
However, these are modern geographical references to a people who share a common Celtic ancestry and consequently, a common musical heritage. The definition is further complicated by the fact that Irish independence has allowed Ireland to promote 'Celtic' music as a specifically Irish product. Often, the term Celtic music is applied to the music of Ireland and Scotland because both lands have produced well-known distinctive styles which actually have genuine commonality and clear mutual influences. These two latter usage patterns may simply be remnants of formerly widespread melodic practices.

Melodic variation can be easily introduced.
There are a number of possible reasons for this:

Celtic harp performed at a Celtic festival in 2010
