Some students might feel a bit of uncertainty and trepidation at the prospect of being the first to enroll in a completely new academic program.
But after researching and visiting successful, established programs at other schools, Ross Earl felt confident in choosing East Tennessee State University’s Master of Music degree program, which opened its doors this fall with concentrations in performance, conducting, music education and composition.
From early musical talent to lifelong passion
Earl, who grew up in Knoxville, got his start in music at the age of 5, when his family noticed him singing along with the radio perfectly on pitch.
“We knew early on that would be a direction my life could go,” he said.
Since his middle school did not have a vocal program, Earl began his music education playing flute in band. Later, his high school band director suggested that joining choir could make him a more well-rounded musician. He did so, and soon found a home in chorus.
Building a strong foundation in music education
Earl studied at Pellissippi State Community College and earned his bachelor’s degree in music education at Maryville College. He then taught high school music for five years at The L&N STEM Academy in Knoxville, where he won the school’s highest honor for teachers — the Lampbearer Award — in his third year.
Earl loved his time at L&N and enjoyed his hardworking students who gave their all to everything they did. And after careful consideration, he decided to pursue his master’s degree.
Joining ETSU’s new Master of Music program
Earl took a chance on the new program at ETSU and just completed his first semester studying choral conducting as a member of its inaugural class.
He said he was impressed by the growth and momentum demonstrated by ETSU’s Department of Music over the past decade and by the quality of the university’s Martin Center for the Arts.
“When I came to audition, I had two professors working with me the whole time,” Earl said. “They really wanted to learn about me as an individual — where I was coming from and what my goals were. They gave me a full, hour-long rehearsal with a choral ensemble. It was a very personal experience.”
Gaining hands-on leadership and conducting experience
“I am really excited to be working with high-level musicians,” Earl said. “The faculty have really focused on us as grad students and made us feel like we’re a very high priority. They’ve put us into leadership positions, and they push us hard.”
Earl’s leadership role involves conducting BucsWorth, ETSU’s tenor-bass choir, under the guidance of Dr. Alan Stevens, professor, director of choral activities and chair of the Department of Music. Most recently, he had the opportunity to conduct in the university’s annual Holiday Concert, a perennially popular show that expanded to three performances this year. He also sings as a member of the ETSU Chorale.
Looking ahead: Career goals in music education
Whether he pursues a doctoral degree after completing his master’s or takes a position with a high school music program, Earl hopes to focus on the role of music education in the community.
Earl said that in the mid- to late 20th century, many high school music programs played a larger role in the community than some do today.
“I think it’s easy for educators to be tempted to look inward,” he said. “‘What can I do with my students in my rehearsal room, with my program? And maybe every once in a while, I’ll do a concert and the parents will get to see it.’ I think that’s a huge mistake, and we need to swing the pendulum back in the other direction.
“Your ensembles have to be in the community. You have to win people over and play an active role and work with people outside the school. That’s how music programs grow and become important to people.”
Not only would Earl like his choirs to perform more in the community, but also to work on projects as his students at L&N did, such as participating in a home build, organizing fundraisers for various causes, or helping English-as-a-second-language students learn to read.
A creative life beyond music
Outside of music, Earl is a published author of fantasy stories. Spurred by ideas from playing “Dungeons & Dragons” with friends in high school, he published two short stories, which may be read at Calliope Interactive and Fairfield Scribes. He also writes novels that have garnered positive reviews from early readers, and he is now seeking representation for their publication.
In addition, Earl and his fiancée enjoy hiking in the East Tennessee mountains, and he takes a strong interest in historic preservation. A descendant of a family that settled in the region in the late 1700s, he appreciates the artifacts and land that have been passed down in his family through generations.