SAMF Education Programs
From guitar workshops for kids to veteran outreach programs, from school partnerships to free community concerts — SAMF believes that Americana music education strengthens families, communities, and the living tradition itself.
"The blues, bluegrass, and roots music forms that we celebrate aren't museum pieces. They're living languages — and we believe every generation deserves the chance to speak them." — Sportsmen's Americana Music Foundation
Free group guitar instruction for children, emphasizing roots music styles — blues, folk, country, and bluegrass. Beginners welcome. Instruments provided for participants who need them.
Guitar instruction and music mentorship specifically designed for veterans. Research shows music-making reduces PTSD symptoms and supports community reconnection. SAMF's veteran musicians lead sessions drawing on deep personal experience.
Bringing Americana music education and live performance to Buffalo's public library system. Programs combine historical context with live demonstration — from diddley bow to dobro — making roots music accessible to all ages.
Multi-day immersive music camp experience bringing together students from across Western New York. Ensemble playing, songwriting workshops, and performance in Americana, bluegrass, and roots traditions.
A collaboration with the University at Buffalo connecting Americana artists with UB's Arts Entrepreneurship program. Students learn music business skills; artists connect with the next generation of music industry professionals.
Working with BOCES schools across Erie County to bring Americana music history and performance into educational settings. Students encounter living tradition through guided listening, discussion, and artist visits.
A partnership with the Blues Society of Western New York to connect youth students with master blues musicians. One-on-one mentoring, ensemble playing, and exposure to blues history and technique.
Acoustic blues guitar, mandolin, songwriting, and more — workshops led by Buffalo's finest Americana musicians. Past instructors include Bobby Lebel (rockabilly & acoustic), Jim Brucato (acoustic blues), and Ed Croft.
In partnership with Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, SAMF presents workshops with renowned percussionist and composer Bobby Previte. Exploring improvisation as a core skill in Americana and jazz-adjacent roots traditions.
Hands-on encounters with Americana instruments for children and adults who've never played. Fiddles, banjos, dobros, lap steels, mandolins, and more — all available to touch, pluck, and bow under guidance from SAMF educators.
Founded by Mark Panfil, the ensemble trains young musicians in bluegrass and old-time string band traditions. Participants develop technique, ensemble awareness, and deep roots in the acoustic string tradition.
A dedicated community music space hosting SAMF workshops, open mics, and youth programs. VetsPlayGuitar sessions, bluegrass jams, and instructional workshops have all found a home at The Cave.
SAMF presents an annual jazz scholarship in recognition of the deep roots connecting jazz and Americana music. As SAMF educator Constance Caldwell has written: "All Jazz is Americana" — honoring the African American musical tradition at the heart of every genre SAMF celebrates.
The scholarship supports young Western New York jazz musicians pursuing higher education, honoring the tradition's past while investing in its future.
Past recipients have included students studying at conservatories and music programs across the country.
SAMF Jazz Scholarship
From the SAMF blog — education programs, workshops, outreach reports, and community partnerships.