The Roots Of Music

We believe music has the power to transform lives. The Roots of Music empowers the youth of New Orleans through music education, academic support, and mentorship while preserving and promoting the unique musical and cultural heritage of our city. Our goal is to provide our students with the resources they need to lead positive, productive, self-reliant lives.

The Roots of Music (TROM) is a New Orleans-based nonprofit offering free, year-round programs for students ages 3-18. We are able to serve hundreds of students annually, in large part, thanks to private donations big and small. Our comprehensive programming is split into three different branches. Sprouts of Music is an early music education program for ages 3-8, with instruction in music theory, singing, and movement. The Marching Crusaders serves students 9-14. This after-school program provides hot meals, transportation, music classes, academic support, and mentorship. Students in this program have the opportunity to perform at parades, festivals around New Orleans, and gigs across the country and world! Lastly, our Roots Studio Academy is an audio engineering and studio production program for students 15-18. This 10 month intensive is designed to prepare high schoolers for a career in the music industry. In all three programs, music is offered as a pathway to more positive, productive, and self-reliant lives. TROM aims to use the transformative power of music to aid in violence prevention across Orleans Parish by keeping students occupied at the most vulnerable times of day.

Testimonials

"The Roots of Music taught my son discipline, leadership and to be responsible for the choices he makes for his future. [He] is the person he is today because of The Roots of Music."

"The Roots impacted my child's life by giving her another outlet for her expressive creativeness. The Roots has turned my daughter into the natural born leader that she is. The Roots are our family now!"