Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music

Bachelor of Arts

Department of Appalachian Studies

Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music

The Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Program at ETSU stands out as a living bridge between the region’s heritage and today’s professional music world. Growing from its 1982 beginnings, it has consistently shaped its curriculum and mission around the belief that traditional Appalachian and American roots music thrive when they are both honored and innovated upon within a scholarly community.

Housed in the Department of Appalachian Studies, the program uses its deep history as a foundation for hands-on learning, offering coursework and ensemble work that connect students with the cultural roots of bluegrass, old-time, country, and Celtic traditions. The curriculum is shaped by a philosophy that values both rigorous academic study and practical immersion, preparing graduates to become not just performers, but also teachers, producers, managers, and scholars who contribute to evolving traditions.

Faculty and alumni achievements at the highest levels of their professions reinforce the program’s worldwide reputation. Through outreach, performance, and research, the program continues to preserve and celebrate Appalachian culture while empowering new generations to interpret and shape these traditions for a global audience.

Requirements:

The Bachelor of Arts in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music requires 120 credits, including the selection of a 27-credit concentration:

Core Curriculum (54-57 Credits)

Communication (9 Credits)

ENGL 1010 Critical Reading and Expository Writing (3 credits)
ENGL 1020 Critical Thinking and Argumentation (3 credits)

Plus one of the following:
COMM 2025 Fundamentals of Communication (3 credits)
COMM 2045 Public Speaking (3 credits)
COMM 2055 Argumentation and Debate (3 credits)

Literature (3 Credits)

(select one of the following)

ENGL 2030 Literary Heritage (3 credits)
ENGL 2110 American Literature to 1865 (3 credits)
ENGL 2120 American Literature since 1865 (3 credits)
ENGL 2210 British Literature to 1785 (3 credits)
ENGL 2220 British Literature since 1785 (3 credits)
ENGL 2330 World Literature (3 credits)
ENGL 2430 European Literature (3 credits)

Fine Arts (3 Credits)

(select one of the following)

ARTA 1030 Art Appreciation (3 credits)
ARTH 2010 Art History Survey I (3 credits)
ARTH 2020 Art History Survey II (3 credits)
BLUE 2150 American Roots Music (3 credits)
DANC 1500 Introduction to Dance (3 credits)
HUMT 2310 Arts and Ideas I (3 credits)
HUMT 2320 Arts and Ideas II (3 credits)
MUSC 1030 Introduction to Music (3 credits)
MUSC 1035 History of Jazz (3 credits)
THEA 1030 Introduction to the Theatre (3 credits)

Humanities (3 Credits)

(select one of the following)

ENGL 3150 Literature, Ethics, and Values (3 credits)
ENGL 3280 Mythology (3 credits)
ENTC 3020 Technology and Society (3 credits)
HIST 1110 World History to 1500 (3 credits)
HIST 1120 World History Since 1500 (3 credits)
PHIL 1030 Introduction to Philosophy (3 credits)
PHIL 2020 Introduction to Ethics (3 credits)
PHIL 2040 Philosophy as Conversation (3 credits)
PHIL 2640 Science and the Modern World (3 credits)
RELI 2210 Introduction to the Study of World Religions (3 credits)

Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 Credits)

(Select two of the following)

ANTH 1240 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology (3 credits)
COBH 1010 Lifetime Behaviors for Healthy Living (3 credits)
ECON 1050 Economics and Society (3 credits) or ECON 2210 Principles of Macroeconomics (3 credits)
ECON 2220 Principles of Microeconomics (3 credits)
GEOS 1012 Introduction to Cultural Geography (3 credits)
EDFN 2310 Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
HDAL 2340 Understanding Cultural Diversity (3 credits)
MCOM 1030 Media Literacy (3 credits)
PSCI 1110 Introduction to Political Science (3 credits)
PSCI 1120 Introduction to American Government (3 credits)
PSYC 1310 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
SOCI 1020 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
SOCI 2020 Social Problems (3 credits)
SRVL 1020 Introduction to Service-Learning in the Community (3 credits)
WGSS 2010 Introduction to Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (3 credits)

History (6 Credits)

HIST 2010 The United States to 1877 (3 credits)
HIST 2020 The United States since 1877 (3 credits)

Natural Sciences (8 Credits)

(Select two of the following, along with any required labs)

ASTR 1010 Astronomy I (4 credits)
ASTR 1020 Astronomy II (4 credits)
ASTR 1035 Life in the Universe (4 credits)
BIOL 1110 Biology for Science Majors Lecture I (4 credits)
BIOL 1111 Biology for Science Majors Laboratory I (0 credit)
BIOL 1120 Biology for Science Majors Lecture II (4 credits)
BIOL 1121 Biology for Science Majors Laboratory II (0 credit)
BIOL 1130 Biology for Science Majors Lecture III (4 credits)
CHEM 1110 General Chemistry Lecture I (3 credits)
CHEM 1111 General Chemistry Laboratory I (1 credit)
CHEM 1120 General Chemistry Lecture II (3 credits)
CHEM 1121 General Chemistry Laboratory II (1 credit)
GEOS 1040 Geosciences: Earth and Society Lecture (3 credits)
GEOS 1041 Geosciences: Earth and Society Laboratory (1 credit)
GEOS 1050 Geosciences: Earth through Time Lecture (3 credits)
GEOS 1051 Geosciences: Earth through Time Laboratory (1 credit)
HSCI 2010 Anatomy and Physiology I (4 credits)
HSCI 2011 Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory I (0 credit)
HSCI 2020 Anatomy and Physiology II (4 credits)
HSCI 2021 Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory II (0 credit)
PHYS 2010 General Physics I-Noncalculus (3 credits)
PHYS 2011 General Physics Laboratory I-Noncalculus (1 credit)
PHYS 2020 General Physics II-Noncalculus (3 credits)
PHYS 2021 General Physics Laboratory II-Noncalculus (1 credit)
PHYS 2110 Technical Physics I-Calculus Based (5 credits)
PHYS 2120 Technical Physics II-Calculus Based (5 credits)

