- History of Bluegrass and American Roots Music (Majors/Minors)

Catalog description

This course attempts to answer the question, “What is Bluegrass Music?” For some the answer appears to be very clear and for others it is very elusive. We will look at the origins and influences and try to pinpoint the moment it came to exist. Who created it? Who developed it? Who continues to influence it? What instruments and sounds are involved and which are out of bounds? We will also attempt to define what it is not. By taking a broad look at American Roots Music from the 20th century, putting Bluegrass music at the center, we will discover the various influences of American acoustic music and better understand its progression into modern times. Throughout the course we will also find that the origins of Bluegrass music are actually very diverse. Along with the impact of European music, we will look at the role that women and African Americans play in the development of bluegrass, old time, early country and American Roots Music in general.