Abstract
This dissertation explores the changes of English Country Dance (referred to as ECD) music in the United States, arguing that innovation, rather than historical preservation, has always been the central force shaping its development. While ECD originated in 17th-century England, its American musical expression has diverged significantly, influenced by broader social change, cross-genre influences, and the creative input of key individual musicians. The only published work that directly addresses ECD in the United States is Daniel Walkowitz’s City Folk (2010), which focuses on the socio-political history of folk dance revivals. While Walkowitz provides important context for the revival’s class and cultural dynamics, his study largely omits the role and analysis of music. This dissertation expands on that foundation by placing music at the center of the narrative.
Using a multi-method approach, including oral history interviews, historical research, musical analysis, and ethnographic fieldwork in 2025, this study investigates how American ECD music changed from its Cecil Sharp inspired classical roots into a more expressive, improvisational, and stylistically diverse tradition. The findings reveal that American ECD music has embraced innovation as anintegral part of its identity. Musicians consistently balance tradition with creativity, resulting in a vibrant, evolving sound that reflects the values of the contemporary dance community. This study positions American ECD music as a dynamic folk practice, rooted in history but defined by its ability to adapt to the needs and wants of the community.