Native American Flute

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other parts of Latin America began to intermarry soon after contact; this mixing of two different cultures created a brand-new culture.

Native Americans did not only pass down stories, but music too.  Stories were narrated during long winter nights, the purpose of these stories being entertainment for children and adults.  Furthermore, Native Americans didn’t only come together for a story, but a song too.  Vocals are the backbone of the music made in Native American cultures. Unusual, irregular rhythms and a somewhat off-key style of singing is used. No harmony is ever incorporated, although sometimes many people sing at once, and other times the vocals are solo. The Native American vocals are passionate, used to invoke spirits, ask for rain or healing, or are used to heal the sick. In most cases, the men and women of the tribes sing separate songs, and have their own dances. The men typically dance around in a circle, while the women usually dance in place.  Many people praise Native American music for its complexity; Native American music when broken down, is more intricate than one would think.  Without song, American Indians wouldn’t have been able to reach out to supernatural forces.  American Indians did not play music for the heck of it, music was for the bringing of rain, success in battle, or the curing of the sick.  

Today, modern Native American music has a lot of European influence.  Mainly, the instruments that were brought to North America, have allowed for modern Native American music to have a new sound. Interestingly, the Grammy Awards choose a Best Native American Music Album annually, and the Native American Music Awards occur every year.  Modern awards for new compositions following these traditional methods are still given; Native American culture still receives the recognition it deserves.