Jeff started learning the mountain dulcimer and honoring its musical beginnings at the age of nine by watching his grandparents play. As Jeff grew so did his love of music and his ability to play songs that were not customarily played on a mountain dulcimer.

Jeff began studying under David Schnaufer at the Blair School of Music.  His education continued for six years during which time David introduced Jeff to the history of the mountain dulcimer and the music that could be made on this very versatile instrument.

During 8th grade Jeff was asked to play traditional music for a video his class wrote, performed and produced. The project, titled Natchez Trace Television, is part of the Tracing Our Trace project funded by the National Geographic Society and the Mississippi Department of Education. It was distributed to all of the schools in the state of Mississippi as a learning tool on the Natchez Trace. Also, he has been listed as an artisan for the school district and is requested by teachers and students to perform programs at the schools.

At the age of 14, Jeff placed 2nd at the Jimmy Rogers Memorial Festival with his version of Black Mountain Rag that included blinding speed and intricate string bends. This same year Jeff placed 1st at the Neshoba County Fair Youth Talent Competition by playing Bill Monroe's Blue Moon of Kentucky. Jeff won the 2006 Southern Regional Mountain Dulcimer Competition held in Mountain View, AR. and in September of that same year became the 2006 National Mountain Dulcimer Champion by winning the National Contest held in Winfield, KS.  Along with his active calendar he is also very involved with music at his school and church. He plays the clarinet and mountain dulcimer (yes, mountain dulcimer) in his high school band. In his sophomore year the high school marching band played a rendition of Aaron Copeland's Hoe Down that included a dulcimer solo played by Jeff. This was a first in marching band history and had everyone talking about the mountain dulcimer. The band took their show to competitions and was rated All Superior at every competition they attended. As a member of his church worship team he plays the dulcimer every Sunday morning during the service.

With the release of his first CD, It's Dulcimer Time, Jeff has opened yet another door in his career. He has created three original compositions. With these you can get a feel for the wide range of Jeff's talent. As his musical knowledge has grown, he has discovered that the dulcimer is not limited to one style of music. The CD is full of life and represents the interests that we all had as a teenager, great music and hot cars. It includes rock and roll, heart breaking ballads, blues and some fast paced dance tunes.

Jeff will continue to introduce the dulcimer to young and old alike. He can capture your heart with the traditional songs and hymns and capture the attention of the young person in us all with some Rock and Roll. Jeff teaches both private lessons and workshops, he also performs at festivals. His goal is to cross the many bridges of music and introduce the dulcimer to different styles of music. Jeff firmly believes that if you can hear it you can play it on a dulcimer. 

Awards
 

2007- Alternate

Walnut Valley Festival
New Song Showcase
Instrumental Division for the song Music Room Rag

2006- 1st place
U.S. National Mountain Dulcimer Championship
2006- 3rd place
Jimmie Rodgers Memorial Festival - Adult Division
2006- 1st place
Southern Regional - Solo
2006- 2nd place
Southern Regional - Ensemble
Jeff Hames & Aaron Thornton
2006- 3rd place
Southern Regional - Ensemble
Jeff Hames & Nathan McAllister
2006- 3rd place
Louisiana State Mountain Dulcimer Contest
2005- 3rd place
U.S. National Mountain Dulcimer Championship
2005- Winner
Walnut Valley Festival
New Song Showcase
Instrumental Division for the song Folklore
2005- 1st place
Texas State Mountain Dulcimer Contest
2005- 1st place
Southern Regional - Ensemble
Jeff Hames & Aaron Thornton
2005- 4th place
Southern Regional - Ensemble
Jeff Hames, Aaron Thornton,
Linda Parker