Session Etiquette
What is Session Etiquette ?
In my mind, it is the session etiquette that defines or explains what a particular session is all about. And by reading through this etiquette you will be able to make a decision on whether this Bluegrass & Old Time Music Session is one that you would want to be part of, or not.
Will the Session Etiquette be Followed ?
Yes.
Past experience has taught me not to allow the session to stray at all from the etiquette. Strictly keeping to the rules and expectations of a session provides some certainty for what musicians can expect to be part of.
Enjoy Playing Tunes & Songs With Others
Whether we are in a global pandemic or not, it is a wonderful thing to be able to get together to play music with other musicians and this time is very precious.
When in the circle as part of the session, play music, sing, and have a bit of a joke or say something about a song or tune succinctly. Mid-session story tellers and educators will be returned their $5 contribution and be asked to leave the premises.
Feel free to tell a story or have a chat quietly in the kitchenette (allowing for the maximum number of people in terms of Covid restrictions) or step outside of the hall to talk so as not to disturb the session.
The Bluegrass & Old Time Music Session
This is a session that is split into two parts, from 6pm to 7pm the session will be a slow session aimed at the beginner to intermediate musician who may struggle with the pace of a regular session.
From 7pm to 9pm the session is an open session with the lead determining the pace of the tune (or song). Both fast tempo tunes and slow tempo tunes are tolerated in the open session.
The Slow Session Part
The tempo will be determined by the musician leading off the tune. However, no tunes will be played at a medium or fast pace. This is subjective of course, but if we have a number of musicians in the circle unable to keep up with the melody then the tempo is too fast.
Allow the lead musician to lead/introduce around four bars of music before you come in. This gives the novice player time to change the tempo (if they start off too fast or too slow) before it is locked in by others joining in.
Do not play your instrument while a musician is attempting to lead a tune in. It is very distracting for the non-expert musician and makes a difficult task far more difficult by doing so.
If you are a more experienced musician and are attending the slow session, please feel free to extend yourself by such things as playing without the sheet music if you are not an ear player, or playing a harmony, just as a couple of examples. Or just take part as you will help to carry a tune smoothly which will in turn help the novice musician play more smoothly.
There is no issue with musicians arriving during the slow session or as its about to finish, just set up quietly so as not to disturb the slow session.
Tunes played in the slow session can be played again in the open session.
The Open Session Part
There is no set ‘speed limit’ to the open session. However, there is a saying that ‘if you are the best musician in a session, then you are in the wrong session’. If you find that you have started off at a pace that no one else can keep up with, then common sense would dictate that you bring the tempo back to what fits this session.
Saying this though, less experienced players can expect tunes to be played ‘up to speed’ so at times faster than they can play it. It’s part of the session experience and is just a session reality.
But, feel free to add to the tune by, for example, playing only a few notes per bar, or by playing/strumming just those chords that you can keep up with. Hearing good musicians play a tune faster than you can play is inspiring and with practice we will also get there.
Not every tune will be played fast though. There will be tunes and songs led off at a reasonable pace. This will change from session to session.
Songs
Leave the verse to be sung by the person leading the song.
The exception to this is if you are singing harmony with the singers blessing.
Sing along to the chorus.
Musicians, play softly when there is singing. An experienced musician once suggested to aim to play along so that just you can hear your own instrument. This way, the instruments do not overtake the singer during the song.
Singers, if you are leading a song then call for regular instrumental breaks to help prevent musicians from spontaneously combusting. Breaks are usually made up of the melody of the verse (there are exceptions of course). If no one can lead a break then the singer just continues with the song.
If the singer lags in starting a verse (may need time to think) then maybe play around with the root note/chord until the singer starts.
Session Heroes, this was a term coined by either Pete Wernick or Pete Seeger (I can’t actually remember) who wrote that those that cant really sing very well but give it a go, especially if a session is flagging a bit, can get others motivated to sing and enjoy themselves. These individuals should be respected.
Tunes
Lead/Finish: It is a convention that the musician that led off the tune also finishes off the tune, either by taking the lead themselves or calling for ‘everyone’ that plays melody to play lead to end the tune off.
The Key of the Tune
Follow the key that a musician leads off in.
Singers will very often only be able to sing in certain keys and this must be respected.
Signals
Signals are often used, examples are the ‘lifted foot’ to indicate the pending end of the tune or the ‘nod’ to ask if you can take an instrumental lead.
How many times through?
We will be following the usual bluegrass and old time music format here. The tune is led off and then past around the circle for others to take a turn to lead. The tune keeps going until everyone that can play a lead has the chance to do so.
Solos
Not part of this session at all.
The emphasis is on participation and it is expected that everyone plays along to every tune to their ability (following the guidance of this etiquette of course).
Participation
As mentioned above, the emphasis of this session is on participation and enjoying playing music with others.
Ear players have the ability to participate. Sheet music and chords will be sought out as able and included in the tune booklet for those that are not ear players.
Speeding Up
Try hard not to speed up during the tune. This is far less easily said than done, for everyone. Just be mindful that you are keeping to the original tempo of the tune especially when there are a lot of notes being played in a bar or more.
Coming into the next bar a bit too early also has the result of speeding up a tune so just be mindful of this.
Volume
Be mindful of your volume. The aim is to play at a volume that allows for all instruments to be able to be heard.
Choice of Tunes
For some tunes and songs, it will be contentious whether they fit into the bluegrass or old time genre. The consensus of the group will be the determining factor on whether a tune remains on our play list.
Feel free to introduce a tune or a song but if its possible also provide what information you have (e.g. sheet music, chords, or lyrics) so that others can join in.