About

Mission

Honoring The Past, Living The Present, Dreaming The Future

Mission: Diaz Music Institute (DMI) is committed to the education, preservation, and performance of Latinx music. DMI creates opportunities through music education for all children, especially at-risk Latinx and children of color of any income, with the potential to develop leadership skills and a professional career in the music industry. DMI programs high-quality after-school and summer workshops at little or no cost to help enrich the cultural lives of Houston’s severely economically distressed areas. Creating accessibility and opportunities for the Houston area youth to develop music skills, music business, and entrepreneurship skills within a nurturing environment is paramount for our organization.

History

Established in 2000 by its founder Jose Antonio Diaz, Diaz Music Institute (DMI) boasts a rigorous and rewarding learning opportunity of the highest quality. Considered to be the top Hispanic music organization, DMI’s innovative programming developed by Artistic Director Jose Antonio Diaz has garnered interest and rave reviews worldwide. DMI actively establishes partnerships with schools and other organizations in the city’s lower-income neighborhoods. To support our mission, DMI has implemented the following programs:

Established an award-winning youth ensemble, “Caliente.”
They developed a year-round after-school music program to provide kids without access to an opportunity to develop their talent.
Host a yearly conservatory-modeled summer music camp for at-risk BIPOC students.
We have developed an outreach program for marginalized students of color with strong musical performance and career development.
Presentation of concerts in marginalized, under-represented areas of Houston.

What We Do!

Focus on the development of Latin music
Study composers and musicians that were pivotal
Nurture students through an outreach program with strong musical substance
Develop a mentor program for students
Present concert events and workshops for the community

How We Help Kids?

Students who participate in the Diaz Music Institute programs leave with a complete toolbox of behaviors that virtually guarantee their success in whatever career path they choose. These include teamwork, self-confidence, leadership, self-discipline, time management, marketing, problem-solving, networking, entrepreneurship, creativity, and improvisation. These values are taught through:

Strictly enforced rehearsal schedules for the numerous performances
Summer workshops that give students direct contact with many of Latin music’s most outstanding performers
Teaching students to set and achieve high goals
Developing leadership and mentoring skills

Can music help kids?

According to the Texas Commission on Drug and Alcohol Abuse Report, “Secondary students who participated in band or orchestra reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances (alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs). In addition, music helps students:

Boosting their brain power
Improves their memory
Helps them socially
It’s a confidence builder
Teaches patience
Teaches discipline
Fosters creativity

Accolades

100 % high school student graduation.
100% Post Secondary Admission
Students received over $2,000,000 in scholarships since the establishment of DMI.
Students have graduated from prestigious schools such as Harvard, Berklee, and the University of Miami.
DMI alums performed with Stevie Wonder, Kanye West, and Tori Kelly.
DMI was selected twice by the National Arts and Humanities Program Award as a finalist.
Recognized by Texas Monthly Magazine as one of 20 Reasons Texas Music is Bigger and Better Than Ever.