Minor in American Roots Music
The American roots music minor will enhance a student’s knowledge of the musical basis of a wide range of American roots music styles while also exploring the historical and sociological components of these styles—including, but not limited to, country blues, old-time, bluegrass, spirituals, early gospel, classic country, cajun, celtic, and other related offshoots. Designed for all instruments and ensemble ratings, the minor includes a survey course, as well as choices of ensembles and liberal arts courses. Upon completion of the minor, students will have a well-developed understanding of both the performance aspects of American roots music and the historical and cultural components that gave birth to these styles and through which they thrive.
There are no entrance requirements for this minor. Students must follow the regular declaration of minor procedure as outlined in the Registration Manual. This minor is managed by the String Department.
Upon completion of the American roots music minor, students will:
- Develop performance skills in a variety of American roots music styles, including blues, country, and other rural idioms;
- Gain knowledge of the social and cultural context through which these styles evolved;
- Develop an understanding of the role of technology and the music industry in the creation, dissemination, and labeling of rural music;
- Integrate musical elements from these styles into contemporary compositions and performances;
- Analyze the relationship between musical elements of related styles, and;
- Apply critical thinking and practical reasoning to the study of American roots music.