Origins of Folk Songs Used in the Music Classroom

Abstract

This research project is a response to the current environment in music education surrounding the history of folk music. Initially, the purpose of this project was to research the set of folk songs used in our general music methods course to determine the history of each folk song to ensure the songs used are culturally responsive rather than reinforcing negative historical images and heteronormative ideas. This research began in Spring 2020, but we have only scratched the surface on this topic. We are now looking at folk music from perspectives which consider multiple facets and intersections of identities in order to eventually compile a collection of culturally responsive songs that can be used with confidence in classroom settings. For each folk song we research, we provide one of four recommendations: 1. Fine to use with context 2. Context is appropriate for classroom; use with gender-neutral modifications 3. More information needed; contradictory sources found 4. Unfit for the classroom given the current academic information provided.