Welcome to the Home of Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies in Higher Education!
“When it comes to collegiate bluegrass programs, the nationwide gold standard is East
Tennessee State University’s Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music program.
From the Program 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
Click Here to Fill Out Our Interest/Mailing List Form!
Upcoming Events
August 24TH / Band Placement Auditions / ETSU *on campus locaton TBA* / Johnson City, TN / 12PM
SEPTEMBER 9TH / Earl Scruggs Music Festival / Tyron, NC
OCTOBER 25TH / Dollywood / Pigeon Forge, TN
NOVEMBER 17TH / Withlacoochee Bluegrass Festival / Withlacoochee, FL
DECEMBER 2ND / Honeymoon Island Bluegrass Festival / Dunedin, FL
**Band Placement Auditions - Fall 2023 band placement auditions will be Thursday, August 24th at 12PM. Location 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.