About Dr. Ron Pen

Pen received his Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky in 1987, with a dissertation on the biography and works of the American balladeer and composer, John Jacob Niles. He has continued his research in the area of American vernacular music with an emphasis on the music and culture of the Southern Appalachian region. Publications include book reviews, articles, forewords, book chapters, encyclopedia entries, and documentary films focusing on topics such as shape note hymnody, early folk music collections, fiddle tunes, and traditional, country, and bluegrass musical styles. Ron was elected to Vice President of the Society for American Music and served as both Program Chair (Madison, WI) and Local Arrangements Chair (Lexington, KY) for annual conferences. In addition, he recently completed several terms as the book review editor for the journal American Music.
Currently, Ron is an Associate Professor at the University of Kentucky where he also serves as Director of the John Jacob Niles Center for American Music. His ongoing scholarship includes completion of a book on John Jacob Niles for the University Press of Kentucky, and research on the history of old time music and early folk music collections. Pen is also the recipient of both the University of Kentucky Great Teacher Award and the Provost's Award for Excellence in Teaching.

2.3 Appalachian Music

In this activity you will view a presentation on Appalachian Music given by Dr. Ron Pen of the Music Department at the University of Kentucky.

When you are done answer the questions below.
1. Name four kinds of music commonly categorized as traditionally “Appalachian.”
2. What factors or groups have influenced Appalachian music over the course of the past two centuries?
3. What types of music might you expect present-day Appalachian residents to listen to and/or perform?
4. What is the role of music in Appalachian communities?
5. How might this have an impact on your research approach?