The Folk Music Museum of NYC

The Folk Music Museum of NYC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the collection, preservation, and sharing of folk music and related art forms.

Introduction

hough often thought of as simple and unsophisticated, folk music is actually quite complex. It is the music of the common people, reflecting their joys, sorrows, hopes, and dreams. It is music that has been handed down from generation to generation, evolving and changing over time.

The Folk Music Museum of NYC is dedicated to preserving and celebrating folk music and its role in American culture. We collect, document, and interpret folk songs, instruments, and dance styles from all over the United States. We offer educational programs and public performances that showcase the diversity and vitality of folk music.

We invite you to explore our website and learn more about the rich tradition of American folk music.

A Brief History of Folk Music in America

Folk music in America is as diverse as the people who create it. From the early days of European settlement to the present, folk music has always been a part of the American experience. Join us as we explore the history of folk music in America.

The Origins of Folk Music in America

Folk music in America has its roots in the music of England, Ireland, Scotland and other European countries. American folk music is also influenced by the music of African Americans, Native Americans and Latino Americans. Folk music has been shaped and preserved by the oral tradition of communication between people who share a common culture and language.

Folk music was originally passed down from generation to generation through the oral tradition. In the 18th and 19th centuries, American folk songs were collected and published by songsters such as Francis James Child, Benjamin Franklin White and Andrew Jackson Green. In the 20th century, folk songs were collected by scholars such as Alan Lomax, John Lomax, Carl Sandburg and Robert Winslow Gordon. Folk songs were also collected by groups such as the Folklore Society and the New York State Historical Association.

The first commercial recordings of American folk music were made in the 1920s by companies such as Victor Records and Columbia Records. These recordings were made by artists such as Fiddlin’ John Carson, Uncle Dave Macon, The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers. In the 1930s and 1940s, folk music was popularized by artists such as The Weavers, Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Lead Belly. In the 1950s and 1960s, American folk music was revived by artists such as Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Peter, Paul & Mary.

The Birth of the Folk Revival

The roots of the folk music revival in America can be found in the 19th century, when Songs of an American was published in 1848. This songbook, compiled by musicologist William Bradbury, contained a selection of works by such popular songwriters as Stephen Foster and Daniel Decatur Emmett. The publication of Songs of an American sparked an interest in the music of the American people and led to the formation of various musical societies dedicated to collecting and performing folk songs.

One such society was the New York Harmonic Society, founded in 1852. The Society was interested in promoting American music and musicians, and became a driving force behind the publication of several important collections of folk songs, including George P. Knauff’s Virginia Minstrels (1850), Daniel Decatur Emmett’s Ditties for the Dixie Land (1859), and James A. Bland’s Long Roll of Forty-Five Hundred Negro Spirituals (1875).

These collections not only preserved the music of America’s past, but also inspired a new generation of folk musicians. Among them were Ernest Kardell and Sidney Robertson Cowell, who began collecting folk songs in the early 20th century. Kardell and Cowell were instrumental in introducing folk music to a wider audience through their performances and radio broadcasts. Their work helped pave the way for the folk music revival of the 1940s and 1950s.

The Folk Music Museum of NYC

Funk Music is a genre of music that originated in the mid-1960s with African American artists in the United States. It is a style of music that is characterized by a groovebased rhythm and often features instruments such as electric guitars, bass guitars, and drums. Funk music often has a different feel than other genres of music, and it is often described as having a “pulse” or “groove” that can be felt while listening to it.

Folk music is a genre of music that developed in the United States during the 19th century. Folk music is typically associated with acoustic instruments such as guitars, banjos, and harmonicas. It sometimes includes traditional songs from different cultures, but it can also be original compositions. Folk music was an important part of the American experience during the 19th century, and it continues to be popular today.

The Collection

The Folk Music Museum of NYC holds a collection of over 10,000 pieces of music from around the world. The collection includes songs, instruments, and artifacts from many cultures and countries. The museum is open to the public and offers educational programs and events.

The Instruments

The Instruments of The Collection offer a glimpse into the sonic diversity of folk music. Many of the instruments in The Collection are over 100 years old and have been played by some of the most renowned musicians of their time.

The acoustic guitar is one of the most popular instruments in The Collection. Acoustic guitars were first introduced in the early 19th century and quickly rose to prominence in American folk and country music. The acoustic guitar is typically played with a pick or with fingers, and is known for its rich, mellow sound.

The banjo is another popular instrument in The Collection. Banjos were first brought to America by African slaves in the 17th century, and quickly became a staple of American folk music. Banjos come in many different sizes and varieties, but all have a unique, bright sound that is perfect for upbeat songs.

The fiddle is a staple of American folk music, and has been played by some of the most famous folk musicians of all time. Fiddles come in many different sizes and shapes, but all have a beautiful, ethereal sound that transports listeners to another time and place.

The mandolin is a small, oval-shaped stringed instrument that is similar to a guitar. Mandolins were first introduced to America in the late 18th century, and quickly became popular among American folk musicians. Mandolins are typically played with a pick or with fingers, and have a bright, cheerful sound that is perfect for upbeat songs.

These are just some of the instruments you’ll find in The Collection. Be sure to stop by often to see what’s new!

The Songs

The songs in The Collection fall into two categories: those that were collected by the fieldworkers of the folk music revival, and those that were donated by individuals. Most of the songs in the former category were collected in New York, New England, and the southern Appalachian Mountains; these songs represent a wide range of genres, including ballads, work songs, fiddle tunes, religious songs, children’s songs, and more. The latter category comprises a smaller number of items that were donated by individuals who had acquired them through other means, such as family tradition or commercial recordings. While the collection as a whole contains a wealth of material from many different cultures and time periods, it should be noted that the vast majority of the items are from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.

The Performances

The Folk Music Museum of NYC is a small but mighty place. They often have performances by local artists as well as traveling musicians. The genres they focus on are folk, bluegrass, and Americana. They also have a wide variety of instruments on display that you can check out and even play.

The Concerts

Folk Music Museum of NYC offers concerts which are great opportunities to see traditional folk artists in an intimate setting. The museum also offers a venue for young, emerging folk musicians to showcase their talent. These concerts are typically held on Thursday evenings from 7:00pm – 9:00pm.

The Workshops

We offer different types of performances throughout the week. Whether you are a musician needing a place to play or wanting to watch some of the best rising talent in New York, we have something for you. Our concerts and events calendar is always being updated, so be sure to check back often.

The Workshops
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, our workshops are meant for musicians of all levels. We offer weekly workshops that cover a variety of topics, including songwriting, instrumental technique, and performance preparation. These workshops are led by some of the most experienced and respected music educators in New York City.

Conclusion

After exploring the Folk Music Museum of NYC, it’s easy to see why folk music is such an important part of American culture. From the earliest days of the country’s history, folk music has helped to shape our identity as a nation. It’s a genre that is steeped in tradition, yet always evolving. Whether you’re a fan of traditional folk songs or modern interpretations, there’s something for everyone at the Folk Music Museum of NYC.