Roots of American Music Cleveland School Program

Connecting communities through music education and performance.

With passion for the rich and diverse legacy of American roots music, we use the power of music to educate, inspire, and connect communities throughout Northeast Ohio.

DONATE
Get Involved
Request programming

Our commitment to arts-integrated programming ensures that music becomes a powerful pathway to both academic success and emotional well-being, while playing forward the legacies of the diverse pioneers of American roots music.

Blues is the Backbone Music Program

How We Do It

Roots of American Music brings meaningful experiences to school classrooms, adult day centers, senior living communities and public places where access to live music is often limited or non-existent.

Learn more →

Our Programs

  • A cross-curricular program for kindergarten and second grade students that uses blues music to reinforce reading, rhythm, and emotional awareness. Blues is the Backbone builds a foundation for learning through sound and story.

    LEARN MORE →

  • In support of the Maltz Museum’s Stop the Hate program, the annual Youth Sing Out contest empowers students to raise their voices against bias and bigotry through original songs and performances.

    LEARN MORE →

  • Our teaching artists bring 15–26 weeks of engaging music history and performance-based lessons to first through fifth grade students, helping children connect movement, rhythm, and collaboration with academic learning.

    LEARN MORE →

  • We bring live music and interactive performances to adult day centers and senior living communities, enriching lives through rhythm, movement, and connection. Each 50-minute session sparks memories, encourages participation, and creates moments of joy.

    LEARN MORE →

  • Our free community-based performances bring professional musicians into neighborhoods and venues that lack or have limited access to live music. From “Food for the Soul” to seasonal concert series, we celebrate the power of music to unite and uplift.

    LEARN MORE →

Learn more →
Blues is the Backbone Music Education
Singer Performing at Festival surrounded by purple lights
Blues is the Backbone Music Education Program