Interesting Facts About Scottish Folk Music

When most people think of Scotland, they picturemusic, such as the flute and harp. In addition, there
men in kilts and parades of bagpipers playing, butare some lesser known instruments that are regularly
there is so much more than that to Scottish music.played, such as a goatskin drum called the bodhran.
There is no doubt that bagpipes and fiddles are anMany people may not realize that Scottish folk music
important aspect of the Scottish musical tradition.is enjoyed by Scottish families every day, not only
However, interesting facts about Scottish folk musicon special occasions. There are many contemporary
tell us that the music is interwoven with the country'sScottish artists who keep their heritage alive by
rich culture and history.playing music in the traditional folk style. Children are
The Scottish are known in particular for their beautifultaught not only how to play the traditional
folk ballads, which are stories told in verse andinstruments, but how to do the customary folk
intended to be sung. In most cases, the authors ofdances as well.
the ballads are unknown, which makes them evenThe people of Scotland are very proud of their
more haunting and beautiful. These songs have beenmusical heritage, and rightfully so. Learning some
known and loved by Scottish families for generations,interesting facts about Scottish folk music will reveal
with some of them dating all the way back to thewhat a long and fascinating tradition it is. The
12th century.combination of interesting traditional instruments and
Although bagpipes are the universal symbol forbeautiful storytelling create songs that speak to
Scottish music, there are a great many instrumentsgenerations, whether or not they are of Scottish
that are used in the country's native songs. Manydescent.
familiar instruments are mainstays in Scottish folk