Roots of Music Campus
The Roots of Music: Creating the Next Generation of New Orleans Musicians
The Roots of Music program provides music history and theory as well as instrumental instruction and ensemble performance preparation. Serving 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, the 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
The Roots of Music was created in 2007, during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, by Derrick Tabb
Upcoming Shows
The Roots of Music’s 2026 Home Sweet Home Gala celebrates the legacy, culture, and future of New Orleans music while supporting the next generation of young musicians. This year’s celebration will feature Tonya Boyd Cannon, with student performances, culinary experiences, and opportunities to invest in youth music education, mentorship, and the continued growth of The Roots of Music.
Tickets start at $200 | This event is for adults ages 18+
