Native American Music

Native American Music centers around the drum. For this reason, the singers are often referred to as a Drum Group, or simply as The Drum. Drum groups are usually made up of extended family members and friends, and are often named for the primary family, but not always.

Different types of songs are sung for different events—Grand Entries, dance contests and honoring ceremonies.

In recent years, drum groups have begun to win Grammy’s for their recordings in the new Native American music category.

Drum Groups (Singers)

Drum groups provide the music at pow wows. They are sometimes referred to as Singers, or simply the Drum. Many drum groups are now recording artists who are known around the world, and even compete for their own Grammy at the Music Awards.

Native American Flutists are native people who play the flute. Used both ceremonially and aesthetically, the flute plays an important role in the culture of many Native American tribes, and for many modern Native American musicians, it provides a solemn link to an ancient tradition.

Peyote songs are sung in the Native American Church as part of the religious ceremonies.

Pow Wow Songs

Different types of songs are sung for different events—Grand Entries, dance contests, war dances, story telling of an event, and honoring ceremonies. Songs are made for all reasons.