International Summer Institute for Reggae Studies

This program has been canceled for the 2022 summer semester. Please check back for information on the 2023 International Summer Institute for Reggae Studies.
Reggae Institute

Ferguson Hall

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.

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!

 

Third World

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.

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 clinicians aim to strengthen and broaden participant’s understanding of reggae music on the craft of conducting and the art of teaching.

Workshop activities will be held in Ferguson Hall.
 

 

Former Faculty & Guest Artists

Name Title
Scott Currie  Institute Director/Associate Professor, University of Minnesota School of Music
Douglas Ewart Scholar-Artist in Residence, Art Institute of Chicago 
Michael Fletcher Music Director in Residence, Jamaica School of Music
Ian Hird Artist in Residence, Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts
Herbie Miller Keynote Scholar in Residence, Jamaica Music Museum
Dan Neely Guest Keynote Scholar, New York University

Options for Participation

Every participant completing the week-long program curriculum and attending all activities will receive a certificate of completion. Any participant interested in receiving University of Minnesota summer semester credit as well may register for MUS 5950 International Summer Institute of Reggae Studies via UMN One Stop. In any case, all participants should register for the institute below, specifying their main instrument (bass, drums, guitar, keyboard, voice, or wind) for the purposes of workshop instruction; those participating primarily as scholars/educators should specify the instrument they are most interested in researching/observing during workshop sessions. 

Please click here to Enroll in Summer Semester Credit Registration for MUS 5950 International Summer Institute of Reggae Studies (TBE).

Sample Schedule

MONDAY  
9:00 – 9:30 am Check-in/Coffee
9:30 am – 12:00 pm Reggae Seminar (Opening Keynote Lecture; Roots Traditions & Mento)
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch Break
1:00 – 3:30 pm  Instrumental/Vocal Workshop (Douglas Ewart: Nyahbingi/Roots Drumming)
3:30 – 4:00 pm Afternoon Break
4:00 – 6:30 pm Workshop Ensemble Session
TUESDAY  
9:00 – 9:30 am Check-in/Coffee
9:30 am – 12:00 pm  Reggae Seminar (Ska & Rocksteady)
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch Break
1:00 – 3:30 pm  Instrumental/Vocal Workshop & Break-Out Sessions (Int’l Reggae All-Stars)
3:30 – 4:00 pm Afternoon Break
4:00 – 6:30 pm Workshop Ensemble Session
WEDNESDAY  
9:00 – 9:30 am Check-in/Coffee
9:30 am – 12:00 pm  Reggae Seminar (Early Reggae)
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch Break
1:00 – 3:30 pm  Instrumental/Vocal Workshop & Break-Out Sessions (Int’l Reggae All-Stars)
3:30 – 4:00 pm Afternoon Break
4:00 – 6:30 pm Workshop Ensemble Session
THURSDAY  
9:00 – 9:30 am Check-in/Coffee
9:30 am – 12:00 pm  Reggae Seminar (Classic Reggae)
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch Break
1:00 – 3:30 pm  Instrumental/Vocal Workshop & Break-Out Sessions (Third World)
3:30 – 4:00 pm Afternoon Break
4:00 – 6:30 pm Workshop Ensemble Session
FRIDAY  
9:00 – 9:30 am Check-in/Coffee
9:30 am – 12:00 pm  Instrumental/Vocal Workshop & Break-Out Sessions (Third World)
12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch Break
1:00 – 3:30 pm  Reggae Seminar (Concluding Keynote Lecture; Contemporary Reggae)
3:30 – 4:00 pm Afternoon Break
4:00 – 6:30 pm Workshop Ensemble Performance (Northrop Plaza)
7:30 – 10:00 pm Third World & IRAS Concert (Northrop Carlson Theater)

Session Fees

Program registration fee: $200 (includes a $50.00 non-refundable registration deposit)

Housing, meals, transportation, and parking expenses are not included in session fees.

Optional Fees

Housing Fees 

Registration closes on TBE.
Middlebrook Hall on the West Bank
Single or double room options
Learn more about Housing

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. A cafeteria is located in Middlebrook Hall, located across the street from the Workshop location. 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 Community Partners

Organization for Strategic Development in Jamaica 

Schmitt Music