American Indian Musical Cultures

Abstract

Despite a wide variety of languages, physical environments, and musical cultures, however, most American Indians share a common history of European interaction and of rapid social and economic change brought about by European immigration and expansion. This chapter provides general background information on issues and concepts in American Indian music. A brief history of research on Native music is followed by a survey of musical characteristics, song texts, musical origins and sources, social and gender considerations, and learning and tradition in American Indian music. Yet the importance of American Indian music is found not in its impact on modern scholarship and composition, but in the traditions and values it expresses to and for Indian people. The origins of Native American music are many and varied. American Indian music is important not only because it influences modern American society, but also because it emphasizes the traditions and values of Indian people.