Mathematics (3-4 Credits)

(select one of the following)

MATH 1530 Probability and Statistics - Noncalculus (3 credits)
MATH 1840 Analytic Geometry and Differential Calculus (3 credits)
MATH 1910 Calculus I (4 credits)

Foreign Language (3 Credits)

Free Electives (11-14 Credits)
Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music requirements (30 credits)

BLUE 1710 - Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Theory (2 credits)
BLUE 1711 - Ear Training for Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Musicians (1 credit)
BLUE 2240 - Seminar I (1 credit)
BLUE 3010 - Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music History I (3 credits)
BLUE 3020 - Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music History II (3 credits)
BLUE 3240 - Seminar II (1 credit)
BLUE 4240 - Seminar III (1 credit)

Band Performance (8 credits)

(Select a combination from the following)

BLUE 3510 - Bluegrass Band (1-3 credits)
BLUE 3520 - Old-Time String Band (1-3 credits)
BLUE 3530 - Country Band (1-3 credits)
BLUE 3540 - Celtic Band (1-3 credits)

Instrument Training (10 credits)

Seven credits are requied on the primary instrument, and three are required on a secondary instrument.
(Select a combination from the following)

BLUE 3410 - Guitar (1 credit)
BLUE 3430 - Mandolin (1 credit)
BLUE 3440 - Banjo (1 credit)
BLUE 3460 - Fiddle (1 credit)
BLUE 3480 - Resophonic Guitar (1 credit)
BLUE 3490 - Bass (1 credit)
BLUE 3610 - Voice (1 credit)
Capstone (6 credits)

(Select two of the following)

BLUE 4010 - Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Recording Project (3 credits)
BLUE 4020 - Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Marketing Project (3 credits)
BLUE 4030 - Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Pedagogy and Applied Instruction (3 credits)
BLUE 4040 - Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Leadership and Group Teaching (3 credits)
BLUE 4050 - Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Research Methods and Techniques (3 credits)
BLUE 4060 - Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Research Project (3 credits)

B.A. Degree Concentrations:

Program Benefits:

Because of the unique history of the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music program and its location in East Tennessee, the program offers several benefits rarely found among other universities.

Band Experience

At ETSU, music is more than just an academic pursuit — it’s a transformative experience. Here, you’ll join one of over 20 diverse and performance-driven bands, where you’ll collaborate with like-minded musicians and seasoned mentors. Whether you're refining your skills or pushing creative boundaries, you’ll dive deep into the art of music-making, gaining hands-on experience that prepares you for the stage and beyond. From iconic performance venues to unique musical opportunities, ETSU offers an environment where your talent is nurtured and your passion for music can thrive.
Individualized Instruction

Private lessons provide an opportunity to refine your craft, explore new artistic dimensions, and discover your unique musical identity. In every session, you'll work one-on-one with top-tier instructors dedicated to helping you unlock your full potential. Whether you’re honing your skills on your primary instrument or exploring new horizons with voice and other instruments, these lessons provide personalized guidance tailored to your growth. With each semester, you’ll deepen your craft, refine your strengths, and find your distinct musical voice, all within an environment that challenges and inspires.
History, Music Theory, and Sound Engineering

To truly master your craft, you must first understand the roots of the music you love and how it comes to life. At ETSU, our History, Music Theory, and Sound Engineering courses offer you the tools to build your authenticity and fuel your creativity. You’ll venture deeply into the rich legacy that shapes today’s music, sharpening your ear and learning to listen with a critical and analytical eye. From analyzing iconic songs to mastering the technical aspects of sound, these classes empower you to connect the past with the future and create music that resonates with audiences.
Program Focused Seminars

Each week, ETSU brings the music industry to your doorstep. We invite celebrated entertainers and influential industry leaders to share their unique experiences and expertise with our students. From performers and agents to luthiers, songwriters, and audio engineers, these professionals offer valuable insights into how to navigate and thrive in the music world. Through these seminars, you'll learn not only how to make a living as an artist but also how to craft a fulfilling life in music, gaining firsthand knowledge that will help you carve your own path in the industry.
Fully Accredited Program

The Bachelor of Arts in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music, offered by East Tennessee State University, is one of the few bluegrass programs that is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Though it is the oldest program of its kind, it is a major that focuses on the Appalachian region and culture. Thus, it is not included in East Tennessee State University's music accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). In spite of this, the program has consistently produced award-winning musicians since its inception, and the number of honors received by the program's alumni increases each year. (See Alumni.)