I am ignorant of the concept and state of traditional singing in Australia.

However, as far as the States are concerned, thinking of traditional singing as a genre would be quite misleading.

All the traditional singings I am familiar with--my wife, Jean Ritchie, Sheila Kay Adams, Ginny Hawker, Maggie Hammons Parker, Bobby McMillon, Granny Riddle, etc., etc.--do it differently.

They are traditional singers, not because the sing a certain repertoire in a certain style, but because they are members of living musical traditions who learned in traditional ways. Mostly orally and aurally. Usually from other human beings but not infrequently from the radio and recordings.

Some rough broad generalizations can be made about "traditional" singers in the States. For example I never tire of pointing out that "some sing low, some sing higher." Jean Ritchie and Maggie Hammons Parker usually prefer to sing high while Sheila Kay Adams comes from a family of singers who tended to sing in the same range as their speaking voices.

But broad generalizations beyond this are pretty much useless.

Everybody phrases and breaths and ornaments differently.

In the states, if you wanted to learn "traditional" singing you'd go to Augusta or Swannanoa and take classes from people like Sheila Kay Adams.

You'd sit "knee to knee" and learn.

You'd probably find it worth the time and effort.

Russ (Permanent GUEST and traditional musician himself)