Establishing the American Roots Music Institute

I am thrilled to announce that UNCSA has received the largest single gift in our history: more than $10.1 million from Winston-Salem residents Randall and Kamalakshi Dishmon, to establish the American Roots Music Institute in the School of Music. 

This new institute will reflect both UNCSA’s mission to train talented artists, and the state of North Carolina's legacy as the cradle of American roots music, home to artists from Doc Watson to Libba Cotten to The Avett Brothers. The Dishmons’ generous gift will allow us to build a program that honors tradition, while preparing the next generation of artists to thrive in a competitive, evolving field. 

When fully launched, UNCSA will offer a Bachelor of Music in American Roots, alongside a minor for undergraduates and opportunities for students in our high school. The first class of undergraduate majors is expected to enroll in fall 2028, with a minor and high school offerings launching in fall 2026. 

School of Music Dean Saxton Rose plans to consult with nationally recognized musicians including UNCSA alumnus, guitarist and American roots specialist Justin Poindexter (HS ’01, BM ’06); Martha Bassett, host of “The Martha Bassett Show”; fiddle and banjo virtuoso Rex McGee; and pedal steel guitar player DaShawn Hickman to begin designing the program, also drawing on additional perspectives from across the wide-ranging landscape of roots music.

Dean Rose said: “By offering world-class, affordable training in the very place where these traditions were born, we look forward to cultivating the next generation of performers, educators and innovators who carry roots music forward with authenticity and imagination.” 

Both Randy and Kamu Dishmon have a great love of American roots music. Randy is a retired global portfolio manager and lifelong bluegrass musician, while Kamu is a retired pharmaceutical executive who grew up immersed in Indian classical music and art forms.  

With their gift to establish the American Roots Music Institute at UNCSA, the Dishmons aim to elevate these art forms — often excluded from conservatory education — and provide young bluegrass and folk musicians the full benefits of conservatory training.  

Randy said: “It’s time bluegrass and folk-oriented music receive the recognition and respect they deserve — as a true American art form. UNCSA happens to be located in the heart of this art form’s origins and has a long history of respect for tradition with an eye to the future. It’s the ideal home for aspiring artists in this genre.” 

Singer/guitarist/songwriter Martha Bassett said: “This groundbreaking initiative will nurture exceptional musicianship and deepen cultural understanding by celebrating North Carolina’s unique musical traditions. UNCSA is the perfect home for this kind of innovative, tradition-based training.” 

The Dishmons’ lead gift comes as we prepare for our comprehensive campaign centered on transformational initiatives such as the American Roots Music Institute. We are tremendously grateful for their extraordinary donation and their contribution to the future of American music.

Sincerely,

Brian Cole 
Chancellor