1. Celtic Music:
- Celtic music is a broad genre that encompasses various traditional musical forms from Celtic countries, including Scotland.
- It's characterized by lively melodies, intricate rhythms, and acoustic instrumentation such as fiddle, bagpipes, harp, and bodhrán (drum).
- Notable Scottish Celtic musicians include Capercaillie, Runrig, and The Chieftains.
2. Scottish Folk Music:
- Scottish folk music has a strong influence from Celtic music but also incorporates elements from English, Irish, and French traditions.
- It's characterized by ballads, both tragic and humorous, that tell stories of Scottish history and culture.
- Well-known folk singers and groups include The Corries, The McCalmans, Andy Stewart, and more.
3. Pipe Band Music:
- Pipe band music is synonymous with Scotland and is a staple at festivals, parades, and highland games.
- It's performed by groups known as pipe bands, which typically comprise bagpipers, drummers, and occasionally other instruments.
- Pipe bands play marches, strathspeys, reels, and jigs, all traditional Scottish music forms.
4. Traditional Gaelic Songs:
- Traditional Gaelic songs often include puirt a beul, which is a form of mouth music, or ornamental "mouth sounds."
- Gaelic songs are sung in the Scottish Gaelic language and may be accompanied by traditional instruments like harp, fiddle, or bagpipes.
- Notable Gaelic singers and groups include Flora MacNeil, Calum Kennedy, and Julie Fowlis.
These are the primary types of music commonly associated with Scotland, each representing different aspects of its rich cultural heritage.