Education Programs

The BCMA strives to educate students of all ages about the importance of their Appalachian heritage

One of the primary objectives of the Birthplace of Country Music Alliance is to help educate the public about the musical heritage of Southern Appalachia, the role this heritage has played in the development of country music, and its continuing influence around the world.

To further this objective, the BCMA has developed a number of educational programs to preserve and inform individuals about our region's musical heritage. For too long, individuals from the Southern Appalachians have been ignorant or ashamed of their musical heritage.

The BCMA offers programs for elementary and high school students, college students, and the public as large.

College Programs

The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance works closely with East Tennessee State University's Bluegrass and Country Music Program to provide educational opportunities for aspiring musicians. East Tennessee State University is the only four-year university in the world with a comprehensive bluegrass music program. It offers a variety of bluegrass and country music courses, both performance-oriented and academic, which are electives for undergraduate credit. Minors in Music and Appalachian Studies are offered, to which bluegrass courses can be applied.

Learn more about ETSU's Bluegrass and Country Music Program and the Benny Sims Scholarship.

K- 12 Programs

The Birthplace of Country Music Alliance believes that it is important to teach tomorrow's generations about our region's musical heritage and it's significance. The BCMA conducts programs during which members go to local elementary schools to make presentations and performances demonstrating the region's music, its heritage, and influence. Since implementing the program, the BCMA has visited over nine schools in Washington County, Virginia and Sullivan County, Tennessee.

On other occasions, schools have visited the BCMA museum on field outings, where museum tours and presentations can be combined with musical performances.

By teaching the next generation, the BCMA wants to insure that individuals will no longer be ignorant or ashamed of their region's music and its heritage.

If you would like to schedule a presentation at your school, or a visit to the BCMA museum, please contact the BCMA.

To link to other educational resources in the area of traditional music, click here.