2019
Andrew VanNorstrand
In this resource, Andrew explores how music can be structured and played to fit with dance choreography.

2020

National Public Radio

This NPR radio piece and associated article explores the intersection between racism and traditional music & song. Both Jake Blount and the Youth Traditional Song Weekend are featured.

Jeff Kaufman

In this post, Jeff explores some considerations to make when creating dance sets. Community discussion follows.

Allan Farrell

NLTrad is a small, curated collection of Newfoundland and Irish tunes, useful if you’re looking for NFLD dance music.

Jeff Kaufman
Jeff has created a number of blog posts on how to play piano for contra dances.

Jeff Kaufman
Jeff has created a few blog posts (including videos) on how to play mandolin for contra dances.

Jeff Kaufman
Jeff has written a few posts on the use of brass instruments in contra dance music.

2018-2019
Jeff Kaufman
In the following blog posts, Jeff explores different ways to build footboards.

Jeff Kaufman

In this post, Jeff explores synth drum beats for contra dance. Community discussion follows.

Jeff Kaufman

In this post, Jeff explores how to use an arpeggiator with both mandolins and pianos. Community discussion follows.

Jeff Kaufman

In this post, Jeff explains how he sets up with rhythm equipment for a contra dance. Community discussion follows.

Jeff Kaufman

As the title suggests. Community discussion follows.

Jeff Kaufman

In this post, Jeff explores some entry-level ideas for fiddlers interested in trying effects. Community discussion follows.

2019
Portland Intown Contra Dance
This video of the Pic’d Up Orchestra illustrates how Emily Troll uses cue cards to communicate to the band regarding different effects that will energize the dancers.

CDSS News: Spring 2020

Diane Silver, Laura Lengnick, and Karen Gaughan

This article describes a new dance series in Asheville focused on the idea of Roots Contra - which values and highlights the core of the tradition (e.g., diversity of dance music; traditional dance music of New England, dancing in unison/with the whole room).

2019
CDSS
This resource is a fantastic place to start if you are interested in learning about calling traditional squares. A wide range of square dance styles are described including both the history and form. Many videos also accompany each section.

Folk Alliance International

FAI hosts a number of webinars for folk musicians ranging from licensing to consumption trends. Most of the webinars are particularly focused on freelancers/gigging artists.

CDSS

Ben Williams and Julie Vallimont

Where does contra music come from? Why does it sound the way it does? How has it changed over time? In this online radio show, we take the pulse of contra music today through a series of conversations between host Julie Vallimont and prominent contra musicians from all corners. Join us in this journey through music, dance, time, space, and community.

Check out an article about the podcast here.

2019
CDSS
This resource is a fantastic place to start if you are interested in learning about calling traditional squares. A wide range of square dance styles are described including both the history and form. Many videos also accompany each section.

2018
Jeff Kaufman
Jeff has written a few blog posts on gender as it relates to contra dance bands and booking.

• Contra Dance Weekend Musician Gender (2018)
• More Musician Gender (2018)