Polka in The United States of America - Polka Genres

Polka Genres

Although author Charles Keil admits that "there are as many styles of polka as there are polka localities", he and his wife have divided American polka music into three major genres:

1. Slavic, with its sub-genres, Polish-American, Czech-American, and Slovenian-American
2. Germanic, with its sub-genres, German-American
3. Southwestern, with its sub-genres, Mexican-American and Papago-Pima

The two Slavic genres are found in eastern and midwestern America, the Germanic genres in midwestern and western America, and the Southwestern genres in southwestern America. The different genres are united by the characteristic 2/4 time signature that exists in all polkas as well as by instruments and lyrics that are similar throughout all styles. Polka bands across all genres typically include an accordion or concertina, wind instruments, and drums. The lyrics sung by these bands are united by their discussion of joy, religion, and ethnic culture. Differences stem from variations in instrumentation, tempo, and the popularity of the genre in various places.