Artist in Residence

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 2027. This is a full-time, non-tenure track position 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 includes a full benefits package and salary of $68,000.

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 employment. Artists in Residence have access to program resources including performance and recording spaces, the Archives of Appalachia, and dedicated teaching areas. Activities may include a performance residency, workshops or masterclasses, band leadership and mentorship, public lectures or performances, publications, and course development or instruction in the candidate’s area of expertise. The position requires campus presence when classes are in session, while allowing flexibility for an active touring schedule.

Program and Institutional Context
ETSU is located in northeast Tennessee near Bristol, Asheville, and the Carter Fold, offering students access to a vibrant regional network of festivals, venues, and traditional music communities in the heart of Appalachia. The university has become a recognized hub for the study and performance of American roots music, supported by the Department of Appalachian Studies and the Archives of Appalachia. The Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music program was founded by Jack Tottle in 1982 and is widely regarded as the oldest established program of its kind at any four-year institution. Building on that early vision, the program launched the world’s first baccalaureate degree in Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Country Music Studies in 2010, and now offers multiple concentrations and minors that prepare students for professional careers in performance, audio production, and related fields.

The Department of Appalachian Studies includes undergraduate and graduate programs in Appalachian Studies, Scottish and Irish Studies, and related areas. It also includes the Center of Excellence in Appalachian Studies and Services, the Regional Resources Institute, the Reece Museum, and the Archives of Appalachia.

This position supports ETSU’s mission to honor and preserve the heritage of Southern Appalachia through education, research, and service, and reflects the department’s goal of balancing academic and professional preparation. All positions are contingent upon sufficient funding, and ETSU states its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

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.
• 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.
• Commitment to fostering a collegial learning environment in which equity, inclusion, and innovation are encouraged.

Required Qualifications

• Professional bluegrass, old-time, or roots music performing artist with outstanding professional attainments, creative accomplishments, and recognition in the fields.

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.

Application Instructions

• Applicants must complete the online application, including a cover letter, curriculum vitae, three professional references, and unofficial academic transcripts if applicable.

Each applicant must also submit:

• Three professional audio recordings.
• Two live video performances.

Optional additional materials include:

• A sample live instructional video.
• A sample of written instructional material.
• A brief statement of teaching philosophy.

Videos, recordings, and instructional samples may be uploaded to Voyager or emailed to [email protected]. For large files, internet links such as YouTube are preferred.

Contact Name: Dan Boner 
Contact Email: [email protected] 
Campus Box Number: 70435

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $68,000
• For information on benefits please visit www.etsu.edu/human-resources/benefits/.

Application Instructions

• Exempt positions are only required to be posted for a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days. The closing date for this posting is subject to change without notice to applicants.

ETSU is an equal opportunity employer.

University Overview

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.

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.