How to Listen to Bluegrass Music

Bluegrass music, whether live or on your iPod or radio, can be relaxing, enjoyable and entertaining. Bluegrass bands play across the country and you may be surprised to find local bands that you can enjoy in person. There is also a huge selection of Bluegrass downloads and CDs available online and in music stores. Bluegrass music adds depth and variety to any music library.

Instructions

1. Discover the origins of bluegrass music, which has roots in the variety of music brought by American immigrants beginning in the early 1600s. Dance music and ballads from Ireland, Scotland, England as well as African-American gospel tunes, contributed to the early influence for bluegrass. African slaves are responsible for the banjo design idea--an instrument essential to bluegrass. Learning more about the cultural history surrounding bluegrass will foster an appreciation for the music that came from it.

2. Listen to a variety of bluegrass to find artists you appreciate and songs you relate to. Contemporary bluegrass favorites include Allison Krauss, Tim O'Brien, Dale Anne Bradley and Ricky Skaggs.

3. Look for bluegrass festivals and concerts in your area. Check out Discover Bluegrass and Bluegrass Works for listings. Attend concerts to gain an appreciation for the live music.

4. Begin adding bluegrass music to your collection. Many older titles have been transferred to CDs and can be listened to online for free, or downloaded to iPods and MP3 portable music players. More recent recordings can be purchased from the artists and from music stores and outlets. Check out Swap a CD to trade your old CDs for bluegrass music.

5. Share your new passion with your family and friends. You'll enjoy the music even more if others are enjoying it with you instead of asking to change the track.

Tips & Warnings

• Always be careful while downloading music online. If there is no fee, be sure the music is royalty-free or that it is legal to download before proceeding.

Resources

• Learn about the history of bluegrass music from the International Bluegrass Music Association
• Find bluegrass events in your area
• Find bluegrass events, CD's and more
• Buy bluegrass music online
• Swap music CDs