PICKENS — The Young Appalachian Musicians continues to expand and now it has earned national attention – with one of its musicians bringing home national awards.

Isaac Ferrell recently earned accolades for his banjo playing at national competitions in both North Carolina and Virginia.

Music has always been a part of Isaac Ferrell’s life. The Pickens Middle School student, now 12, began playing the piano when he was five and has been playing ever since.

“He’s always loved music,” said Isaac’s mom Teresa Ferrell.

When Isaac started fifth grade, he became interested in playing the dulcimer.

“At Ambler Elementary, our music teacher had these dulcimers and every year she’d let the fifth grade learn how to use them,” Isaac said.

That teacher — Janet Hardin — brought a group of students to a Holly Springs Elementary YAM jam session and that kicked off a new chapter in Isaac’s musical life.

“He really learned about the YAMs program there,” Teresa said. “Then he found out about the YAMs Day Camp and decided he wanted to do that.”

Isaac then shifted his focus to a new instrument — the banjo.

“I’m not real sure why he picked the banjo,” Teresa said. “He just said he wanted to learn the banjo.”

“He’s only been playing banjo since July of last year,” said Ryan Ferrell, Isaac’s dad.

Teresa said she believes Isaac picked the banjo because he likes a challenge.

Once at Pickens Middle School, Isaac began playing with the YAM group there and taking one-on-one instruction with YAMs instructor Al Osteen.

Isaac also joined Sweet Potato Pie, the performing group that showcases YAM students.

“We started going to Oolenoy Friday nights,” Teresa said, of the weekly jam sessions held at the Oolenoy Community Building.

Then Isaac decided he wanted to compete in banjo competitions — and won his very first competition, the Fiddler’s Grove, in Union Grove, North Carolina.

“That was a shock,” Teresa said. “You just don’t expect it your first time around.”

Isaac said he was excited to win Junior Bluegrass Banjo Champion his first time out and that winning gave him “a warm feeling inside.”

Isaac recently returned from the 75th Annual Old Fiddlers Convention held August 9-14 in Galax, Virginia, where he placed first in Youth Bluegrass Banjo.

“He blew a huge crowd away,” said Ryan.

“That was a big shock,” Teresa said. “As a parent, you always think your child is good, but to be up against 20 other kids, with the oldest one being 16.”

Isaac competed against 20 other players in the Under 16 category.

In addition to piano, dulcimer and banjo, Isaac plays a number of other instruments, including guitar, dobro and bass.

He’s also learning the mandolin, after picking up his mother’s.

Isaac said he often gets requests to do his rendition of a famous bluegrass song — “The Foggy Mountain Breakdown.”

He said he’s thought of opening up his own music shop.

Isaac’s parents are thankful for the YAM program and its impact on Isaac.

“The YAMs program is an awesome program,” Ryan said.