klezmer jam instrument playing in library

Yiddish Music & Heritage

A tRp community program + Klezmer Jam

At The Rhapsody Project, we create space for a variety of programs and events that make learning about Yiddish music accessible.

Yiddish Music & Heritage

Yiddish music refers to the traditional music of Yiddish-speaking Jews from Eastern Europe, including klezmer and Yiddish folk song. 

At The Rhapsody Project, we create space for a variety of programs and events that make learning about Yiddish music accessible. This includes collaborating with other Seattle-based organizations doing this work.

In our own programs, we place Yiddish music into the context of American roots music as a part of the complexity of our layers of heritage and the story of immigration.

woman playing saxophone at a klezmer jam
artistic cello musical instrument graphic

Join the Yiddish Music & Heritage email list!

artistic trumpet musical instrument graphic
Klezmer Jam players sitting in a circle playing music

Jam out at Klezmer Jam!

This jam is for all instruments and all levels of experience. We will begin each session with beginner-friendly activities so people who are unfamiliar with them have a chance to learn.

This will involve either learning a new tune by ear or taking a deeper dive into one we have already played at the session, for example taking a closer look at accompaniment patterns or melodic style. Throughout the rest of the session, we will play tunes at varying difficulty levels.

The idea is for there to be something for everyone, whether you’ve played this music for five minutes or for five decades.

artistic cello musical instrument graphic

Tunes & Resources

Sheet music is available, but playing by ear is encouraged. We will prioritize playing tunes from our resources folder (linked below), but if you have a tune you’d like to play please call it at the jam! The resources folder also has books of sheet music and other tools, such as klezmer mode tip-sheets and accompaniment guides.

Other tRp programs

two participants with instructor in the unbroken circle program
violin in red wood texture circle
Community

Unbroken Circle

Students of any level of experience will learn or deepen foundational musical skills in a relaxed setting.

rhapsody instructors playing music
violin in red wood texture circle
Community
Virtual

Professional Development

Self-awareness programs for teachers and facilitators.

rhapsody project participants at blues camp
violin in red wood texture circle
Community

Blues Camp

Every summer, spend five days and nights with culture bearers in Port Townsend, WA.