Writing a period, authentic-sounding ballad is harder than it seems at first glance. The concept of a 'ballad' is fuzzy to many people; in the SCA we sing scottish border ballads, broadside ballads, other traditional english folk songs, and some post-period songs side by side.
This class will explain the difference between these types of songs, discuss the structure and features found in border ballads, and provide some pointers on pitfalls to avoid when writing an 'authentic' sounding ballad.
No musical or bardic experience required. |