“A great deal of work has gone into the creation of this program and we are pleased to offer a brand new entrance into the entertainment industry for this musically-inclined region,” said Danny Lawson, dean of business technologies.

The program was initially approved by TBR as a technical certificate program in 2014. The degree program will give students the basic knowledge and real-world applications for sound and lighting production, the statement says. Courses will be offered at the college’s Bristol campus located at 620 State Street.

“We really work hard to bring the real world applications for sound and lighting productions to prepare students for work in the industry,” said Jeff Little, entertainment technology program director.

The curriculum trains students in entertainment business management, live sound, recording engineering, concert lighting, and electronic/digital music.

According to the statement, typical jobs include those related to lighting system production for events and concerts and setting up audio systems for event, concert, and recording productions.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment for these types of technicians will grow nearly nine percent over the next 10 years, the statement says.

“With churches and other events growing larger all the time, this program lends itself well to training those operating the sound and lighting equipment found in most churches,” Lawson said.

Little believes the college should keep up with the pace of technology in the entertainment industry. 

“We want to maintain the knowledge and skills that employers are looking for within the industry in both production and management, he said.

Little is a musician who often plays with his band The Jeff Little Trio. He has also spent years working on the business side of the entertainment industry as a manager and tour manager for artists including Keith Urban, Montgomery Gentry, and John Michael Montgomery.

Students interested in the entertainment technology degree program may reach Little by phone at 423-354-5216 or via email at jtlittle@NortheastState.edu. Information is also available by calling the colleges office of admissions and records at 800-836-7822 or by emailing admissions@NortheastState.edu.

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