Garth Taylor - A Life Well Played
We are deeply saddened to share the unexpected passing of Garth Taylor, founder of the School of American Music. Garth was a passionate musician, visionary leader, and devoted member of our community. His legacy lives on through the students he inspired, the programs he built, and the belief that music has the power to connect, uplift, and transform lives.
As we grieve this loss, we remain committed to carrying forward the mission he began. Thank you for joining us in honoring Garth’s memory.
Public Memorial Details - July 9, 2025 - The Acorn Theater
Garth Taylor Obituary
Read Our Full Tribute here
School of American Music
Our mission provides opportunities for area residents and visitors to participate in the arts and in educational programs.
The School of American Music is Michiana’s musical connection.
We Value:
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
We offer programs only when there are highly qualified people to lead them.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
We operate a community institution based on transparency, fairness and openness to all in participation and governance.
AFFORDABILITY
We strive to keep fees low and provide scholarships to all those in need.
OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY
We support local artists and teachers, who are vital to our quality of life.
SUSTAINABILTY
We have launched an endowment fundraising campaign to ensure financial security and the ability to continue to provide programs.
Jazz Fest 2025 : A Celebration of Sound, Soul, and Community
September 12 - 14, 2025
Lynne Jordan & The Shivers
Friday, September 12, 2025 - 8:00PM EDT - The Acorn Theater
Steve Hashimoto Quartet
Saturday, September 13, 2025 - 8:00 PM EDT - The Vickers Theatre
Jeanne Franks & Jazz Sunday Brunch
Sunday, September 14, 2025 - 11:30AM EDT - Commune + Market
Tickets go on sale July 22, 2025
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE NOW!
Producer: Heidi Smith
The School of American Music is proud to announce the debut of Jazz Fest 2025, a three-day musical celebration taking place September 12–14 across iconic venues in downtown Three Oaks, Michigan. This inaugural event honors the legacy of the late Garth Taylor, founder of the School of American Music, whose dream was to bring a world-class jazz festival to the heart of Harbor Three Oaks.
Each day of the festival features a unique headlining performance, curated to highlight the rich diversity and emotional depth of jazz, from powerhouse vocalists and genre-defying ensembles to intimate brunch performances.
Friday, Sept. 12 – 8 p.m.
Lynne Jordan and The Shivers
The Acorn Theater
Beloved Chicago performer Lynne Jordan kicks off the festival with her band The Shivers, delivering an unforgettable night of jazz, blues, funk, and soul. Known for her explosive stage presence and powerhouse vocals, Jordan’s performances have earned her a cult following at legendary venues like the Green Mill and City Winery. With roots in gospel and cabaret, she weaves storytelling and raw emotion into every note, setting the tone for a soulful weekend ahead.
Saturday, Sept. 13 – 8 p.m.
Steven Hashimoto Quartet
The Vickers Theatre
Longtime bassist and Chicago music legend Steven Hashimoto takes the stage Saturday with a dynamic quartet. Known for his work with adventurous jazz and rock groups such as Maestro Subgum & The Whole and Flippomusic GlobalJazz, Hashimoto blends tradition and experimentation. A veteran of the Green Mill’s After-Hours Jam and leader of numerous ensembles, Hashimoto brings deep experience, groove, and a distinctive Chicago edge to the festival lineup.
Sunday, Sept. 14 – 11:30 a.m.
Jeanne Franks – Jazz Sunday Brunch
Commune + Market
The festival closes with a stylish Jazz Brunch featuring vocalist Jeanne Franks, whose polished delivery of American jazz standards provides the perfect soundtrack for a relaxed Sunday gathering. With a voice that radiates warmth and sophistication, Franks transforms each performance into an intimate experience. Guests will enjoy live music alongside curated brunch offerings at Commune + Market, Three Oaks' artisan hub for food, art, and community.
Additional performances still to be announced.
For event updates and ticket information, visit www.schoolofamericanmusic.com or follow the School of American Music on Facebook at facebook.com/schoolofamericanmusic.
About Us
The School of American Music provides music education, free concerts, community service, and special events year round throughout Harbor Country.
Lessons
Our lessons are taught by performing musicians to students of all ages. We offer beginning, intermediate, and advanced classes in styles ranging from contemporary to classical, gospel to bluegrass. Scholarships are available
Events
Our events range from free family concerts with exceptional performances to community singalongs to outdoor music festivals.
We also have ticketed concerts of world-class performances for the benefit of the school’s Future Fund.
Harbor Country Singers
The Harbor Country Singers is a community choir supported by the School of American Music and a grant from the Pokagon Fund.
The chorus rehearses and performs at seasonal events, including an annual Christmas concert and outdoor singalongs in the warmer months.
NEWS & UPDATES
October 27, 2023
SAM Completes Teacher Training for Neurodivergent Learners
Teachers for School of American Music (SAM) recently completed a training session on methods for teaching “neurodivergent” learners – a term specialists use to describe people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Asperger’s, ADHD, or other neurological conditions.
August 29, 2023
Harbor Country Singers Announces New Director and Start of Rehearsals for Christmas Concert
The Harbor Country Singers (HCS) community choir is pleased to welcome their new director, Maggie Martin, and will be starting rehearsals in late September for the annual Christmas concert.
July 20, 2023
School of American Music Extends Tuition Promise to NW Indiana
The School of American Music (SAM) provides professional-level music instruction to students of all ages with a promise that tuition will be affordable and students who need scholarships will receive them. In addition, 100% scholarships are offered to young clients of the Michigan non-profit Neighbor-by-Neighbor (NxN), with free musical instruments from Drew’s Gift of Music.
January 13, 2022
School of American Music Turns 10!
For a decade now, the School of American Music has enriched Harbor Country with the sound of music. Join our campaign to raise an endowment so that SAM continues to fill the need for arts programming in southwest Michigan.
We are incredibly grateful for the generous support of our corporate sponsors and grants who make our programming at the School of American Music possible! Your commitment to the arts and education helps us bring music to our community, inspire students, and create unforgettable experiences.
Michiana Arts Foundation
Everwise Credit Union
Everwise Foundation
The Pokagon Fund
Indiana Michigan Power
American Electric Power Foundation