International Summer Institute for Reggae Studies

Reggae music lovers unite! Together we'll immerse ourselves in Jamaican music history, instrumental/vocal conception, and ensemble performance —from roots, mento, ska, and rocksteady, to reggae, dancehall, raggamuffin, and beyond—with seminars from distinguished researchers, workshops with acclaimed artists, and faculty/student concerts. This year’s institute will culminate with a lifetime-achievement award program in honor of reggae legend Sly Dunbar.

Registration is limited on a first-come-first-served basis so don't hesitate—click below to seize this opportunity while it lasts, and join the nation's first-ever intensive summer reggae program!

Join internationally recognized master artists and scholars for seminars, ensemble rehearsals, and hands-on vocal/instrumental workshops devoted to the artistic practices and aesthetic developments of popular music in Jamaica since its independence.

Sly Dunbar - Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

The International Summer Institute for Reggae Studies addresses issues that have confronted artists, scholars, arts professionals, and audience members at all levels: artistic conception, repertoire, technique, technology, ensemble organization, programming, and the post-colonial politics of race, class, and gender. All faculty artists and scholars aim to strengthen and broaden participants' understanding of reggae music in pratical terms from a critical perspective.

Workshop activities will be held in Ferguson Hall on the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities campus.

International Reggae All Stars, Artist-Clinicians in Residence.

Options for Participation

All participants should register for the institute, specifying their main instrument (bass, drums, guitar, keyboard, voice, or wind) for the purposes of workshop instruction. Those participating primarily as scholars/educators/audience members should specify the instrument they are most interested in researching/observing during workshop sessions.
 

Registration and Session Fees

Free registration for all participants now offered in partnership with program sponsors!

Enroll

Course Credit for UMN Students

University of Minnesota students may register for MUS 5993-003 Directed Studies to receive course credit for attending the program and completing a reflective paper on the experience. Students may elect to register for 1-3 credits depending on how many component activities of the program in which they participate, with each component – academic seminars/tributes, musical workshops, and ensemble rehearsals – counting for one credit, any pair counting for two, and all counting for three.

Register

Parking & Transportation

• Parking is available on an hourly/daily rate basis, depending upon facility/location. These are payable upon entry/exit.
• Lot 94 and Fourth Street Ramp are located on the West Bank in close proximity to Middlebrook Hall and Ferguson Hall
• Street/Meter parking: hourly rates
• Ferguson Hall and Ted Mann Concert Hall are in close proximity to the West Bank Light Rail Station.

Meals

Participants are responsible for all meal expenses. Light pastries and coffee are provided each morning. Visitors may pay cash for an all-you-care-to-eat meal. See the restaurant guide and restaurant map for nearby dining options. Online registration does not include any pre-paid meal options.

Optional dinner locations are coordinated each night for social engagements, participants are responsible for meal and beverage expenses.

Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Receive documentation that you completed this workshop for Continuing Education Units. CEU participants must complete an additional CEU Form and physical sign-in each day. A certificate will be issued at the end of the workshop stating the number of contact hours related to your participation. Flat rate per participant available for any/all tracks.

Sponsors and Partners

The Imagine Fund: This activity is supported by an Imagine Fund Special Events Grant, an initiative of the University of Minnesota Executive Vice President and Provost, established through a generous gift from the McKnight Foundation, and facilitated by the Institute for Advanced Study.

Organization for Strategic Development in Jamaica
University of the West Indies
Birmingham City University
Firehouse Performing Arts Center

Program Schedule 

Complete Program Information