Musical traditions that sprang from churches, front porches, shotgun shacks and juke joints will soon be getting the conservatory treatment.

UNC School of the Arts announced on Wednesday the launch of the American Roots Music Institute. This program will honor the state's rich musical legacy and offer conservatory training to young musicians.

The institute is being funded with a $10.1 million gift from Winston-Salem residents Randall and Kamu Dishmon. Both are fans of American roots music, which encompasses blues, folk, gospel, bluegrass and New Orleans jazz.

The money is the largest single gift in the school's history.

A minor in the field will be offered to students in 2026. By 2028, the School of the Arts plans to enroll its first students interested in earning a Bachelor of Music i

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