Department Information
Department of Appalachian Studies
Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies
PO Box 70435
Phone: (423) 439-7072
Web Address: www.etsu.edu/cas/das/bluegrass/
Department Chair: Ron Roach, Ph.D.
Program Director: Dan Boner and Nate Olson
The Bachelor of Arts in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies is designed to produce uniquely-prepared individuals who can compete and succeed in a wide array of careers. Possible career opportunities include: performing artist, studio musician, audio engineer, recording artist, songwriter, writer for trade publications, manager or promoter, road manager, museum or heritage center staff or administrator, educator, and private music instructor.
The Bachelor of Arts in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies, offered by East Tennessee State University, is as an Appalachian Studies major and thus not included in East Tennessee State University’s music accreditation.
Admission Procedures
Any student seeking a degree in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies must meet general university admission requirements. Once admitted to the university, the student must audition for admission to the degree program by video. The five-minute audition (approximately three songs/tunes) should demonstrate the student’s technique, musicianship, and artistry. Auditions are judged by Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies faculty. To submit an audition video, contact Dr. Nate Olson at olsonn@etsu.edu or visit the program website at etsu.edu/bluegrass.
When a student meets the audition requirements and is admitted to the major, an academic advisor will assist the student in selecting courses and planning a program of study.
Advising
Students with 0-59 earned credits:
Contact the Center for Advisement and Student Excellence (CASE) to schedule an appointment with your advisor. Visit the CASE website www.etsu.edu/cas/case/ and call (423) 439-5602. Students will also be assigned a BLUE faculty advisor, and should meet with advisors to have permits issued for individual instruction and band courses.
Students with 60 or more earned credits:
Students should Meet with your BLUE faculty advisor for advising.
B.A. Degree Requirements
All BLUE Majors will complete a core of 30 credits which will include 10 credits of individual instruction and 8 credits of band. With regards to individual instruction, students will complete 7 credits on a primary instrument (or voice) and 3 credits on a secondary instrument (or voice).
Every student in the major must choose a concentration from four options. Options include Audio Production, Bluegrass Profession, Old-Time Music Studies, and Scottish and Irish Traditional Music Studies.
Majors are not required to declare a minor, however, if desired a student may add an additional minor to their coursework.
Band Auditions
Students who wish to be in a band class must attend an in-person placement audition the week before classes begin. Audition dates and details will be listed online (see the program’s web page, https://www.etsu.edu/bluegrass).
BLUE Forum
As part of the band experience, students are required to attend the weekly BLUE Forum, which will feature program meetings, concerts, workshops, master artist lectures, and performances. Events will be announced through the program website and program-wide communication outlets.
Transfer Information
All transfer students who wish to declare Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies as a Major or Minor must submit an audition video (as described above). Transfer evaluations are completed by the College of Arts and Sciences Advisor in consultation with a BLUE advisor. For more information, email Dr. Nate Olson, Assistant Director, at olsonn@etsu.edu.
For general information about the program or courses, contact Mr. Daniel Boner, Director at boner@etsu.edu or (423) 439-7072