Overview

American roots music is seeing a remarkable resurgence today in the United States. Popular artists such as Beyoncé, Alison Krauss, Shaboozey, Rhiannon Giddens, Bela Fleck, Billy Strings, Steve Martin, Mumford & Sons, and Chris Thile are bringing roots influenced music to the mainstream. Roots music concerts and festivals have also seen a steep increase in attendance and reach. The Newport Folk Festival, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, AmericanaFest, Calgary Folk Music Festival, and MerleFest appeal to increasingly larger audiences.

American roots music refers to a broad and diverse range of musical genres that originated in the United States and are deeply rooted in the cultural traditions of various, often marginalized communities. It encompasses styles that emerged from folk, blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, and other genres, reflecting the experiences, struggles, and stories of the people who created them. These styles often evolved from a blend of African, European, Native American, and immigrant influences, making roots music a rich tapestry of cultural expression that reflects the diversity of American society and the blending of its culture.

With this renewed popularity, we see more and more young people interested in studying the history and performance practice of roots music in higher education. While the culture of teaching these genres has a tradition of its own, often passed down through families and within small communities, streaming and social media platforms highlighting folk and acoustic music to younger and broader audiences have helped cause increased demand for education, performance opportunities, and structured teaching.

Accomplished roots music performers have always required patient instruction, intense dedication, and studious practice. With its recent proliferation and melding of genres, the level of virtuosity and competitiveness in the field has also soared, demanding an even more focused and intensive course of study that mirrors the rigor and structure of conservatory music training.

While the Minor in American Roots Music does not provide a completely comprehensive engagement with the genre, it nonetheless provides a rich and important opportunity for exploration and development. Intuitively appropriate for students enrolled in the School of Music, the courses are such that a qualified student from any of the UNCSA conservatories might also participate, either for elective credit in individual courses or in pursuit of the complete minor itself.