We have been preserving traditional music and instruments with passion since 1988. Find bagpipes, hurdy-gurdies, historical sheet music and more. Immerse yourself in the soundscapes of times gone by and experience the variety of traditional melodies. Let yourself be enchanted by the magic and become part of our community!
Welcome, you have landed at Verlag der Spielleute – your new hotspot for everything to do with traditional music, musical instruments and folk dances.
We have been rocking the theme since 1988 with a wide selection of books and recordings. From bagpipes to accordion, from nyckelharpa to jew’s harp – you’ll find everything your heart desires here. Whether you want to browse through sheet music collections or learn new instruments, you are at home here.
Stay tuned: We bring you the best teaching materials, expert workshops and everything you need to perfect your music and everything around it. From beginners to experienced musicians, everyone will find inspiration and support with us. We attach great importance to quality and authenticity so that you can live out your passion for traditional music to the full.
Our offer
Drone music: This traditional form of music is characterized by the constant sound of one or more drone notes, usually an octave or fifth apart. Instruments such as the hurdy-gurdy, bagpipes and nyckelharpa are central elements of this music. Its characteristic sonority and rhythmic pulse make drone music an important part of medieval and traditional music. In our books you will find theoretical knowledge and practical instructions to help you understand and master the art of drone music.
Sheet music for Bal Folk: Bal Folk encompasses a lively tradition of European folk dances celebrated at festive and social gatherings. Originally from France, Bal Folk has spread across Europe. The dances range from bourrée and mazurka to schottisch and many others, accompanied by instruments such as the diatonic accordion, bagpipes, hurdy-gurdy and flute. Discover detailed instructions and sheet music in our books to understand and enjoy the variety of this dance form.
Sheet music for Irish Folk: Irish Folk, deeply rooted in the culture of Ireland, includes lively dance tunes such as jigs, reels, hornpipes and polkas as well as emotional ballads. Typical instruments are the fiddle, tin whistle, uilleann pipes, accordion and bodhrán. Our books offer a wide collection of songs and dances to help you explore and play the fascinating world of Irish folk music.
Sheet music for hurdy-gurdy: The hurdy-gurdy, a unique string instrument, is played by turning a crank. It produces a characteristic sound that is popular in both medieval and traditional folk music. Our sheet music collections offer a variety of melodies and pieces that are specially arranged for the hurdy-gurdy and take you into the fascinating sound world of this instrument.
Sheet music for diatonic accordion: This traditional instrument, also known as the hand harmonica, is particularly widespread in folk music. Our sheet music collections for the diatonic accordion mainly include Bal Folk pieces that are perfectly suited to the sound characteristics of this instrument. These books are ideal for musicians who want to learn the authentic interpretation and playing style of the diatonic accordion.
Learn to play the jew’s harp: The Jew’s harp is a small instrument with a long history that is widespread in many cultures around the world. Our books provide step-by-step instructions and historical background to help you learn and master the techniques and intricacies of this fascinating instrument.
Sheet music for market bagpipes: The market bagpipe, known for its powerful sound, is ideal for medieval performances and modern medieval markets. Our sheet music collections contain melodies and pieces specially arranged for the market bagpipe and enable you to play authentic medieval music.
And many more.
Community and social media
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Let’s redefine tradition together! We look forward to accompanying you on your musical journey and providing you with the best resources.
Stay tuned and let the music play!