Our History
The History Of Roots of American Music
ROOTS mission is to nourish our neighborhoods with the transformative power of music through education and performance.
We use live music to educate, inspire, and comfort people in settings where exposure to music performance is limited or non-existent (music deserts). We serve Northeast Ohio citizens in K-12 schools, residential communities serving seniors, and adult day communities serving the physically and developmentally challenged.
Roots of American Music’s commitment to arts-integrated programming ensures that music becomes a powerful pathway to both academic success and emotional well-being.
School and Community Engagement
Roots of American Music conducts school-based residencies, workshops, and assemblies led by professional musicians. These programs foster a deeper understanding of American music and its cultural significance enhancing social, emotional, and language skills to K-12 students through music.
We collaborate with community partners to bring music directly to those in music deserts, where exposure to music performance is limited or non-existent. Roots of American Music encompasses the “roots” of community; the “roots” of music in our communities and in our culture bringing us together through music.
Education and Empowerment
By providing an outlet for experiencing music, we empower individuals to connect with their cultural heritage and shared experiences. Music education and enrichment programs include learning about the basics of music to songwriting with their classmates in our Stop the Hate Youth Sing Out and Blues is the Backbone school residencies.
Arts Integration in Education
Our programs support educators as we collaborate to incorporate music and songwriting into classrooms. This approach brings academic subjects to life, enhancing learning in reading, social studies, science, and physical education aligned with state education standards in social, emotional, and language skills.
Public concerts in music deserts organized by Roots of American Music infuse everyday life with the joy of music connecting people to their neighborhoods and their community.
Impact and Reach
Roots of American Music’s diverse programs serve children and adults across various northeast Ohio counties, including Ashland, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Huron, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Richland, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, Wayne, and Mahoning counties.
By using traditional American music as a tool for education and personal development, Roots of American Music enhances educational outcomes and enriches lives. Our teaching artists integrate literacy, history, math, science, self-determination, and understanding into music programs. ROOTS music education programs teach students about empathy, understanding, and collaboration.
Community-Centric Approach
As a service-driven organization, Roots of American Music builds strong relationships with low-income, underserved communities, and vulnerable populations especially in music deserts. Collaborating with community partners, we create adaptable programs that meet their specific needs.
Our music education and enrichment extends to K-12 schools, community centers, senior living facilities, and day centers for adults with disabilities. Our live music performances are featured in music deserts, settings where exposure to live music performance is limited or non-existent.