Laurie Semmes

Dr. Laurie Semmes is a Professor of Ethnomusicology at the Hayes School of Music, Appalachian State University. She transitioned from a career as a band director and French hornist to academia, joining Appalachian State in 2003 and becoming a full professor in 2019. Her research focuses on Ukrainian-American bandura traditions, music and propaganda, Cuban music, and exoticism in theater. She teaches world music and contributes to the Music Industry Studies program.

Education: Ph.D. in Music (Florida State University, 2002), M.A. in Music Education (Eastman School of Music, 1985), B.M. in Music Education (Lawrence University, 1983).

Research highlights include documenting Balinese gamelan gong kebyar construction and fostering collaborations with Cuba’s Orquesta Nacional de Cuba. She actively presents at international conferences, including the Society for Ethnomusicology.

Her teaching methodology was published in the Music Educators Journal (2010). She advises no named students but engages in academic outreach through interdisciplinary programs and cultural exchange initiatives.