Celtic music is a favorite musical style for events in March, and we love it! The first style we ever played as a flute and guitar duo was Celtic music. That’s because the flute is very suited to this style of music. The guitar adds just the right amount of percussiveness and harmony to make it a super fun style for many types of events. We just wish people would think of it in other months besides March!
What is Celtic Music?
Celtic music refers to a broad grouping of music genres. These are styles that evolved out of the folk music traditions of the Celtic people. That means people from Northwestern Europe. Celtic music can be orally-transmitted traditional music and recorded music. There are many different styles of Celtic music. And we love playing them all!
What Countries Does Celtic Music Come From?
The term Celtic music refers most often to the music of Ireland and Scotland. Both of those lands have produced popular, distinctive styles. It does get sort of complicated because Irish independence has allowed Ireland to promote ‘Celtic’ music as a specifically Irish product. But it’s important to remember that the current geographical references are to people who share a common Celtic ancestry. So, while they are separate countries now, they share a common musical heritage.
These styles are well known because of the importance of Irish and Scottish people in the United States. Celtic music has deeply impacted American music, including bluegrass and country music. The music of Brittany, Cornwall, Galician traditional music (Spain), the Isle of Man, Portugal and Wales are all also considered Celtic music! We play a wide variety of Celtic music from these countries.
What are Characteristics of Celtic Music?
Celtic music isn’t just instrumental dance music (reels or jigs) and narrative songs of Ireland. Celtic music is known for:
- Being in Myxolidian and Dorian modes
- Using the pentatonic scale frequently.
- The melody often going up and down the chords and scales
- Having a clear beat and time signature (usually common time, 3/4, or 6/8 time)
- Has swinging eighth notes
- Using ornamental grace notes
- Featuring drone-based harmonies
Instruments that are Key to Celtic Music
- Fiddle
- Flute
- Tin whistle
- Drum
- Concertina
- Harp
- Bagpipes
Why Flute and Guitar are Well-Suited for Celtic Music
Most people don’t have the budget or space for a 7-piece band for their private or corporate parties in Arizona. Plus, how many Concertina players and bagpipe players are really available in the Phoenix area? Given that, a flute and guitar duo is a perfect budget- and space-friendly ensemble when you’re looking to hear some fun live music.
You’ll get a flute player, a key instrument in Celtic music, and we can easily adapt the fiddle parts to the flute. Plus, we have a tin whistle to add that authentic Celtic sound and look! The guitar can cover the harp parts, can be percussive to provide the rhythm of the drum and can add the harmony of the concertina.
All in all, our flute and guitar duo is a fantastic option when your event can use the sense of charm and mystery of Celtic music. Whether you’re looking to book live music for a St. Patrick’s Day event or any time throughout the year, you can’t go wrong with Celtic music!
Contact us to book your Celtic music today!
