The Roots of Music is honored to be a 2024 recipient of The Lewis Prize for Music

creating the next generation of New Orleans Musicians

We believe music has the power to transform lives. The Roots of Music empowers the youth of New Orleans through music education, academic support, and mentorship, while preserving and promoting the unique musical and cultural heritage of our city.

collage of The Roots Of Music Students

WHAT WE DO

Our program provides music history and theory as well as instrumental instruction and ensemble performance preparation. We serve kids ages 9-14 from low-income households, and provide our students with hot meals and round-trip transportation to reduce common barriers to participation.

Five days a week, 12 months a year, our program:

delivers over 2,500 hours of music education and other academic tutoring

delivers over 30,400 nutritious hot meals

provides 1,400 bus journeys

supplies over 150 instruments for student use

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.

collage of The Roots Of Music Students
collage of The Roots Of Music Students

Our Mission

Our program provides music history and theory as well as instrumental instruction and ensemble performance preparation. We serve kids ages 9-14 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:

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.

kid holding trumpet smiling

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.

merchandise

SHOP

Support The Roots of Music by purchasing branded Shirts Hoodies & Tanks, Magnets, Pins & Media

marching band in uniform

Events

Stay up to date on the latest concerts, performances, benefits, and more with our events calendar.

We are on instagram

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