IMPORTANT NOTICE: During this time of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) concern, most concerts, jams and meetings have been cancelled. Check with the event contact before attending and check these pages for recent updates. All of us at AFTM hope that you and your friends and family are staying well.
Welcome to Austin Friends of Traditional Music
2022 Scholarship Applications are Open
The Austin Friends of Traditional Music has funds available to help the selected person(s) acquire training in traditional music. See our scholarship page for full details and application instructions.
Jams are Returning
Check out our Jams page for a listing of known jams in the Austin area.
We'll update our page as we find out information about changing jam conditions. If you host a jam or have information we could share, please contact us.
Save the Date!
Austin String Band Festival, October 14-16, 2022
The 15th anniversary Austin String Band Festival is this October! More details will soon be posted on the festival page, but mark your calendars now.
AFTM TV
Interviews by
Gary Mortensen;
Video production by
Chip Bach;
Web site and YouTube channel manager
Terry SoRelle
The AFTM channel on YouTube now features a series of interviews conducted by our Reel Times editor Gary Mortensen.
Here are the latest interviewees:
See them all on the AFTM TV Page
More are in this works! To subscribe go to our YouTube channel page.
AFTM Speaks Out on Racism
Standing in solidarity with the Black community and all people of color, we, the AFTM board, affirm that Black lives matter, and we reject racism and white supremacy. We commit to:
- Emphasize the spirit of inclusion at AFTM events, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or citizen status, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or military status.
- Reflect and correct our own practices, policies, and biases to ensure we promote just and fair treatment for all people.
- Contribute to a spirit of unity within our community through connection, education, tolerance, and music.
Adopted by the AFTM board June 14, 2020
AFTM Meeting and Jam
The AFTM monthly jam is on hiatus due to COVID-19. Board meetings continue via video conference. Use our contact form for more information, questions or concerns for the board.
AFTM Scholarships
Each year the Austin Friends of Traditional Music awards a scholarship to promising musicians and dancers, 30 years of age or younger, who wish to further their studies of old time music and dance.
In years past we have supported our scholars to attend the Swannanoa Gathering’s Old-Time Music and Dance Week. Since the Swannanoa gathering has been canceled this year we will instead support these young musicians to further their study through on-line courses and lessons.
On Line Singing and Picking
During the COVID-19 empidemic some of our regular jams and song circles have gone on-line using Zoom video conferencing. Too bad, we can't really jam together over Zoom but we can take turns performing and listening. Not the same thing but it is fun. The following sessions have now gone on-line:
- Terry's Song and Tune Circle, each Saturday at 4pm
- Celtic Song Session, first Sundays at 2pm
- Stone Soup Session, third Sundays at 2 pm
Click the following link to register to get the video conference links in your email:
On that same page you'll also find links to articles by Chip Bach and Terry SoRelle explaining how you can enhance your on-line music making.
See and hear past sessions on our YouTube Playlist.
For a calendar of other virtual song sessions in the US, UK and around the world see:
Boston Song Sessions - Virtual Sessions
Remember the good old times? They'll come again! Meantime, join us on line.
Regretably, most jams and dances have been suspended due to COVID-19. Please check back for news, as we hope to see more groups resuming their regular get-togethers in the coming weeks and months.
Upcoming Concerts and Events
Click the title or picture for details
Kids in a New Groove
Kids in a new groove (KING) combines the power of mentoring with music instruction by providing private, in-home, music instruction to Central Texas youth in foster care.
Volunteers are needed! Apply here.
Dances
Click title or picture for details
