Explore the roots of American bluegrass by tracing it back to its origins in the highlands of northern Scotland. Through this course, students will be able to see how the Scottish culture helped shape and influence the American culture that we see today. The experience will expose students to world-class practitioners of bluegrass and traditional music on both sides of the Atlantic, allowing them to investigate- using primary sources and exposure to expert practitioners- the history of one of American music’s most beautiful and important traditions.

Visits to Edinburgh, Stonehaven, and Glasgow are planned. During the spring semester course, a field trip to the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Virginia will take place. This nonprofit organization hosts weekly musical performances and pays tribute to the Carter Family, who are credited with starting the commercial country music industry. In addition, Mark O’Connor, one of this country’s most renowned bluegrass musicians, will conduct workshops and lectures with the class. While in Scotland, students will have the opportunity to attend the Stonehaven Music Festival which brings people from all over the world to enjoy concerts and workshops in the traditions of traditional Scottish folk music. Through collaboration with ethnomusicology faculty and students at the University St. Andrews and University of Glasgow, students will engage in global academic exchanges of ideas and the production of a final research project.

This course is most appropriate for students interested in music, storytelling, and digital media.

The academic course associated with this program is MUS/COM 398 and 399: Scotland: Origins of Appalachian Music and Storytelling for 4 total credits. Students will elect to receive MUS or COM credit. It will be taught by Professors Justin Smith, Lora Smith, and Bob Page.

This is an OPEN program.
*all itinerary items are tentative and subject to change*