Artist in Residence in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies Position Available In Washington, Tennessee

Posting Details
Position Information Job Title Artist in Residence in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies
Department Appalachian Studies – 21010
Pay Grade 1
Job Category Faculty
Job Summary The Department of Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University invites applications for an Artist in Residence in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies, to begin in August 2025. This is a full-time, non-tenure track position that will be appointed on the basis of outstanding professional attainments, creative accomplishments, and recognition in the bluegrass and roots music entertainment field. The appointment is for one academic year (Aug. 15-May 15), with possible renewal for one year. Total compensation will include a full benefits package and salary commensurate with experience. The primary duties of the Artist In Residence are to produce and share live and/or recorded musical work, mentor students in private instruction and collaboration, and promote the Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Program throughout the duration of their employment. Artists In Residence will have access to all of the resources of the program in order to support their activities, including state-of-the-art performance and recording spaces, the prodigious Archives of Appalachia (which include nearly 90,000 recordings), and dedicated teaching areas. Detailed activities and expectations will be determined in consultation with the successful candidate but may include some of the following: a performance residency at a local venue; workshops or masterclasses within the program and community; band leadership and mentorship; public lectures, performances, or collaborative presentations; written or musical publications; course development and instruction in the candidate’s area of expertise. Previous Artists in Residence include Brittany Haas (2021-2022), Mike Compton (2021-2023), and Tim Stafford (2023-2025). East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is an institution with over 14,000 diverse students highly ranked graduate and undergraduate programs. Located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains of Northeast Tennessee, ETSU serves as a hub for community, discovery, and service. Aligned with the institution’s mission, we value efforts to engage in teaching, scholarship, creative activities, and service that involve community partners and address significant societal needs in our region and beyond. Recognized in 2024 as a Great College to Work For, recent strategic initiatives prioritize the institution’s focus on community engagement. The position requires a presence on campus when classes are in session but allows flexibility to maintain an active touring schedule. The ETSU Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies program is the oldest and largest program of its kind. Founded by Jack Tottle in 1982, the program launched the world’s first baccalaureate degree in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies in 2010. The Department of Appalachian Studies includes a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in Appalachian Studies, Scottish and Irish Studies, and related programs. The Department includes the Center of Excellence in Appalachian Studies and Services, with its Regional Resources Institute, the Reece Museum, and the Archives of Appalachia. This position supports ETSU’s mission to honor and preserve the rich heritage of Southern Appalachia through distinctive education, research, and service programs. In addition, the position reflects the Department’s goal to provide outstanding student learning experiences through a balance of academic and professional preparation. All positions at East Tennessee State University are contingent upon sufficient funding. ETSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Disclaimer:

The Job Summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of work individuals perform in this classification. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Management reserves the right to revise the job or require different tasks to be performed as assigned to reflect changes in the position. Employees must be able to perform the position’s essential functions satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Professional-level musical ability and experience.
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Up-to-date and experiential knowledge of the bluegrass and roots music industry.
Commitment to fostering a collegial learning environment in which equity, inclusion, and innovation are encouraged.
Ability to promote the program to a wide range of audiences.
Ability to collaborate with students to create musical work.
Ability to help prepare students for careers as bluegrass or roots music professionals. Required Qualifications Professional bluegrass, old-time, or roots music performing artist with outstanding professional attainments, creative accomplishments, and recognition in their field. Preferred Qualifications Top-level industry involvement and accomplishment as demonstrated by award nominations, artistic collaborations, noteworthy performances, broad fanbases, recordings, publications, instructional materials, or other accomplishments.
Previous teaching experience, whether in a private studio or at an institution, is a plus. Salary Posting Detail Information Posting Number F00899P
Is this position subject to a criminal background check? No
Is any part of the funding for this posting coming from a grant or outside funding source? No
Open Date 02/03/2025
Close Date 03/07/2025
Open Until Filled Yes