ETSU Department of Music

ETSU Department of Music East Tennessee State University's Department of Music

The Department of Music at East Tennessee State University is housed in Mathes Hall in the middle of a beautiful campus. Students perform in the new Martin Center for the Arts, a new state-of-the-art facility offering three unique performance spaces: the Grand Hall auditorium with over 1200 seats, the Powell Recital Hall with stunning acoustics for solo and chamber music performances, and the Bach

Black Box Theatre, a flexible space for our growing and exciting Musical Theatre program. The Department offers Bachelor of Music degrees in Performance and Music Education, as well as Bachelor of Arts degrees in Contemporary Music Performance, Music History, Composition, Musical Theatre, and Performance. Just over 150 students major or minor in music each year, participating in an annual concert season that includes over 150 performances by ensembles, students, faculty, and guest artists. Students have the opportunity to participate in classical choral, wind, and orchestral ensembles, as well as jazz, marching, contemporary, chamber, and avante-garde. Our ensemble conductors are nationally-recognized, and students have the opportunity to study with some of the best musicians in the field. The Department of Music faculty are an eclectic mix of individuals, including Grammy-winning artists, often-published composers, fantastic conductors, and internationally-recognized performers. The East Tennessee State University Department of Music is a thriving community of talented individuals that offers the best possible preparation for a professional career in music!

09/03/2026

With the semester now in full swing, students take this gentle reminder to prioritize your mental and physical health alongside your busy class and practice schedule. Practice hard but take care of yourself too. Your mind and body are part of your instrument. Consistent healthy practice habits = better musicianship, fewer injuries, more progress, and a happier relationship with music! Remember to eat, rest, and go outside every day.

Student Spotlight: Libby VanBurenMeet Libby VanBuren, a sophomore Music Education major specializing in horn, from Bloun...
09/02/2026

Student Spotlight: Libby VanBuren

Meet Libby VanBuren, a sophomore Music Education major specializing in horn, from Blountville, Tennessee. Libby chose ETSU for its welcoming campus size and strong music program, finding a place where she could build meaningful personal connections while continuing to grow as a musician.

Why ETSU?
For Libby, ETSU offered the balance she was looking for. The campus felt small enough to foster personal connections while still providing plenty of opportunities to develop as a musician and become involved in the music community.

Favorite ETSU Memory:
One of Libby's favorite experiences this last year was attending the Southeast Horn Workshop. Watching professional horn players and learning about the different approaches they bring to their music opened her eyes to new possibilities as a musician. The trip was made even better by getting to experience it alongside some of her closest friends.

Goals and Aspirations:
After graduation, Libby hopes to become a middle school band director, where she can share her love of music and help young musicians discover their own passion for performing.

Fun Fact:
When she's not playing horn, Libby loves to bedazzle things while watching Hamilton.

We're excited to see Libby's continued growth as a musician and future educator and can't wait to see where her journey takes her.

Baritone Dr. Joshua Zink and pianist Dr. Benjamin Wadsworth take the stage for a guest artist vocal recital featuring an...
08/29/2026

Baritone Dr. Joshua Zink and pianist Dr. Benjamin Wadsworth take the stage for a guest artist vocal recital featuring an evening of vocal repertoire and musical collaboration.

With extensive experience as a performer, educator, accompanist, and advocate for new music, Zink and Wadsworth bring a wealth of artistry to the ETSU stage.

Come experience an evening of song, storytelling, and collaboration.

Here we are! This is our 2026-2027 ETSU Music Family! The academic year is off to an amazing start. We had our first Sym...
08/27/2026

Here we are! This is our 2026-2027 ETSU Music Family! The academic year is off to an amazing start. We had our first Symposium class today and got to experience our entire department together. We have another record enrollment. It's a great time to be a music major at East Tennessee State University! ETSU College of Arts & Sciences

HAPPY NATIONAL DOG DAY FROM THE ETSU DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC!
08/26/2026

HAPPY NATIONAL DOG DAY FROM THE ETSU DEPARTMENT OF MUSIC!

As members of the EZRA Quartet, Allard and Butterfield discovered a shared love of jazz, classical music, progressive bl...
08/25/2026

As members of the EZRA Quartet, Allard and Butterfield discovered a shared love of jazz, classical music, progressive bluegrass, and music that refuses to stay in one genre. Their Allard/Butterfield Duo brings those influences together with original music by both artists.

Allard is a multi-instrumentalist and composer, winner of both the RockyGrass Banjo Competition and FreshGrass Banjo Award. Butterfield is an award-winning bassist whose career has included performances and recordings with jazz great Maynard Ferguson and appearances on major record labels.

Come hear what happens when the banjo and bass get a little adventurous.

0 DAYS TO GO!The countdown is over. Happy first day of classes, ETSU Music family! 💙💛The practice rooms are filling up, ...
08/24/2026

0 DAYS TO GO!

The countdown is over. Happy first day of classes, ETSU Music family! 💙💛

The practice rooms are filling up, rehearsals are beginning, and another year of making music, making memories, and making a little bit of noise is officially underway.

Here’s to a great semester. We’re so glad you’re back!

08/23/2026

40 days later... we made it.

And what better way to celebrate the final day of our countdown than with the ETSU Alma Mater performed by our faculty... on boomwhackers.

We take music very seriously. Clearly.

Happy first week of classes, ETSU Music family. Here's to another year of making music, making memories, and occasionally making questionable instrument choices.

08/22/2026

Everything was going perfectly fine.

Until it wasn't.

Student Spotlight: Alex DotsonMeet Alex Dotson, a senior Instrumental Music Education major from Richlands, Virginia. Al...
08/21/2026

Student Spotlight: Alex Dotson

Meet Alex Dotson, a senior Instrumental Music Education major from Richlands, Virginia. Alex has built his musical journey around a passion for performance, teaching, and the goal of becoming a future leader in the world of music education.

Why ETSU?
After deciding that music was the career he wanted to pursue, Alex began asking band directors and music educators throughout his area for advice on where to continue his education. ETSU's successful and growing music program came highly recommended. After meeting Dr. Brian Rodesch and beginning to work with him as a mentor and teacher, Alex knew he had found the right place.

Favorite ETSU Memory:
One of Alex's standout experiences at ETSU was winning the Concerto Competition and earning the opportunity to perform with the ETSU Orchestra. The experience gave him the chance to step into the spotlight as a performer and create a memorable musical experience alongside his fellow musicians.

Goals and Aspirations:
After graduation, Alex plans to teach high school band for several years, gaining experience as an educator and building his skills in the classroom. Eventually, he hopes to continue his education by pursuing both a master's degree and doctorate in wind conducting.

Alex's dedication to music education and conducting is already shaping the next chapter of his musical career, and we look forward to seeing where his passion and hard work take him.

Address

216 Sherrod Drive
Johnson City, TN
37614

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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