First bluegrass major in the world may be offered at ETSU
Marion Stiles
Issue date: 4/27/09 Section: The Scene
Since ETSU is the only university with bluegrass education, students travel from all over the country and world to be part of it including Norway, Sweden,and Japan.
Colleen Trenwith, who travelled from New Zealand for the program said, "It has inspired me to return to New Zealand and share my knowledge of the music I have played in New Zealand for many years, but with a newfound authority built on a more sure knowledge-base."
Some of the alumni that have come from the program include award-winning musicians like Kenny Chesney, Adam Steffey and Barry Bales. Many famous alumni give ETSU extensive credit for helping them in the music world.
"This program is helping ETSU take the worldwide lead in educational leadership in the field of contemporary music studies. It's an invaluable resource for the community, bluegrass music and the future of both," said Tim Stafford, an alumnus of the program who has won national and international music awards.
The bluegrass major will allow students to learn one-on-one with some of the leading musicians in the country. Adam Steffey is a mandolin instructor who is a five-time Grammy award winner. Barry Bales teaches bass and has won 13 Grammy awards and Bass Player of the Year for 2008 from the IBMA. Steffey and Bales are just two of the many successful alumni who are coming back as teachers.
"They will be teaching alongside the instructors they studied with when they were in the program," said McClain. "So they are not coming in as stars but as artists who would like to give back."
Besides general education courses, the major will include many classes within the existing minor but adding 12 new courses. These classes will include everything from history, theory and recording courses to instrument set-up and maintenance classes.
"We are trying to maintain the spirit of learning through discovery and inspiration which is already inherent in this style of music," said McClain.
The pre-proposal for the degree has already passed the Academic Council of the University and the Tennessee Board of Regents. The more extensive final proposal is now in the same process. Once it reaches the TBR, it usually takes about three to six months to pass according to Mary Morgan, from the TBR.
"Instating the major will be big for bluegrass, big for ETSU," said Boner.
Colleen Trenwith, who travelled from New Zealand for the program said, "It has inspired me to return to New Zealand and share my knowledge of the music I have played in New Zealand for many years, but with a newfound authority built on a more sure knowledge-base."
Some of the alumni that have come from the program include award-winning musicians like Kenny Chesney, Adam Steffey and Barry Bales. Many famous alumni give ETSU extensive credit for helping them in the music world.
"This program is helping ETSU take the worldwide lead in educational leadership in the field of contemporary music studies. It's an invaluable resource for the community, bluegrass music and the future of both," said Tim Stafford, an alumnus of the program who has won national and international music awards.
The bluegrass major will allow students to learn one-on-one with some of the leading musicians in the country. Adam Steffey is a mandolin instructor who is a five-time Grammy award winner. Barry Bales teaches bass and has won 13 Grammy awards and Bass Player of the Year for 2008 from the IBMA. Steffey and Bales are just two of the many successful alumni who are coming back as teachers.
"They will be teaching alongside the instructors they studied with when they were in the program," said McClain. "So they are not coming in as stars but as artists who would like to give back."
Besides general education courses, the major will include many classes within the existing minor but adding 12 new courses. These classes will include everything from history, theory and recording courses to instrument set-up and maintenance classes.
"We are trying to maintain the spirit of learning through discovery and inspiration which is already inherent in this style of music," said McClain.
The pre-proposal for the degree has already passed the Academic Council of the University and the Tennessee Board of Regents. The more extensive final proposal is now in the same process. Once it reaches the TBR, it usually takes about three to six months to pass according to Mary Morgan, from the TBR.
"Instating the major will be big for bluegrass, big for ETSU," said Boner.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
samueljaxon
Term Paper Services
posted 2/21/10 @ 11:08 AM CST
I must say, great stuff!
Elaine Tiller
posted 2/22/10 @ 7:40 PM CST
I think this is wonderful!
Elaine Tiller '80
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