and Louisville Public Library. Many thanks to the Nancy McClellan Charitable Gift Fund for making this apprenticeship possible.
2019-2020 Jimmy & Joey Webb, Mentor - John Haywood The Webb twins, from Franklin County, Kentucky are accomplished harmony singers and instrumentalists who at 12 are regular performers at regional festivals and square dances. Their apprenticeship will allow them to dig deep into the banjo and fiddle duet repertoire of southeast Kentucky. Many thanks to the family and friends of Charlie Whitaker for making this apprenticeship possible.
2019-2020 Larah Helanye, Mentor - Randy Wilson Larah is an ambitious 16 year old from Montgomery County, Kentucky. As a singer/songwriter she aims to use her music to help young people grow in confidence and love of place. In addition to exploring the wealth of traditional song, she also hopes to carry on the mountain tradition of play party games and square dance calling. Many thanks to the Nancy McClellan Charitable Gift Fund for making this apprenticeship possible.
2018-2019 Lilly Smith, Mentor - Meghan Bryant Lilly Smith, from Clay County, Kentucky started her musical journey as a violinist and has branched out into traditional fiddle styles. In a heart-warming closing of a musical circle, Lilly is apprentice to the first Charlie Whitaker Memorial Apprentice, Meghan Bryant. Together they are exploring tunes and techniques from Buddy Thomas, Ed Haley and other northeast Kentucky fiddlers.
2017-2018 Katie Peabody Mentor- John Harrod Katie and John are exploring blues, rags, and the rich contribution of Kentucky's African-American fiddlers to American roots music. Their work has been furthered by historian Micheal Jones, author of Louisville Jug Music: From Earl McDonald to the National Jubilee. Katie's apprenticeship year will culminate with assisting John in teaching an intermediate/advanced fiddle class at CCMMS focused on the repertoire of Kentucky's African-American fiddlers.
2015-2016 Kelsey Estep Mentor- Sarah Wood Kelsey, who is an accomplished fiddler, expanded her musicianship in singing and guitar. Kelsey's apprenticeship year led to a workshop in unaccompanied ballad singing at CCMMS 2016 and she served as a teaching assistant in fiddle.
2014-2015 Meghan Bryant Mentor- Jesse Wells Meghan and Jesse explored tunes from the archives of the Morehead State University Center for Traditional Music particularly the northeast Kentucky fiddlers such as Buddy Thomas. Meghan's apprenticeship year included assisting Jesse in teaching early intermediate fiddle during CCMMS 2015.
“I think the Charlie Whitaker Memorial Apprenticeship is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in learning more on their instrument. I’m so thankful to Cowan Creek Mountain Music School for being so generous in giving this apprenticeship and making it possible for someone to study music from a master and learn how to carry on the old time music tradition.
I have learned so many things in this year from Jesse. I’ve learned fiddle tunes from Doc Roberts, Kenny Baker, Buddy Thomas, George Lee Hawkins, John Morgan Salyer, and many other great fiddlers. I’ve also learned a lot about other styles, like fiddling in bluegrass, fiddling in country music, playing fiddle in a band, and some music theory. I think this apprenticeship has helped me grow not only as an old time fiddler, but all around as a musician.
I would definitely encourage anyone interested in learning and preserving old time mountain music to attend Cowan Creek Mountain Music School and apply for this apprenticeship. Cowan Creek is a wonderful program and I’ve honestly never been anywhere with such a great atmosphere and so many helpful, encouraging people. It’s definitely one of my favorite weeks of the year.“ ~Meghan Bryant, Charlie Whitaker Memorial Apprentice
Work Study positions are available for adult students who want to lend a hand to the school and save money on tuition.
Work study students commit to 10 hours of labor during the week of the school and help with chores such as moving chairs and doing dishes. In return, they receive $150 off their tuition. Limited work study positions are open to both in state and out-of-state students.
NOTE: At present there are no workstudy positions for 2024. Students with need are instead encouraged to apply for a Nancy McClellan Scholarship when registering for your class.
Your Week at Cowan Creek in the Summer Time
Join Kentucky’s finest traditional musicians along with students of all ages as we celebrate our rich mountain heritage.
Experience lively tunes, heart-felt singing, spirited square dancing and the authentic local stories and community that set our camp apart from all the rest.
Primary Classes
Each day, students will spend the morning studying their primary instrument, learning repertoire and techniques, and hearing about important players from the region.
Evening Concerts and Dances
Something fun is happening every night, from concerts by our masterful faculty and TAs, to square dances called in a traditional mountain style.
Community and Culture
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of eastern Kentucky. Our school is more than just a place to learn music; it's a community where you can experience the warmth and traditions of mountain life.
Jams & Workshops
Each afternoon, students have the chance to jam with students at their same level and speed. Then, they get to select from a variety of one-off workshops in music and more.
Topics can include things like: Mountain Singing Styles, Women Musicians of Kentucky, Exploring Two-Finger Banjo, and even Crankie-Making.
Secure your spot and be a part of this unique musical and cultural experience.
Visit our registration page for more details.
packing?
What to bring with you:
- Music students should bring an instrument in playable condition and extra strings.
- Guitar and banjo students will need a capo.
- Fiddle players at the intermediate or advanced level should be aware that orchestral type gut strings do not work for cross-tuning and should consider changing to steel or perlon strings before classes start.
- Dancers (or aspiring dancers) should bring hard-soled shoes.
Extra Information for Parents of Younger Students
The Cowan Creek Mountain Music School instrument classes are open to folks age 11 and older. Whether or not your child is ready to take an instrument class depends on their interest in music, their maturity and if they have the attention span necessary for a three hour class.
Exceptions to the age limit may be made for younger children who are already learning an instrument or who have an adult relative in the same class. Children not yet ready for an instrument class should register for Kids on the Creek, a music, arts and outdoor activities class for kids 5 to 10.
The faculty have been chosen for their experience and enthusiasm in teaching children; however, the school reserves the right to ask you to pick up your child if he or she is disruptive to their class. All children present at the school must be enrolled in a class or accompanied by a parent at all times. We cannot provide free child care.
In the afternoon there are more activities for kids- listening to concerts by master musicians, rehearsing with the Youth String Band, playing on the shady play ground and kid friendly workshops: flatfoot dancing, ukulele and more!
How do I know if my child is ready to take an instrument class?
It depends on their interest in music, their maturity and if they have the attention span necessary for a three hour class.
Exceptions to the age limit of 11 years old and up may be made for younger children who are already learning an instrument or who have an adult relative in the same class.
Children not yet ready for an instrument class should register for Kids on the Creek, a music, arts and outdoor activities class for kids 5 to 10.
Scholarships – See scholarship information here.
Transportation- Children and teens may be dropped off for class at the Cowan Elementary School at 9:00am. A parent will need to stay a few minutes the first day of class to sign permission and emergency information forms. Kids may be picked up at the Cowan Elementary School at 12:00 noon or may ride the bus to the Cowan Community Center for lunch and afternoon activities and be picked up there at 3:00pm.
Kids on the Creek– KOC students, ages 5 to 10, meet at the Cowan Community Center at 9:00. Kids can be picked up at the Community Center at 3:00pm. Breakfast, snacks, drinks and lunch are provided. Learn more about Kids on the Creek here.
Note: Tuition for KOC is now $250 but all KOC students are eligible for a full scholarship thanks to a generous bequest from Nancy and Harvey McClellan. To register select “Kids on the Creek” then select “Scholarship Ticket” HERE.