Building the next generation of New Orleans musicians and culture bearers.
We believe music has the power to transform lives. The Roots of Music empowers New Orleans youth through music education, academic support, and mentorship while preserving and promoting the city’s unique musical and cultural heritage.
WHAT WE DO
The Roots of Music provides year-round music education and youth development for New Orleans youth ages 3–22. Our programs combine instrumental instruction, ensemble performance, academic support, and mentorship while removing barriers to participation through transportation, meals, and access to instruments.
Five days a week, year-round, our program:
delivers over 2,500 hours of music education INSTRUMENTAL TRAINING, ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE PREPARATION, AND ACADEMIC TUTORING
SERVE MORE THAN 30,400 NUTRITIOUS HOT MEALS TO STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMMING
PROVIDE APPROXIMATELY 1,400 ROUND-TRIP BUS JOURNEYS FROM 23 SCHOOLS ACROSS ORLEANS PARISH
MAINTAIN ACCESS TO MORE THAN 200 INSTRUMENTS FOR STUDENT USE AT NO COST TO FAMILIES
Interested in Booking the Band?
About The Roots of music
The Roots of Music was created in 2007, during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, by Derrick Tabb, Grammy winner and CNN Hero. The Roots of Music is true to our name: we are the roots of music education and culture in our city.
Our Mission
Our program provides music history and theory as well as instrumental instruction and ensemble performance preparation. We serve kids ages 3-18 from low-income households, and provide our students with hot meals and round-trip transportation to reduce common barriers to participation
Programs
The Roots of Music offers three programs:
Band Instrument Repair Program
Power to transform Lives
Giving
We believe that music can be the transformative force in the lives of our students.
get involved
We are currently seeking volunteers to help our students with homework, projects, test review, and more.
Giving
We believe that music can be the transformative force in the lives of our students.
get involved
We are currently seeking volunteers to help our students with homework, projects, test review, and more.
Giving
We believe that music can be the transformative force in the lives of our students.
get involved
We are currently seeking volunteers to help our students with homework, projects, test review, and more.
SHOP
Support The Roots of Music by purchasing branded Shirts Hoodies & Tanks, Magnets, Pins & Media
Events
Stay up to date on the latest concerts, performances, benefits, and more with our events calendar.
SHOP
Support The Roots of Music by purchasing branded Shirts Hoodies & Tanks, Magnets, Pins & Media
Events
Stay up to date on the latest concerts, performances, benefits, and more with our events calendar.
Partners
Awards
Accelerator Award Winner
The Roots of Music
Rising Star Award
The Roots of Music
BCBS Angel Award
The Roots of Music
Arhoolie Award
The Roots of Music
CNN Hero Award
The Roots of Music
D'Addario Foundation Grant
The Roots of Music
We Believe music has the power to transform lives
