The English Folk Dance and Song Society has released a new resource of Folk Music Starting Points, created by National Youth Folk Ensemble music leaders Miranda Rutter, Rob Harbron, Sam Partridge and Grace Smith.
This film series is for young musicians and their music teachers and leaders. Pitched at young musicians who play any instrument, the resource is suitable for people new to folk and experienced folk musicians who wish to re-cap folk specific techniques.
The three films are supported by PDF explanations along with alternative notes for transposing instruments. Together, they aim to demystify folk music.
They provide ways in to learning by ear, introduce folk specific techniques, and suggest ideas for adding chords and harmony to folk tunes.
Explore the ‘Starting Points’ resource
See also
Join the National Youth Folk Ensemble artistic team for a free online CPD session for music teachers on Monday 26 April.
We’re running Online Youth Folk Sampler Days across England in May half-term. Sampler Days are free, but you need to book in advance.
About the English Folk Dance and Song Society’s Resource Bank
The Resource Bank collects together hundreds of practical materials for use in formal and informal teaching and learning contexts, in schools and also in community settings. All of the materials are free and downloadable. They make imaginative use of folk song, music, dance, drama and other arts.
The resources have developed out of innovative projects and initiatives run by the English Dance and Song Society Education team over the past decade or so. You can find resources suitable for your subject or setting by filtering by Topic, Key Stage and/or Audience.
Other recently published resources include
- Songs of London Life, a set of three songs for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEN/D) – including those with learning disabilities and complex needs. This resource includes audio, notation and notes, using a range of specially developed creative elements and communication strategies. It was developed as part of the Inclusive Folk project, which was made possible with the generous support of John Lyon’s Charity.
- Learning by Ear, a comprehensive online training resource on ensemble musicianship. This large collection of short films and documentation has been produced in partnership with Orchestras for All and in collaboration with experienced educator Emily Askew and the London Youth Folk Ensemble.
The Resource Bank was developed through The Full English project with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
