3.06 Quiz: Folk Music

This 3.06 Quiz will test your knowledge of Folk Music!

Quiz Instructions

Take this quiz to find out how much you know about folk music!

Folk Music

Folk music is a type of music that is typically passed down from generation to generation. It is usually about the everyday lives of the people who create it and is often used to tell stories or express important cultural traditions. Folk music can be found all over the world, and each region has its own unique style.

What is Folk Music?

Folk music is the music of the people. It is music that is passed down from generation to generation, often without being written down. Folk music is often about real life and real people. It can be happy or sad, but it is always honest. Folk music is usually played on acoustic instruments, such as guitars, fiddles, banjos, and harmonicas.

Origins of Folk Music

Folk music has its origins in the medieval period, when people from all over Europe would travel from town to town, playing music and telling stories. This tradition continued into the Renaissance and Baroque periods, when troubadours and minstrels would entertain audiences with their music. In the United States, folk music became popular in the 19th century, when songs about things like working on the railroad or living in the west were created. Folk music continued to be popular in the 20th century, and some of the most famous folk songs, like “This Land is Your Land” and “We Shall Overcome” were written during this time.

Characteristics of Folk Music

Folk music is music that is passed down orally, by ear, from one generation to the next. The musicians who play folk music are usually not professional musicians; they are everyday people who have a passion for the music they play. Folk music is often about the everyday lives of the people who play it, and it often tells stories about their culture, history, and way of life. Folk music is usually played on acoustic instruments, such as guitars, banjos, violins, and accordions.

Folk Music in the United States

Folk music in the United States is hard to define. Folk music traditionally consists of songs passed down from generation to generation, sung by people who often identify with a particular region or cultural group. In the United States, there are many different cultures and regions, so there is no one type of folk music. Instead, there are many different types of folk music, each with its own history and tradition.

Some common types of folk music in the United States include blues, country, gospel, Irish and Scottish music, Native American music, and old-timey music. These genres all have their own unique styles and origins. For example, blues is a type of folk music that developed in the southern United States during the 1800s, while old-timey music is a type of folk music that developed in the Appalachian Mountains during the early 1900s.

While there are many different types of folk music in the United States, they all share some common features. Folk songs often tell stories about real life experiences and people. They usually have simple melodies that are easy to remember and sing along to. And they are usually performed on acoustic instruments like guitars, banjos, and fiddles.

Conclusion

Folk music is a musical genre that is typically passed down from one generation to the next. Folk music often has a strong sense of community and culture, and it can be a great way to connect with your heritage. Folk music can be playful and lighthearted, or it can be serious and reflective. It is a versatile genre of music that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Summary

In folk music, a song is usually created for the purpose of storytelling. The lyrics are usually simple and direct, and the melody is meant to be easy to remember and sing. The instruments used in folk music are typically acoustic, such as guitars, fiddles, and banjos. Folk music is often passed down from generation to generation, and it often reflects the culture of the community in which it originated.

Further Study

If you’re interested in learning more about folk music, there are plenty of resources available. Below are a few suggestions to get you started.

Books:
-The Norton Anthology of American Folk Music
-Folk Songs America: A twenty-volume collection of traditional folk songs
-The Penguin Book of English Folk Songs

Websites:
-The Library of Congress’ National Jukebox
-Folkways, a project of the Smithsonian Institution
-The Digital Tradition, an online database of folk songs