Department of Music

Roots Music Ensemble

Professor Taylor Ackley performs with a Roots Music Ensemble

Taylor Ackley, director

Offered during the spring semester, the Roots Music Ensemble studies and performs repertoire from Roots music traditions including blues, country, swing, bluegrass and Appalachian folk. Students learn to play these styles by ear while developing skills in arranging, harmonizing and improvising. Participation is open to instrumentalists and vocalists from any musical background (including those who play instruments not usually associated with these styles).

CHECK OUT A SAMPLE OF PROFESSOR ACKLEY'S WORK!