Bringing Music to Life Across Northeast Ohio
Roots of American Music delivers live music and arts-integrated education that inspire learning, connection, and joy. Our programs serve schools, senior and adult day communities, and public spaces, bringing people together through the universal language of music.
Education Programs
Blues is the Backbone
A foundational K–2 program connecting literacy, music, and emotional learning through the story of the blues. Students learn rhythm, structure, and storytelling, culminating in writing lyrics for their own class song.
Program Format: 9 weekly, 50-minute sessions
2024-25 School Year Impact:
32 classrooms across 12 Cleveland Metropolitan School District schools
700 students served
In partnership with the Maltz Museum, this annual initiative invites middle and high school students to write and perform songs that take a stand against bias and bigotry.
Through the guidance of ROOTS teaching artists, students explore the power of protest, empathy, and social change through music.
2024-25 School Year Impact:
1,215 students across 60 classrooms from 18 Northeast Ohio schools participated
Stop the Hate: Youth Sing Out
Montessori Music Residencies
Our teaching artists lead long-term residencies in Montessori classrooms, helping students explore rhythm, movement, and collaboration through traditional American music. Children connect sound with learning, creativity, and teamwork.
Program Format:
Grades 1–3: 26 weeks, 50-minute classes
Grades 4–5: 15 weeks, 50-minute classes
2024-25 School Year Impact:
45 students served
Community Programs
Adult Day & Senior Communities
Live music brings connection and joy to seniors and individuals with physical and developmental challenges. ROOTS musicians perform monthly and recurring programs that encourage movement, spark memories, and restore a sense of belonging.
2025 Impact:
22 adult day facilities, 325 performances
8 senior centers and memory care facilities, 74 performances
Highlight: Senior & Songwriter Collaborations
ROOTS artists collaborate with seniors to write original songs inspired by their life stories — a moving testament to the power of creativity at every age.
Community Programs & Concert Series
We bring intergenerational music programs to neighborhood hubs like our Hough is My Home program featuring Food for the Soul events at FATIMA, Barton Center and Dave’s Market. We also bring concerts and workshops to public spaces like Holden Forest & Gardens and the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes.
2025 Impact:
120 performances
Over 7,000 children and adults served
Live Music for Your Event
Planning a special event, festival, or community celebration?
ROOTS can provide professional musicians and ensembles, from soloists to full bands, to bring your event to life with authentic American roots music.
Genres include blues, folk, Americana, soul, rock, jazz, bluegrass, gospel, country, Motown, and more.
Bring ROOTS to Your Community
Whether you’re a school, senior center, or community organization, we’ll work with you to create a customized music program that fits your goals, audience, and budget.
