ETSU Department of Music

Breaking news: our Chamber Orchestra is versatile, passionate, and precise. This Friday at 730, don’t miss their concert! ETSU CMF Chamber Orchestra Concert - Christopher Kelts, Conductor

Check out our upcoming events this week!

Join the ETSU Music Faculty! We are seeking a Visiting Assistant Professor of Piano to begin this August.

Visiting Assistant Professor of Piano East Tennessee State University Department of Music seeks a one-year visiting assistant professor of piano to begin on August 15, 2026. The successful candidate will teach piano courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels that will include applied lessons, pedagogy, literature, and ensemble. Th...

Student Spotlight: Damien Kincheloe 🎶

Meet Damien Kincheloe, a senior Bachelor of Music student in Music Education, originally from Surgoinsville, Tennessee. Throughout his time at ETSU, Damien has combined humor, leadership, and a passion for music education to make a lasting impact within the department.

Why ETSU?
For Damien, ETSU offered the opportunity to stay close to home while pursuing his degree. Being able to commute helped him save money and work toward living independently off campus, while still remaining connected to a strong music community.

Favorite ETSU Memory:
Some of Damien’s favorite experiences have come from traveling with the low brass studio on tour. While balancing performances and missed classwork can sometimes be stressful, the trips created memorable moments and strong friendships. One memory that still stands out from his freshman year trip to Chattanooga involved someone mistaking the M&M factory for a military base, despite the giant M&M displayed outside. It quickly became one of those inside jokes that made the experience unforgettable.

Goals and Aspirations:
Damien hopes to become a middle school band director, though he is also open to teaching elementary music. More than anything, he is excited about building a career doing what he loves and sharing music with future students.

Leadership and Involvement:
Beyond the classroom and ensemble rehearsals, Damien has played an important role in the ETSU Swashbucklers, serving as both a member and now president of the group. His involvement has helped him grow as both a singer and a leader, particularly in learning how to manage rehearsals and work within a choral setting. Damien values the unique role the Swashbucklers play on campus and believes the organization contributes something meaningful to both the ETSU community and music education as a whole.

Damien’s dedication, humor, and willingness to grow in new musical settings make him a valued part of the ETSU Department of Music, and we look forward to seeing the impact he will make as an educator.

ETSU Tuba & Euphonium

The ETSU Martin Center for the Arts is looking for a new Technical Director! This position works closely with the ETSU Department of Music to present our events and assist with tech in our academic spaces. If you know anyone that wants to be a part of the ETSU family, please share the job posting:

Technical Director Job Summary The Technical Director plays a central role in procedure development and planning of the annual budget for technical elements, and the successful delivery of events of all kinds. The TD is primarily responsible for the technical elements of the center’s performance & production venues ...

What makes us the ?

Take a glimpse at some of our favorite moments from this year!

Credit for Carrie the Musical:
Mylee Doty performing in the ETSU Department of Theatre & Dance production of Carrie the Musical
Photo Credit: ETSU Photo Lab

Student Spotlight: Csanád Barbarics 🎶

Meet Csanád Barbarics, a first-year Master of Music student in Piano Performance, joining ETSU from Veszprém, Hungary. With an already impressive academic and artistic background, Csanád brings a global perspective and deep dedication to his craft. This year, Csanád served as the Festival Coordinator for the American Liszt Society’s Annual Festival, hosted at ETSU in fall 2025.

Why ETSU?
Csanád’s journey to ETSU began in Hungary, where he met his professor, Dr. Éva Polgár, during a masterclass. That experience proved to be a turning point, leaving a lasting impression that ultimately led him to apply to her studio and pursue a second graduate degree under her mentorship.

Favorite ETSU Memory:
One of the most meaningful aspects of Csanád’s time at ETSU has been the opportunity for artistic and professional growth under the guidance of his professors. Through this mentorship, he has participated in several piano competitions that have strengthened his technique and confidence as a performer. A standout moment was attending the MTNA National Conference in Chicago, an experience that further connected him with the broader music community.

Goals & Aspirations:
Following graduation, Csanád plans to continue his studies by pursuing Artist Diploma programs in either the United States or Europe. His long term goal is to build a career as a professional pianist, performing solo recitals, collaborating in chamber ensembles, and appearing as a soloist with orchestras around the world.

With his passion, discipline, and international experience, Csanád is a remarkable part of the ETSU music family. We look forward to following his journey as he continues to grow as an artist on the global stage.

We are celebrating our 2025-2026 music graduates! Jacob Smith is from Johnson City, TN, and he attended ETSU University School. He will graduate this semester with the Bachelor of Arts in Contemporary Music Performance Major and a minor in Japanese. Jacob is a tenor vocalist. Jacob chose ETSU because multiple generations of his family have attended the university! His favorite memories include, “the friends I have made and the accomplishments that have come from this opportunity. I have been able to learn so much and do so many amazing things with my voice!” Jacob adds, “I want to add special thanks to Garrett Thomas, for really helping me get through it and pushing my voice. Because of him, I felt a new drive and passion in what I wanted to do with my life and music. I also want to thank my Mother Kathi Lecroy Horne, my partner Skylar Johnson, and my best friend Luna Rose, for always being there to support me and listen to me when I needed it most. They gave me a shoulder to cry on when the going got tough, and they have been with me every step of the way.” After graduation, Jacob plans pursue a career in commercial music and hopes to make it as a professional musician! Congratulations, Jacob!