Anthropos Arts was founded in 1998 to provide high-quality music education for low-income and at-risk students. We bring top professional musicians from diverse music genres to give free music lessons, workshops, and performance opportunities to students in middle and high schools that have high rates of poverty.
Through Anthropos Arts, students not only get instruction from the best musicians, they also receive mentorship and the opportunity to perform onstage in Austin’s best venues and events. Through our programs, Anthropos Arts contributes to the unique cultural landscape of Austin by promoting the artistry of our city’s most accomplished musicians, contributing to the diversity of music performed, and educating the next generation that will participate in and contribute to the arts:
Music lessons:
Each student pairs with a professional musician for instrument or vocal music lessons. While school music programs teach music theory and ensemble performance, schools don’t have the resources to help each student master instruments and prepare for mandatory competitions. Our lessons improve skills, increase knowledge, and boost confidence, helping students master their instrument and practice solo performing skills.
Mentoring:
Our staff, volunteers, and music teachers advise students to address a range of life issues, including academics, decision making, goal setting, teamwork, and professionalism. Older students receive guidance on the college selection, application, and financial aid process – and auditions for those going into music programs.
Performing:
In addition to an annual showcase of their work, our students perform at the most famous and noteworthy music events and venues in Austin. Anthropos Arts seeks these opportunities so students gain practical performance experience and confidence in their abilities. Students play in ensembles varying from 5 piece horn sections to 100+ piece ensembles that combine middle and high school students and Anthropos alumni. In addition, students are often invited to perform with professional musicians such as Grammy-winners Esperanza Spalding, Ozomatli, Rebirth Brass Band, Grupo Fantasma, and rock legend Suzi Quatro.
Anthropos students participate annually at SXSW, ACL Fest, Pachanga Latin Music Festival, Wobeon World Music Fest, KGSR’s Blues on the Green – plus performances at top venues like Stubb’s, ACL Live Moody Theater, Austin Music Hall, etc. – all the places and events that have earned our city the title “Live Music Capital of the World!”
Exposure to world music:
Students learn music from their own cultures and are stretched to perform pieces from jazz, Latin, Indian, Arabic, East and West African, Ska, Hip Hop, Romanian Gypsy, and other genres. While they learn the music, students also learn about the cultures and musicians around the world who create it.
Live music:
Financial barriers keep our students and their families from experiencing the diversity of musical performances that come to our community. Through Anthropos Arts, they gain exposure to world music genres in a variety of settings and explore ways that they can become involved in the arts economy of Texas.
Master classes:
Every year, we bring Grammy-winning artists and world-renown experts into Title I schools for large-scale workshops and master classes. These offerings reach 1,000 or more students at a time and provide a unique opportunity for them to expand their musical horizons and work with some of the best musicians in the world. Often, our lessons students are invited to even perform with the visiting artists!
Some of our past workshop leaders include luminaries such as: Esperanza Spalding, Ozomatli, Rebirth Brass Band, Eric Lewis (pianist for Wynton Marsalis, Donald Byrd, and Elvin Jones), Abbos Kosimov (master percussionist for Zakir Hussein, Stevie Wonder), and Fareed Haque (guitarist with Sting, Joe Henderson, John Patatucci).
