Until the 1800s, music in rural America was the music of generations before. It drew on traditions from almost every immigrant group - Scots, Irish, English, Native American, Canadian, French, German, African and Scandinavian.

Any chance for a gathering or party brought out the humble fiddle. It was often the only instrument, and the fiddler the only performer. Most musicians played by ear. Music was not written down, but techniques and tunes were passed along to family, friends and travelers. When a performer was not sure of a note or words, he or she simply added a word or note that fit the rhythm. Since there was no "real" version of the music, hundreds of versions of tunes and songs resulted.

To play and sing at the same time, some held the fiddle on the upper chest, tilted clockwise to make heavily accented down strokes (downbows). Fingering was often simple, but the bowing rhythm could be energetic and driving. Rhythm and tempo were far more important at a noisy dance than clear notes.

"Old-time" fiddling includes the typical dance rhythms of the time. After the Civil War, traveling entertainers took commercial music -- vaudeville songs and acts -- to remote areas. Local musicians adapted these songs to their own instruments and styles.