International Summer Institute for Reggae Studies
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!
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