Where is folk music from

Related subjects: Musical genres, styles, eras and events Folk music , in the original sense of the term, is music by and for the common people. Folk music arose, and best survives, in societies not yet affected by mass communication and the commercialization of culture.

It normally was shared by the entire community and its performance not strictly limited to a special class of expert performers , and was transmitted by word of mouth. During the 20th and 21st centuries, folk music took on a second meaning: it describes a particular kind of popular music which is culturally descended from or otherwise influenced by traditional folk music. Usually, this folk music has been passed down for generations. Some describe it as the music of the common people. It tells stories in a way anyone can understand.

Traditional folk music bonds people together. It has more to do with culture and history than entertainment. The s brought the United States a folk music revival. A new style of folk music developed. This style is sometimes called contemporary folk music. Contemporary folk music is made by acoustic instruments and meaningful lyrics.

Contemporary folk music is a more recent development from the United States. But traditional folk music can be found all over the world. Just about every society has its own customs and traditions expressed in the form of folk art.

That includes folk music, folk dance, and folk tales. Folk art is passed down through the generations. And it varies widely from country to country. That means folk music from one country might sound completely different from folk music from another country. No all of it sounds the same! Spend some time listening to traditional folk music from a few different cultures.

Then, check out contemporary folk music, too. You never know—you may find your new favorite music style! Ready to keep learning? Find a friend or family member who can help you with the activities below!

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We've added it to our list of needed updates. Hi, Kiana! Are you having trouble with a specific part of this Wonder? We're happy to help! This was a really interesting read because I had no idea that folk music had such a rich and deep history. It is just fascinating to me that so many cultures around the world have so many different kinds of folk music. However, I suppose that that does make sense since one of the best ways for people to vocally record their culture's history is through music and song.

Excellent points, Callum! And you're right, music is a great way to record culture and history! Do you like folk music?

Thanks for letting us know, j! We updated the video for this Wonder of the Day. We appreciate you keeping Wonderopolis in tip-top shape! Great question, Mckayla! There are some similarities, but they are definitely both their own genre of music.

What do you think? Hi, Carina! Thanks for joining the conversation about folk music and country music! We're so excited that you are thinking about music and what you will study in the future, Regan!

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We cannot wait to Wonder with you again and find out what's next-- we love imagining with you! Thank you for your comment, Wonder Friend! Keeping rhythm is so important in music-- we are glad you can stay with the beat! We just checked out animusic-- what a COOL idea! We are glad you enjoyed learning about folk music today, Julie!

Thanks for your comment! We love your friend's taste in music, Tori! We can barely contain our excitement to find out what it is!

You have been doing a great job using your vivid and awesome imagination, Emily! Your guesses keep us smiling! Speaking of eels, check out our Wonder about these electric fish from the great blue sea Wonder Are Eels Really Electric? Typical instrumentation for the folk music traditions of the British Isles commonly involves: voice, violin known as the fiddle in the folk setting , acoustic guitar, flute, whistle, pipes, accordion, melodeon, mandolin, harmonica, and tenor banjo.

Folk is often played in groups, though not necessarily as a band. Visit website. Find a session. We hope you find this Making Music resource useful. If you have any comments or suggestions about the guidance please contact us.

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Skip to main content. Search form. An introduction to: Folk music After looking at pipe and tabor , signing choirs , samba , handbell ringing , barbershop and wind bands , the latest in our 'An introduction to What is folk music? Where does folk music originate?