Page "Music of Scotland" Paragraph 5

The piping tradition is strongly connected to Gaelic singing ( some piping ornaments mimic the Gaelic consonants of the songs ), stepdance ( the traditional dance meters determine the rhythm of the tunes ), and fiddle, which appeared in Scotland in the 17th century.

These components are part of the dance music which is played across Scotland at country dances, ceilidhs, Highland balls and frequently at weddings.

Group dances are performed to music provided typically by an ensemble, or dance band, which may include fiddle, bagpipe, accordion, tin whistle, cello, keyboard and percussion.

Many modern Scottish dance bands are becoming more lively and innovative, with influences from other types of music ( most notably jazz chord structures ) becoming noticeable.