Celtic Session

Session Etiquette

Our sessions are not ‘led’ by any one person (Simon or Alison, our co-organiser, will usually start things off); anyone can start a tune or set of tunes. We follow a few simple ‘rules’ of good manners to make sure everyone enjoys themselves and gets to participate, no matter what their level of proficiency (whilst recognising that you do need to have at least a basic level of instrument familiarity to be able to join in with most of the tunes we play).
First, make sure your instrument is in tune – there are side rooms to do this away from the group (or do it in between tunes/songs, not during them)
We usually play each tune 3 times through (except for really long ones, which are played twice). This rule can sometimes be a bit unruly!

Sets

There are a number of sets of tunes we play regularly, and we will go directly from one to the next. If the group finishes playing and you know another tune that follows on naturally, then launch into your tune.
The pace set by the person that starts the tune is kept throughout. This gives less accomplished players a chance to start tunes at a pace that suits them.

Tempo

We try not to play so fast that hardly anyone else can join in – our session is about participation. Beginners may find many of the tunes are too fast for them, but with practice and in time they will be joining in more and more – playing an instrument is a journey.

New tunes

We like to share the tune starts around the group, but no pressure – if you don’t want to start off a tune that’s ok.
If you’re introducing a new tune, tell us the key and tune type (eg. a jig in D). You may hand around copies of the sheet music (with chords), although learning by ear is the preferred approach and this does take some time and practice.
If you’re uncertain of a tune, play a little quieter than normal, playing the bits you know. Avoid playing random notes in the hope that some might be the right ones!