Mission
Mission
Honoring The Past, Living The Present, Dreaming The Future
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 level with the potential of developing a professional career in the music industry. DMI actively establishes partnerships with schools and other organizations in Houston’s lower-income neighborhoods. To support our mission, DMI has implemented the following programs:
1. Established an award-winning youth ensemble, “Caliente.”
2. Developed a year-round after-school music program to provide kids without access to an opportunity to develop their talent.
3. Host a yearly conservatory-modeled summer music camp for at-risk BIPOC students.
4. Developed an outreach program for marginalized students of color with strong musical performance and career development.
5. Presentation of concerts in marginalized, under-represented areas of Houston.
Young people’s voices are an essential focus of our organization. Developing independent creative artists paves the way for these young musicians to sculpt their future by creating artistic voices and networking to become an integral part of the music industry.
Our Core Values
The values that drive our work are deeply connected to the experiences and needs of the young people we serve. These values shape not only our programs but also the culture and atmosphere of our organization. Below are the core values that guide everything we do at DMI:
1. Empowerment Through Education: At DMI, we believe in the transformative power of education. Music education does more than teach students how to play instruments or sing—it teaches them critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance.
2. Mentorship and Career Development: One of our primary goals is to help our students become better musicians and equip them with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue successful careers in the music industry. TBy connecting young musicians with professionals in the field, we provide them with the tools and networks they need to thrive in a competitive and ever-changing industry.
3. Community Engagement and Collaboration: We understand that the power of music is most impactful when shared with others. DMI fosters a strong sense of community both within the organization and with the broader Houston community.
4. Cultural Pride: Cultural pride is a cornerstone of our organization. We recognize the importance of cultural identity in shaping one’s sense of self and fostering a deep connection to the music they create. At DMI, we celebrate the rich musical traditions of Latinx and other communities of color, including genres such as Latin jazz and salsa.
5. Inclusivity: At DMI, we are committed to inclusivity in all aspects of our work. We believe music should be accessible to all young people, regardless of their socio-economic background, race, or ethnicity. By focusing specifically on Latinx and BIPOC communities, we honor and amplify the rich cultural heritage of these groups while ensuring that all students feel welcome and valued in our programs.
6. Equity and Social Justice: We are deeply committed to promoting equity and social justice in everything we do. We recognize that systemic inequalities in education and the arts disproportionately affect young people of color, and we seek to level the playing field by providing access to the same resources and opportunities.
History
Established in 2000 by its founder, Jose Antonio Diaz,
Diaz Music Institute (DMI) is a BIPOC-led organization in Houston, TX. The ethnicity of our communities is 70.8 Hispanic, 25.1 African American, 2.0 White, 1.31 Asian, .1 Native American, Pacific Islander .1, Multi-ethnic .71, and .94 other. Over 85% of students in our community come from economically disadvantaged homes. Our workshops target marginalized, at-risk BIPOC students to offer an elite, rigorous, and rewarding learning opportunity. DMI was featured in many television news stories and magazine articles. Our award-winning youth ensemble, “Caliente,” has performed at The Midwest Clinic, Jazz Education Network, and the National Association for Music Education. DMI was recently selected as a Lewis Prize for Music semi-finalist and featured by NEA “American Artscape” magazine as a Hispanic music organization for providing equity and access to the arts for Hispanic/Latinx Communities. Additionally, we received congressional recognition from Sheila Jackson Lee for our work in Houston and partnered with the Ella Fitzgerald Foundation to donate books to every student at Worsham Elementary. With the help of our Houston-based teaching artists, our curriculum has yielded impressive results with our students; some of these accolades include:
- 100% High School graduation.
- 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.
- Alums have performed with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Kanye West, Tori Kelly, Anita Baker, Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, and TD Jakes, to name just a few.
- Alums have won Grammys and a Stellar Artist of the Year Award.
- 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.
Every aspect of Diaz Music Institute represents a solid Racial Equity Diversity Inclusion policy. From our team to the students and community served, we diligently promote cultural awareness and equitable opportunities for all regardless of race, ethnic group, age, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, mental and physical conditions, and religion.