Introduction

As a tradition bearer and folk singer, there is always a significant number of choices linking to authenticity and intention that we decide through individual interpretation in the process of learning. The rich variety of the Scots singing tradition highlights the importance of background knowledge which helps to give a genuine quality that I feel individuals should consider and explore when using their own voicings while simultaneously making an effort of preserving the tradition.

This project aims to explore the different approaches to learning a new song in the Scots oral singing tradition. I hope to evaluate specific themes like interpretation, innovation, and expression that may help identify commonalities and differences in groups of singers and could broaden my perspectives of Scots singing.

This project allows me to build confidence in decision making that may be required by exploring my personal process and the approach/opinions of others through a variety of mediums. The experimentation involved in this project could bring in elements like thorough background research that I feel could be beneficial and help to develop various aspects of a performance. I hope that some methods and ideas obtained from this project may influence my future decision-making processes as a folk singer and help me to become more efficient in learning songs in the Scots tradition.