Early Period and Popular Dance Music Book

Early Period and Popular Dance Music (4th Edition) is built for musicians who need reliable, easy-to-read dance arrangements that work in the real world—on stage, in a hall, or out at a Renaissance Faire. Every arrangement is written in modern notation and laid out to clearly indicate the number of repetitions needed to fit common choreographies.

The settings lean toward recorders (a favorite for large groups), while still being useful for mixed consorts and ensemble playing. The introduction also includes a helpful listing of music sources and choreography references for each dance—covering both historical material and SCA-related dance traditions.

Social dance was at the heart of Medieval, Renaissance, and Early Baroque celebrations—formal court dances, lively country sets, and group dances that brought communities together. This book continues that tradition by collecting playable arrangements intended specifically for dance accompaniment, making it an excellent resource for modern reenactors, festival musicians, and historical dance groups who want music that supports the steps, phrasing, and repeat structure dancers rely on.

If you play for Renaissance Festival dance crowds, SCA events, or historical dance workshops, this book delivers what you actually need: readable arrangements, clear repeat structure, and reference notes that keep musicians and dancers in sync. Add it to your kit for dependable early dance music that’s ready for rehearsal and ready for the floor.