My Story
I developed my love of music when I discovered the double bass in high school and my love of learning when I attended a small liberal arts college much like Warren Wilson. After college, I worked as a professional freelance musician for a few years before becoming interested in musicology. I became fascinated with the history of music in America as well as music in other parts of the world. Today, I continue to perform and record professionally in jazz and traditional music settings, while also teaching courses at Warren Wilson in American music and global music. My research and scholarship reflect this eclecticism, but I have a special interest in American vernacular sacred music. I am grateful to be at Warren Wilson, a place that allows me to engage the wonderful diversity of musical expression and share it with bright young minds. I live in Swannanoa with my wife and three children.
Kevin KehrbergAs a professor, I love that Warren Wilson students are unafraid to take risks, to challenge themselves, and to engage a topic or a work of art despite whether it aligns with their opinions or preferences.
Education
- B.A. in Music, Bethel College
- M.A. in Musicology, University of Kentucky
- Ph.D. in Musicology, University of Kentucky
Research Interests
- Vernacular music in America, particularly sacred music
- Intersections of music, race, and ethnicity. See "Somebody Died, Babe."
- Gamelan music of Indonesia
Courses Taught
- FYS 1200: Music and Meaning
- MUS 2010: Music Theory and Ear Training
- MUS 3890: Traditions of Work & Music in the Southern Mountains
Crews and Other Activities
- International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) 2021 Award winner, “Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year” for “Ground Speed"
- American Musicological Society, Vice-President (2016-17) and President (2017-18) of the South-Central Chapter
- Society for American Music, Chair (2016-20) of the Folk & Traditional Music Interest Group
- Society for American Music
- American Musicological Society