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.

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.

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Fiddle & Pick: Home of the Musical Heritage Center

The Fiddle & Pick is home of the Musical Heritage Center of Middle Tennessee — a music school, performance venue, and community gathering place located in scenic Pegram, TN.

Gretchen Priest-May, a music educator and Pegram resident, founded the center in 2008 with a clear mission: provide affordable, high-quality music education rooted in the traditional music of this region. What began as a small music school has become one of the most vibrant centers for traditional music in Middle Tennessee.

Today, Fiddle & Pick hosts private lessons with over 30 professional instructors, weekly jam sessions, group classes, weekend workshops, concerts, and major annual events that draw musicians from across the country.


Rooted in Tradition

The Musical Heritage Center focuses on the education and history of traditional music through practical, hands-on activities. Our specialties include music played on fiddles, banjos, mandolins, guitars, and similar instruments — particularly music rooted in the Middle Tennessee region throughout its history.


About Gretchen Priest-May

Gretchen is a professional musician, music educator, and long-time Pegram resident. She divides her time between running the Musical Heritage Center, teaching various fiddle styles, and performing with her band PLAIDGRASS — a band she created by merging the traditions of Irish, Old-Time, and Bluegrass music.

Before opening the Center, Gretchen toured with the Bluegrass Band Crucial Smith and the Celtic rock band Ceili Rain. She has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, Mountain Stage, and festivals across the country.

Rooted in Tradition

The Musical Heritage Center focuses on the education and history of traditional music through practical, hands-on activities. Our specialties include music played on fiddles, banjos, mandolins, guitars, and similar instruments — particularly music rooted in the Middle Tennessee region throughout its history.

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.

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.

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.

All levels welcome

Bluegrass Pickin' Party

Dates vary · Check the calendar

Pickin' Parties are held at random times throughout the year depending on other events. Check the monthly calendar for dates.


Founder & Director

Gretchen is a professional musician, music educator, and long-time Pegram resident. She divides her time between running the Musical Heritage Center, teaching various fiddle styles, and performing with her band PLAIDGRASS.

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.

Directions & Contact

New to Fiddle & Pick?

We recommend picking an instrument first, then calling a few instructors who teach it.

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