Bluegrass B.A. approved at ETSU

ETSU Bluegrass, Old Time & Country Music ProgramWhen we last spoke with Raymond McLain about the Bluegrass, Old Time & Country Music program at East Tennessee State University, they were in the process of seeking full accreditation to offer a four year Bachelor of Arts degree. McLain is the director of this program, which currently allows for a minor for ETSU students, and our discussion in April of ’09 covered their application for the degree program.

Well, their application has been approved, and they will soon be accepting students who will receive a Bluegrass degree upon graduation. Students in the existing  BCOTM program should be able to transfer onto the degree track as well.

This will not be a music degree, but students will take many of the same courses that are required in a music program, all with a focus on bluegrass and traditional music.

McLain told us on Friday that he was very excited about this news, and he promised to get back to us soon with more information.

Congratulations to ETSU for this milestone – and to McLain, Jack Tottle and Richard Blaustein, who have worked tirelessly for years to achieve this status.

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About the Author

John Lawless

John had served as primary author and editor for The Bluegrass Blog from its launch in 2006 until being folded into Bluegrass Today in September of 2011. He continues in that capacity here, managing a strong team of columnists and correspondents.