Professor Dan Boner: Bluegrass's Man for All Seasons
At this year's IBMA World of Bluegrass festival, many will gather to see the top acts perform, along with rising showcase artists, the annual awards, instrument trade shows, and jam sessions to satisfy even the most ardent bluegrass fan.
Boner, a former IBMA Board Chair and longtime board member, is known throughout the bluegrass community for his musical versatility. As the director of East Tennessee State University's Bluegrass, Old-Time, and Roots Music Studies program, Boner is deeply invested in sustaining bluegrass.
“As a university professor, we're expected not only to teach but also to do service to the industry and to the profession,” Boner explains.
A Career Built on Many Hats
The South Jersey native Boner assumes many roles, including educator, performing artist, recording engineer, record producer, and audio equipment designer.
“One thing that keeps my job exciting is the diversity,” says the former guitarist for the Becky Buller Band. “Ultimately, I need to be involved playing and making music, producing, engineering, and being creative in a way that really feeds me.”
One of his greatest joys is mentoring the next generation.
“I love what the IBMA does for kids in bluegrass. I love to see the jam programs and school programs because that's kind of the heart of how this music has been passed along.”
Boner says he is optimistic. “The quality of students who come to ETSU is remarkable. They're capable, intelligent, and incredibly interested. This Gen Z generation has a humbleness about its approach and a real sense of collegiality. They like working together, and I think they’re going to do incredible things with our music. They’re already doing it.”
Leading the ETSU Bluegrass Pride Band, the university’s premier student bluegrass ensemble, Boner guides young musicians through performance, recording, and professional preparation.
Boner extends his commitment beyond the classroom.
“I love to get students involved in the creative process,” shares the professor. He also coordinates the IBMA College Band Showcase, connecting student musicians with the larger bluegrass community.
“The College Band Showcase is really a pinnacle for our students because they get to perform on one of the big stages... People, not only from IBMA but also from the community, get to see what we’re doing in higher education.”
Chasing Sound
When he’s not designing audio equipment, teaching, or performing on stage, Boner spends his time moving dials on a mixing console. "I love working with artists who care deeply about their sound,” says the producer and recording engineer.
“They spend decades refining every detail—from strings and picks to vocal delivery—and my job is to put the right microphone in front of that and faithfully capture what they're creating.”
Boner not only captures sound, but he also creates it. “I’ve spent the last ten years designing and building my own preamps, compressors, and EQs because I wanted them to sound a certain way. I chose the components and circuit designs that produce the sound I'm looking for.”
Quality matters. “Working with great recording tools makes the whole experience better. It’s like being a woodworker—if you've got really nice tools, they help you do your job better.”
Recording the Salem Oak Project
Much like the craftsmanship in his audio equipment, Boner’s attention to detail extends to history.
“I have a brand-new project centered on the Salem Oak in Salem County, New Jersey. The tree fell in 2019 after standing for nearly 600 years. I’ve had three guitars commissioned from its wood, and we recently recorded five songs and tunes inspired by Salem County's history.”
“I played those guitars on the recording,” Boner shares. “They were all built from the Salem oak itself. It’s really remarkable. There are two dreadnoughts and a parlor guitar, and each one has its own unique voice. They’re incredible instruments.”
Boner says the Salem Oak project will feature some of his colleagues. “We brought Tim Stafford, Ruth and Raymond McLain, the Burnett Sisters Band, Ben Bateson, and Gary Allan into the studio to record these songs.”
“The project will be an album and a video documentary series—a multimedia release that combines the recording sessions with videos exploring the history of southern New Jersey.”
Looking Back—and Ahead
“Every day, I'm grateful to be at East Tennessee State University doing what I do. The people who gave me this opportunity changed my life, and I don’t ever want to take that for granted.”
“I'm proud of the relationships I’ve built and the people I’ve been blessed to work with through the years. More than anything, I’m grateful to have made a career in the kind of music that I love.”
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