A Useful Guide to Folk Music
Undoubtedly, many people have heard of folk music or play folk music. Folk music is a traditional type of music and people have defined it in several ways. Some people say it is custom music performed over an extended duration. Folk music has been contrasted to classical or commercial styles. This music genre originated in the 19th century and has since extended beyond that period.
In the mid-20th century, folk music evolved into a new form of popular folk music. This period and process are called the revival of folk. People began to call this type of music revival folk music or contemporary folk music. Therefore, people could see the changes in newly introduced folk music and distinguish it from the original form of folk music.
Folk Music Revolution
Folk music has been experiencing small changes from time to time. New music has been created from folk music around the entire world. But artists have not managed to change the name of folk music. People can listen and identify some fusion genres created from folk music. For instance, they can listen to fusion genres, such as the following:
- Folk-rock
- Folk metal
Characteristics of Traditional Folk Music
From a historical perspective, you could realize that traditional folk music had unique characters, such as the following:
- Folk music was conveyed over the oral tradition
- Folk music was connected to national culture
- People used folk music to commemorate personal or historical events
- Folk music had been formed over a long period by culture
Why Folk Music is Important
Have you ever listened to folk music? If not, you need to take an interest in this music genre. It has a lot to offer to all people. If you’re a fan of folk music, you can benefit from many things, such as the following:
- Folk music tunes down the sophisticated modern instrument – It takes artists back to the music basics, such as using a guitar.
- With a couple of instruments – A musician can practice folk music and hone his or her skills.
Therefore, people who want to improve their skills in music should consider folk music. This type of music requires the necessary musical instruments. It also enables artists to enhance their skills by creating well-harmonized and straightforward tunes.
Who Invented Folk Music
Many people have engaged in the music industry and performed folk music. However, some artists invented folk music in the early 1930s. the earliest musicians who played folk music include folk musicians, such as the following:
- Pete Seeger
- Jimmie Rogers
- Burl Ives
- Woodie Guthrie
Among the four folk musicians previously mentioned above, Woodie Guthrie is seen as the primary contributor to folk music. Woodie performed this genre in the 1930s and attracted the attention of many people around the world. The inventors of this genre ensured that they nurtured other young musicians to create and develop folk songs.
Types of Folk Music
When you have an interest in folk music, you will identify the types of folk music. Folk genre comprises four musical types that include the following:
- Primitive
- Elite
- Popular
The Popularity of Folk Music
Many people wonder whether folk music still matters. However, they need to understand that folk music has had its revival over the years. With acoustic instruments and harmonized voices, artists have managed to develop this genre. Today, many musicians who perform folk music are much far ahead of other musicians. Moreover, folk music has attracted many fans around the world who regularly listen to this music genre.
Folk Music Concerts/Performances
Many fanatics of folk music attend a variety of folk music concerts organized in various parts of the world. They always want to see live performances conducted by the most popular folk music artists. The Living Tradition is one of the many companies around the globe that organizes folk music events. The concerts held by this company features the local and international artisans of traditional folk music and contemporary folk music.
Readers can view some of the folk music artisans who have performed in the Living Tradition concerts. Some of the many musicians who have played in this concert since 1999 include the following:
- Joyce Andersen
- Caren Armstrong
- Banshee in the Kitchen
- Audrey Auld
Why Fans Should Make Early Booking for Folk Music Concerts
Many folk music enthusiasts do not want to miss any folk music concert. Therefore, booking a concert venue in advance is something they prefer. This initiative has helped folk music fanatics to attend many organized folk music events. Some of the many reasons fans should book concert venues in advance include the following:
- Event planners will know the number of seats to set up
- Admission becomes inexpensive
- Artists know they have an audience
- Organizers can plan for refreshments and snacks
People who love folk music need to book venues early to ensure they get a place to sit comfortably and see live performances.
The Community Organizations That Support Folk Music Artisans
When you become a folk music enthusiast, you will discover some of the popular community organizations that support folk music artists, such as the following:
- Library of Congress
- The American Folklife Center
- The Smithsonian Institution
- Musicians Without Borders
These are some of the many organizations that volunteer to support musicians who perform folk music.
Conclusion
When you’re passionate about folk music, you cannot miss seeing any concert organized in your location. Keep listening to folk music and attending folk music events. Undoubtedly, you’ll have the best folk music experience!