The Department of Music also offers training in the Suzuki method for flute. Courses in this program meet certification guidelines of the Suzuki Association of the Americas (SAA).Undergraduate instruction in the department leads to the Bachelor of Music (BM) degree with a concentration in Jazz Studies, Music Education, or Performance. This specialized training in music prepares students for professional work or advanced study, for teaching music in the elementary and secondary schools, and for general cultural attainment.We are a sought-after department for pianists. Our piano students consistently place in the top ranks of piano competitions and get accepted into the most competitive US graduate schools. The Powell Piano series brings accomplished pianists to ETSU for master classes and recitals. We are an All-Steinway school. Our piano majors are able to practice on professional-level instruments. Every year, one piano major is accepted with a full-ride scholarship. In addition, pianists receive scholarship-support at various levels through generously endowed scholarships. Student musicians are able to join a variety of ensembles. Some of them perform at state, regional and national levels, and some travel as far as overseas. Our ensembles include a Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Brass and Woodwind Ensemble, Chorale, Men's and Women's Choir, Jazz Singers, and a variety of smaller groups. Qualified musicians are also able to join the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra. Our department offers numerous scholarships to students in all areas of musical study.

The Tri-Cities area (Johnson City, Kingsport, Bristol) offers wonderful opportunities to explore music and the arts. First, we are part of the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts. Many events bring famous artists to ETSU and delight audiences from the university and wider area. Every semester, our Department offers a new concert series featuring guest musicians. There are jazz events, choral concerts, and many recitals in addition. Two symphony orchestras serve the region: the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra (Robert J. Seebacher) and the Symphony of the Mountains in Kingsport, TN (Cornelia Laemmli Orth).

Most of our recitals and concerts take place in Mathes Hall 107, some also in Brown Hall, in Culp Auditorium, and at the Memorial Theater on the Veterans Administration/College of Medicine campus.