The nation’s largest and oldest bluegrass degree program just got official recognition to match its reputation.
The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) has awarded accreditation to East Tennessee State University’s Bachelor of Arts in bluegrass, old-time and roots music. The program becomes one of only a handful nationwide to hold this distinction.
NASM is the premier accrediting body for music and music-related programs, accrediting more than 600 institutions. ETSU has been an accredited institutional member since 1978. In its review, NASM’s Commission on Accreditation approved the degree with no required revisions and commended the university for its “unique and innovative curricular program.”
Founded in 1982 by songwriter and recording artist Jack Tottle, the program launched the nation’s first bachelor’s degree in the discipline in 2010. Today, it is the largest of its kind, with more than 60 majors, and is widely recognized as the leader in the field.
“This accreditation is a significant achievement and provides students from across the country and around the world a clear indication of the program’s exceptional quality,” said Dr. Joe Bidwell, dean of ETSU’s College of Arts and Sciences.
The program’s growth is reflected in its alumni and faculty, who have gone on to perform at the highest levels of the music industry and are redefining the genre. Notable names include Barry Bales, Adam Steffey, Tim Stafford, Becky Buller, Amythyst Kiah, Tray Wellington, Trey Hensley and Country Music Hall of Fame member Kenny Chesney.
Nate Olson, academic director, highlighted the vision that shaped the program.
“It’s exciting to be able to create an immersive educational experience for students to study this music deeply,” he said. “NASM’s accreditation validates the quality and depth of our curriculum and affirms our commitment to students’ artistic and academic development in music performance, education, and scholarship. As they have for over 40 years, our graduates will be well-equipped to preserve and advance the traditions of Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots music, and thrive in a diverse range of professional musical paths.”
The program is housed in ETSU’s Department of Appalachian Studies, the only such department at a state university. This unique setting has enabled faculty to design a curriculum rooted in Appalachian cultural heritage, reinforcing ETSU’s role as the flagship institution of the region.
“ETSU has long understood the value of offering deep study of bluegrass, old-time and associated styles of American roots music,” said Dan Boner, program director. “This all goes back to our program’s visionary founder, Jack Tottle, who saw the importance of introducing bluegrass and Appalachian music to higher education in historical and cultural context. His philosophies were way ahead of their time.”
“The Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music program is one of the most unique programs at ETSU and is a natural fit for our core mission to serve the Appalachian region,” said Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs. “We are thrilled to announce this NASM accreditation, which is a strong validation of this innovative program and the decades-long outstanding work of its faculty, staff and students.”
This fall, the program enters its 15th year as a baccalaureate degree, with enrollment expected to top 70 majors. Acclaimed bluegrass artist Missy Raines will join the faculty as Artist-in-Residence.
ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music program offers a Bachelor of Arts with four concentrations -- audio production, bluegrass profession, old-time music and Scottish and Irish traditional music -- as well as undergraduate minors. To learn more, visit etsu.edu/cas/das.
