Welcome to the Home of Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies in Higher Education!

The oldest established program of its kind at any four-year institution.



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“When it comes to collegiate bluegrass programs, the nationwide gold standard is East Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music program.”
 
-David Menconi, Raleigh News & Observer

 

 

From the Director




 

Dan Boner, Director

ETSU has been the leading institution for bluegrass, old-time, and country music in higher education since 1982. It is our purpose to honor the ways that these styles of music have been handed down for generations, while also encouraging innovation and exploration of related and newly emerging musical styles. Whether your goal is to work toward a professional musical career, develop your skills as a researcher, or simply take some lessons to get better at your instrument, ETSU is a place where you can do all of this and much more.





Let me invite you to browse our website and learn more about our course offerings and scholarships. Be sure to check out our calendar of upcoming performances and events, and feel free to contact us if you would like more information about our program.



Thanks for visiting!




Dan Boner

 

 

Upcoming Events

 

 

FEBRUARY 1ST / Square Dance / 7-9 PM / The Down Home / Johnson City, TN / FREE More Info

 

FEBRUARY 9TH-12TH / String Band Summit / Johnson City, TN More Info

 

MARCH 1ST / Square Dance / 7-9 PM / The Down Home / Johnson City, TN / FREE More Info

 

APRIL 5TH / Square Dance / 7-9 PM / The Down Home / Johnson City, TN / FREE More Info

 

APRIL 24TH-27TH / Down Home Takeover - ETSU Bluegrass, Old-Time, & Roots Music Studies Student Band Showcases / The Down Home / Johnson City, TN  More Info

 

 

ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band 

FEBRUARY 16-20TH / Goodwin Brothers Bluegrass Family & Friends Cruise / Boarding Location: Jacksonville, FL / *PLEASE NOTE* if you are cruising with the Bluegrass Family & Friends Cruise, you MUST book through the provided link, NOT through the official Carnival Cruise website! 

Tickets & More Info

 

APRIL 15TH / Bluegrass in the Blueridge / Kingsport, TN Tickets & More Info

 

 

 
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Areas of Study

Learn more about the Bluegrass, Old-Time, Country, and Celtic areas of our program.
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About Us

Learn more about our program's rich history and the people who have contributed to its success.
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Book a Band

Book one of our bands to play at your event!

 

 

 

**Band Placement Auditions - Fall 2023 band placement auditions- TBA.  Any student who is registering for band class for the first time will need to attend the band placement auditions.  Arrive 10 - 15 minutes early to register.  Be prepared to play a short piece of your choosing to be no more than 2 minutes, i.e., a verse and chorus. Call 423-439-7072 with any questions.

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