Traditional folk instruments, including the tambura, gadulka and kaval (shepherd's flute) are expected to disappear from Bulgarian stages within 10 to 15 years if no attention is paid to folk music performers, shows an analysis from a field study conducted by the Bulgarian Music Association among professional ensembles and schools with a folk profile across the country.

The severe shortage of musicians for folk ensembles could lead to the termination of their activities, which in turn would result in the destruction of Bulgarian folklore, reads one of the conclusions of the analysis.

Among the main reasons for the dire state of the sector is the low pay without opportunities for financial growth, which devalues the prestige of the profession. Young people are reluctant to pursue careers in folk music, and musicians are likely to leave the orchestras soon, as they are mostly of retirement age.

The Bulgarian Music Association proposes that professional folklore ensembles be separated as independent institutes, which would promote more effective budget and revenue management and the development of a long-term strategy for their growth.