Degree Name
MALS (Master of Arts in Liberal Studies)
Program
Liberal Studies
Date of Award
5-2014
Committee Chair or Co-Chairs
Lee Bidgood
Committee Members
Marie Tedesco, Jane MacMorran
Abstract
This research examines the establishment of degree programs in traditional music in institutions of higher education. It defines traditional music and discusses the history of traditional and folk music programs at universities and conservatories in the United States, Finland, Scotland, and England. The institutionalization of American traditional music is compared to the institutionalization of jazz music in the United States. This thesis focuses on the Bluegrass, Old- Time, and Country Music Studies program at East Tennessee State University and features original ethnographic interviews with lecturers from the program. Two similar programs in Tennessee and Kentucky are also discussed. Some of the issues that are explored within these programs include standardization, improvisation and imitation, the use of sheet music, and job potential. The purpose of this research is to examine if and how institutionalization affects traditional music.
Document Type
Thesis - unrestricted
Recommended Citation
Frank, Alexandra, "“That’s the way I’ve always learned”: The Transmission of Traditional Music in Higher Education" (2014). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 2381. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2381
Copyright
Copyright by the authors.
Included in
Appalachian Studies Commons, Ethnomusicology Commons, Music Education Commons, Music Pedagogy Commons