Come on down for some toe-tapping fun at our NEW Community Music Gathering, The 2nd Sundays Bluegrass Jam co-hosted by Don DePoy & Martha Hills! Every second Sunday, we will begin with one hour of slower tempos and introductory songs before faster-paced songs. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned flame-keeper, singer, instrumentalist or audience member, you've got a place at Queen City Music Studios.
Our Community Music Gatherings are free, open to the public, and are hosted by volunteer family, friends, and staff. Donations are graciously accepted, suggested at a sliding scale of $10-20+, and go straight back to our mission of #makingmusicmakers. Community Music Gatherings at QCMS include:
THANK YOU for considering a donation to Queen City Music Studios! Join us for good vibes, great music, and make some new friends. Bring your instrument or just your love for bluegrass and enjoy an afternoon filled with lively jams and community spirit. See you there!
ABOUT DON DEPOY & MARTHA HILLS: Don DePoy and Martha Hills are dedicated keepers of authentic Appalachian music, performing bluegrass, old-time, folk, rural swing, classic country, and touches of jazz. Rooted in tradition and community, their lively shows blend strong musicianship with engaging stories and sing-along favorites.
Don, inspired by his Virginia musical heritage, plays multiple bluegrass instruments, while Martha—who joined him in 2000—anchors the sound on bass and vocals.
Their performances feature autoharp, banjo, guitar, and award-winning Galax-style mountain dulcimer. Members of America’s Old-Time Country Music Hall of Fame, they are also recognized artists with Young Audiences of Virginia and the Virginia Commission for the Arts, and were named Top Wedding Band by Virginia Living Magazine for five years. Don also teaches bluegrass instruments at Eastern Mennonite University.
ABOUT QCMS: Queen City Music Studios is a community-centered music school, full-service music shop, and creative event space dedicated to making music accessible for all ages, styles, and skill levels. Offering private lessons, group classes, workshops, rehearsal space, house concerts, and community music gatherings, the studio serves as both an educational hub and a vibrant gathering place for musicians and music lovers alike.
Founded by Molly Rose Murphy in 2015, Queen City Music Studios began as an alternative School of Music focused on learning by ear. Over the past decade, it has grown into a multifaceted business with a staff of more than twenty professional musicians and instructors, providing both traditional and alternative music instruction for students of all ages and experience levels.
The Shop offers a carefully curated selection of new and used instruments, accessories, repair services, and consignment opportunities for gently used instruments and equipment. Supported by knowledgeable staff committed to serving the local music community, the store functions as a trusted resource for both beginning and experienced musicians.
The “Stage” side of Queen City Music Studios includes artist booking, event management, and production services, helping bring live music experiences to the community through concerts, workshops, and Community Music Gatherings. Alongside The Judy Chops and WQSV 106.3 LP Staunton, Queen City Music Studios is also a presenting partner of Staunton Jams, a music festival established in 2004 that showcases local and regional performers throughout Downtown Staunton.
Your Weekly Bar Trivia Challenge! Drink a beer, munch some food, and compete for glory & prizes! FREE to play!
Your creative, nontraditional scavenger hunt begins at a scenic spot that's a local favorite. You'll get your digital quest from your live and interactive remote host. Then you’ll
Your Weekly Bar Trivia Challenge! Drink a beer, munch some food, and compete for glory & prizes! FREE to play!