Institute of American Music

Silhouette of five stringed musical instruments including a guitar, violin, cello, mandolin, and banjo against a black background.

Foundation

The Institute of American Music Foundation (IAMF) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 2004. IAMF is dedicated to strengthening communities by preserving and celebrating traditional American music — along with related traditions such as Irish and Scottish music — through meaningful live performances and high-quality educational resources. Our mission is to support musicians and music educators in keeping these living traditions vibrant by helping connect generations and enrich community life through music.

On this website, you will find a wide variety of digital books and resources for musicians, ensembles, and music educators. You will also discover guidance and inspiration for creating community-centered musical events, including barn dances, Irish-style pub sessions, bluegrass jam sessions, and informal in-home music gatherings. Visit Get Involved for more info.

If you are a string player or teacher, you might be interested in our digital books for orchestral and chamber groups. We offer the following: Fiddling for String Orchestra; Fiddle Tunes for String Quartet; Fiddling for 3 Violins & Piano; Fiddling Duets (2 violins & piano); and Fiddle Tunes for Young Violinists.

Other books we offer include: Guitar Ensemble (melody, harmony, and chordal accompaniment for 3 guitars [or many more!]); Fiddle Tunes for Guitar (flatpicking); The Beginning Guitarist’s Guide to Technique, Theory, & Tunes; Old Time Fiddle Tunes for Piano; and our Get Started Series for Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, and Bass. There is something here for everyone! Visit our STORE page to see all the books and to place an order.