Join Sophie Moeckel and friends for a group class aimed towards beginner and intermediate players. This class is open to children ages 8-12 years who play banjo, guitar, fiddle or mandolin. Classes are offered on Mondays from 3:30-5:30pm from July 11 through August 1, 2022, and include an enrichment session in dance, singing and Appalachian history. Join for one session or all four for an immersive afternoon of music and fun! Cost is $20 per session. Scholarships are available.

Sophie Moeckel grew up surrounded by music in the Blue Ridge mountains. She fell in love with the community aspect of old time music as a Floyd JAMs (Junior Appalachian Musicians) student, where she later taught fiddle and dance and served as assistant director. She’s been a part of the Handmade Music School team since it’s beginning, serving in many roles throughout the years including Director of Operations and beginner fiddle teacher and is passionate about passing along Appalachian music and dance traditions. Sophie has extensive experience working with children both in classroom and after-school settings. She directs a farm and art-based summer camp and spent the last few years teaching first grade at a Waldorf School in Maine. She loves sharing the joy of music by playing for dancers at the Friday Night Jamboree at The Floyd Country Store, jamming and dancing with friends, and most of all teaching and inspiring young people. She’s currently pursuing studies in Environmental Education, Craft, and Traditional Music at Warren Wilson College, but is excited to share music with youth this summer in Floyd!