East Tennessee State University [1] is the only four-year university in the world with a comprehensive bluegrass music program. It offers a variety of bluegrass and country music courses, both performance-oriented and academic, which are electives for undergraduate credit. Minors in Music and Appalachian Studies are offered, to which bluegrass courses can be applied.

Learn more about ETSU's Bluegrass and Country Music Program [2] and the Benny Sims Scholarship. [3]

K- 12 Programs

The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance believes that it is important to teach tomorrow's generations about our region's musical heritage and it's significance. The BCMA conducts programs during which members go to local elementary schools to make presentations and performances demonstrating the region's music, its heritage, and influence. Since implementing the program, the BCMA has visited over nine schools in Washington County, Virginia and Sullivan County, Tennessee.

On other occasions, schools have visited the BCMA museum on field outings, where museum tours and presentations can be combined with musical performances.

By teaching the next generation, the BCMA wants to insure that individuals will no longer be ignorant or ashamed of their region's music and its heritage.

If you would like to schedule a presentation at your school, or a visit to the BCMA museum, please contact the BCMA [4].

To link to other educational resources in the area of traditional music, click here [5].