Mission Statement
The mission of the Roots Music Institute is to provide a center
for in-depth and comparative research, study, teaching and advocacy on behalf
of the world's vernacular musics—their construction, history and role in
defining cultural life in human communities—in all cultures and historical
periods. The RMI is dedicated to studying and facilitating the process by which
music is taught and passed on within a community, as well as assisting in the
ongoing cultivation of participatory performance arts.
The Roots Music Institute partners with the Texas Tech Vernacular Music Center (founded 2001), thus maximizing both non-profit and educational opportunities for the widest possible range of target audiences and student populations.
The RMI offers educational presentations, courses and ensembles, open to secondary, post-secondary, and continuing education students in music, arts & humanities, social sciences, business, law, and international public policy. The RMI facilitates interaction between students, avocational learners, visiting scholars and guest teachers. The RMI serves as both a liaison and consultant for partners such as universities, learned societies, music archives, museums, public broadcasting, and private corporations.
The RMI:
The Roots Music Institute partners with the Texas Tech Vernacular Music Center (founded 2001), thus maximizing both non-profit and educational opportunities for the widest possible range of target audiences and student populations.
The RMI offers educational presentations, courses and ensembles, open to secondary, post-secondary, and continuing education students in music, arts & humanities, social sciences, business, law, and international public policy. The RMI facilitates interaction between students, avocational learners, visiting scholars and guest teachers. The RMI serves as both a liaison and consultant for partners such as universities, learned societies, music archives, museums, public broadcasting, and private corporations.
The RMI:
- Offers academic and enrichment courses and ensembles, open to students in music, arts & humanities, social sciences, business, law, and international public policy. The RMI emphasizes “teaching across the curriculum”, drawing on the expertise of a faculty team from a range of disciplines;
- Co-sponsors a calendar of annual arts &
cultural events, in partnership with artists, presenters, universities, ISDs, and
other non-profit organizations, in diverse communities n North America and
abroad;
- Facilitates fund-raising, grants, and scholarships for
qualified students to attend RMI and partnered workshops, summer schools, and
other development opportunities;
- Provides opportunities for interaction with visiting scholars
and guest teachers;
- Serves as liaison and consultant for partners both
within and beyond the State of Texas, including learned societies, music
archives, museums, public broadcasting, and private corporations;
- Publishes a website, an electronic newsletter,
monographs, and occasional recordings;
- Serves as advocate for the study, appreciation,
and support of vernacular musics in schools, universities, communities, and
nationwide.