American Folk Music

Music from America’s People

Copyright © 2005 - Frankel Consulting Services, Inc.

What is Folk Music?

Music from an oral tradition Relatively simple Primarily from rural areas Composed and performed by

nonprofessional musicians Known by many, especially among

those from lower socioeconomic status Characteristic of the notion of America

What are folk songs usually about? Sometimes they are nonsense

songs. Sometimes they are about legends. Sometimes they about love. Sometimes they are very happy. Sometimes they are very sad. They almost always tell a story.

Examples of Folk Songs

Erie Canal If I Had a Hammer You Are My Sunshine John Henry Red River Valley Big Rock Candy Mountain

What do all of those songs have in common?

No one knows who wrote them.

Folk Instruments

Autoharp Banjo Fiddle Guitar Mandolin Appalachian Dulcimer Hammered Dulcimer Jews Harp Washtub Bass

Autoharp

Banjo

Fiddle

Guitar

Mandolin

AppalachianDulcimer

Hammered Dulcimer

Jews Harp

Washtub Bass

Folk Music of Today While folk music is generally from rural areas,

popular music is from urban areas. Many consider country music the folk music of

today, but that is not accurate. Country music is popular music even though it is primarily listened to in rural areas.

Elements of folk music can be seen in all types of popular music - including:– Rock and Roll– Jazz– Bluegrass– Country

Folk music today is still very popular. There are folk festivals throughout thee United States during the summer months.

Movies like O Brother Where Art Thou have kindled a renewed interest in the folk music of Appalachia - which is where much of America’s folk music originated.

We will spend the next few classes studying, creating and singing Folk Songs.

It should be a blast.