Formal and Informal Pedagogies in the Old-Time and Shape-Note Communities of Practice

Old-time jamming and shape-note singing are both participatory practices. Musicians come together in the moment to sing and play for themselves and for one another, not for an audience. While the primary objective of participatory musicians is enjoyment, they often seek to improve their skills, since heightened ability can lead to greater access and rewards. Old-time musicians and shape-note singers also seek to expand their knowledge of their respective traditions, both of which have undergone global revivals but are rooted in historical practices developed in the US South. These musicians therefore pursue a range of formal and informal learning opportunities, seeking out experienced tutors and sharing knowledge among themselves. While informal learning processes are similar in both traditions, formal teaching practices diverge sharply. This is linked to the “amateur” and “professional” statuses applicable to each community of practice, for while there are many opportunities to earn income as an old-time musician, there is no such thing as a “professional” shape-note singer. This chapter describes productive teaching models employed in both traditions and concludes with recommendations for community music practitioners working in other contexts.