Bluegrass, Old Time, and Counry Music Studies Program Information
Ron Roach, Ph.D., Chair
304 Memorial Hall (Brooks Gym)
Box 70435
(423) 439-7494
e-mail: roachr@etsu.edu
PO Box 70556
Johnson City, TN 37614
423-439-7865
www.etsu.edu/das/bluegrass/
The Bachelor of Arts in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies is designed to produce uniquely-prepared individuals who can compete and succeed in a wide array of careers: entertainers, studio musicians, recording artists, songwriters, journalists for trade magazines, artist management or promotion, road managers, museum management and curatorial work.
A minor is required for this degree. It is recommended that students choose from either Entrepreneurship or the Appalachian Studies Minor as their minor; however, business, management and communication (advertising, journalism, broadcasting, etc.) are also appropriate.
Admission Procedures
Any student seeking a degree in bluegrass, old time, and country music studies must meet general university admission requirements. Once admitted to the university, the student must audition for admission to the degree program, either in live performance or by video, for students who live more than 150 miles from campus. The five-minute audition should demonstrate the student’s technique, musicianship, and artistry. Auditions for admission to the major are held on selected dates prior to each semester (see the program’s web page, www.etsu.edu/das/bluegrass for dates) and are judged by bluegrass, old time, and country music studies faculty.
If 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.
B.A. Degree Core and Performance Tracks
The student will complete a core of 36 credit hours and choose between two performance tracks: vocal or instrumental. Students pursuing the vocal track must pass a guitar proficiency test or take two credit hours of class guitar or individual instruction on guitar.
Progression Standards
Band class and individual instruction are offered at three levels. Any student enrolled in band class and/or individual instruction must meet program progression standards in order to advance to the next higher level. Any student majoring in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies must have successfully completed three credit hours of study at Level III (4xxx) in band classes and three credit hours of study at Level III (4xxx) in individual instruction before the degree may be awarded. Band class progression will be evaluated during any of the three required performances each semester. Individual instruction progression will be evaluated via jury examinations held at the end of every semester. Progression standards are published in course syllabi.
Performance Requirements
All students enrolled in Bluegrass, Celtic, Country, and Old Time Band classes are required to perform at a minimum of three public performances during the semester. Performance dates will be provided at the beginning of each semester and listed online (see the program’s web page, www.etsu.edu/das/bluegrass, for dates). Any student who inexcusably misses any scheduled performance will receive a failing grade for the semester.
Attendance at Lectures, Workshops, Master Classes, and Performances
The program hosts a wide variety of concerts, workshops, guest speakers, master artist lectures, and performances. A schedule of events can be found at www.etsu.edu/das/bluegrass/schedule.aspx.
Attendance at these events is critical to the education of a musician. All ETSU bluegrass, old time, and country music studies majors must submit evidence of attending a minimum of five events each semester of enrollment. Records are maintained in the student’s advisement file in the Bluegrass Office.
Transfer Information
The Association of Applied Science Degree/Bluegrass Music Program from Volunteer State Community College articulates with ETSU’s B.A. in Bluegrass, Old Time, and Country Music Studies. For more information please visit: www.volstate.edu/Bluegrass/Curriculum.php
How to Contact Your Advisor:
bluegrass@etsu.edu
(www.etsu.edu/advisement/continuingstudents/default.aspx#Find)
www.etsu.edu/das/bluegrass
Telephone: (423) 439-7072