Traditional Music Lives Here

The Musical Heritage Center of Middle Tennessee — where Nashville professionals teach fiddle, banjo, mandolin, guitar, and more. 22 minutes from downtown Nashville in scenic Pegram.

Private Lessons Join a Jam Session Upcoming Events
What We Offer

Music for Every Level

Whether you've never touched an instrument or you're an advanced player looking to connect with other musicians, there's a place for you at Fiddle & Pick.

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Private Lessons

Over 30 Nashville professional musicians teach at F&P. Each instructor brings a different style and area of expertise — find your perfect match.

Explore Lessons
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Jams & Sessions

Open Irish sessions, Old-Time string band nights, and Bluegrass pickin' parties. All ages, all levels. Come play or just listen.

Jam Schedule
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Workshops & Events

Weekend workshops, youth summer camps, Ceili dance parties, songwriter series, and concerts on our intimate stage — all year long.

See Events
Our Story

Founded in 2008. Rooted in Tradition.

Gretchen Priest-May — a Pegram resident and professional musician — founded the Musical Heritage Center to give this community affordable access to traditional music education. What started as a small school has grown into a full performance venue and gathering place for Middle Tennessee's traditional music community.

We focus on the musical roots that make this region special: Appalachian Old-Time, Irish, Bluegrass, Country, and Scottish traditions. Our educators are working Nashville musicians who bring their real-world experience into every lesson.

Our Full Story
Gretchen teaching a young student to play fiddle
Our Teachers

Nashville Professionals.
Passionate Teachers.

Every instructor at Fiddle & Pick is an active performing musician. They keep their own schedules, set their own rates, and teach in their own way — you choose who's right for you.

Gretchen Priest-May
Fiddle & Violin

Gretchen Priest-May

Irish, Old-Time, Bluegrass · Founder

Jason Bailey
Mandolin

Jason Bailey

New Grass, Jazz, Celtic · 20 yrs professional

Alan O'Bryant
Banjo

Alan O'Bryant

Bluegrass, Traditional · Nashville Bluegrass Band

Becca Darling
Piano

Becca Darling

Jazz, Pop, Classical · Belmont grad

Meet All Instructors
Weekly Sessions

Come Jam With Us

Our jams are open to all ages and skill levels. You can play, or just come listen. No sign-up required — just show up.

All levels welcome

Irish Session

2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month · 7:15–9:15pm

A mid-tempo, inclusive Irish session hosted by Gretchen Priest-May. Traditional Irish tunes in a welcoming, community atmosphere.

Multi-level and open — whether you're brand new to Irish music or have been playing for decades, there's a place for you at this session. The mid-tempo pace makes it approachable for developing players while still satisfying for experienced ones.

We announce any cancellations or schedule changes via our monthly newsletter and Facebook. Check the calendar before coming the first time.

All levels welcome

Old-Time Night

1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month · 7:15–9:15pm

Appalachian string band music — fiddle tunes, dance tunes, and the deep tradition of American folk music. Group hosted and inclusive.

Multi-level from beginner to pro. The Old-Time tradition is rooted in community music-making, so all ability levels are genuinely welcome. Bring your fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, bass, or whatever you play.

All levels welcome

Bluegrass Pickin' Party

Dates vary · Check the calendar
Pickin' Parties are held at various times throughout the year. Check the monthly calendar for dates. We request donations. All proceeds go to the Charles E. Stuart Memorial Fund, which provides music lessons for kids who can't afford them. World-class guests have appeared at these events. Watch a recent highlight on YouTube →
Full Jam Details & Schedule
Find Us

456 Highway 70
Pegram, TN 37143

22 minutes west of downtown Nashville
Next door to The Mud Puddle

Take I-40 West to Exit 196 (Bellevue/Newsom Station). Turn right, merge onto Hwy 70, continue to the first traffic light in Pegram (Hannah Ford Drive). We're on the corner. Parking is available in front, in back, and at the train station across the street.

Directions & Contact

New to Fiddle & Pick?

We recommend picking an instrument first, then calling a few instructors who teach it. Each teacher has a different method — you'll find the one that clicks.

Browse Instructors

Parking

Park in front, in back, or at the train station across the street. Parents with small children, seniors, and those with limited mobility may use the Mud Puddle lot.