BA in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies (BLUE Programme)
East Tennessee State University — Johnson City, TN
About this program
ETSU's BLUE Programme — Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies — is the FIRST and OLDEST programme of its kind at any four-year institution in the world. Founded in 1982 by Jack Tottle, the programme operates within the Department of Appalachian Studies. Contact: bluegrass@etsu.edu; 423-439-7072; PO Box 70556, Johnson City, TN 37614. FOUR CONCENTRATIONS: 1. Bluegrass Music Profession — professional preparation for bluegrass performance, recording, and touring careers. 2. Old-Time Music — traditional old-time string band music, community music, and Southern Appalachian tradition. 3. Audio Production — recording, producing, and engineering roots music; studio and live sound. 4. Scottish and Irish Traditional Music Studies — Celtic fiddle, tin whistle, uilleann pipes, Gaelic song, Scottish and Irish traditional music traditions. INSTRUMENTS TAUGHT: Guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, resophonic guitar (Dobro), upright bass, and voice. ENSEMBLES: 20+ diverse bands perform throughout the year on campus and in the community. SCHOLARSHIPS: BLUE Performance Scholarships — Tennessee residents only; $1,500/semester; up to $12,000 total over four years. Apply by March 5 (Fall) or November 1 (Spring) for best consideration. Endowed Scholarships — open to all full-time BLUE students; one application covers all endowed scholarships; requires 3 YouTube videos + essay + questions about goals; award amounts range from $50 to $10,000+. NOTABLE ALUMNI: Amythyst Kiah (Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter; finalist The Voice Season 22); Nokosee Fields; Noah Wall (Barefoot Movement); Hasee Ciaccio; The Burnett Sisters.
Audition & application overview
- Requires a live or recorded audition
- Requires an essay
In Person
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