In the north songs are usually sung by a single individual,and the dominant pattern is of heroic narrative,on historical themes,usually the struggle against the Turks. In the south music and song are more communal,with songs and poems for several performers,often with a choral element.

There are also many different folk dances for each region.In the south dances are often accompanied by polyphonic songs,of great antiquity.In the commoner dances the performers move in a rectilinear pattern,and with pirouettes.Albanian music uses a variety of traditional instruments,some of which are unique to the country.The flute is the most common instrument,along with the bagpipes,the drum and the lahuta.

The lahuta is a stringed instrument resembling the medieval and Renaissance lutes of northern Europe and is one of the most ancient instruments still in use in Europe.It was used by the ancient oral poets to call the attention of the audience to their recitations.in the north the ciftelia is widely played,a small mandolin with a very long thin neck and two strings.

The Institute of Popular Culture in Tirana has been collecting traditional songs,dances and poetry since the war,and has over a million verses, 40,000 proverbs,and about 10,000 musical recordings.A useful volume for those who do not read Albanian is Chansonnier Epique Albanais, which includes many well popular verses.