New to Irish Music Sessions?

Here is some guidance on how to prepare and take part in a Session (taken from McNeela website):

Irish Trad Session Etiquette

For the most part, traditional Irish musicians are a friendly, welcoming bunch but every session is different and has its own personality and participation ideology. So before you try to join in with any music session, here are some things to keep in mind…

Do

• Know your limits. Be honest with yourself about your own ability. Would a group of seasoned musicians welcome you as one of their own, or are you still in the early days of playing? Be considerate of your fellow musicians.
• Know the tunes in advance. If you don’t know the tune (or you’re not an incredibly fast learner), don’t join in. There’s nothing more frustrating than sitting beside someone who is noodling along, only half playing the tune with all the wrong notes. Learn the tunes on your own time. If you hear a new tune that you’d like to be able to play, record it to learn at home later.
• Ask permission to join in. Most groups are welcoming of newcomers, as long as you ask first. I know this can seem intimidating, but the worst that happens is they say no. Then you’ll know it wasn’t the right session for you anyway.
• Tune your instrument. Make sure you’re in tune. Don’t be afraid to ask someone in the group to play a note for you to tune to if needed – they’ll appreciate that far more than you playing sharp or flat.
• Assess the mix of instruments. Are there already two bodhráns playing in the session? Perhaps they don’t need a third joining in. Be patient and wait your turn.
• Learn more than four chords. This one is specially for the accompanists out there who may feel that with four chords and a capo (in the case of guitar players) that they’re ready to take on the world. I admire your confidence, but you’re not yet ready to join in with every set. Try limiting yourself to the tunes that you’re certain those four chords fit with. Otherwise, sit back and listen. To learn more about accompanying traditional Irish music, check out my handy blog post on the same subject: How to Accompany Traditional Irish Music.

Don’t

• Push in. Introduce yourself to the group and ask permission before you join in. Some musicians won’t mind, but most will be irritated by a stranger joining their ranks without so much as a ‘how do you do’.
• Play too loudly. This one is self explanatory really. A good session is all about the group dynamic – you’re not there to be a solo superstar so make sure you’re playing at an appropriate volume that can blend with the other instruments.
• Interrupt the set. Tunes at sessions are typically played in sets of three or four, according to tune type, with each flowing seamlessly into the next. It’s up to the person who started the first tune to choose the next one in the set. Keep an eye and an ear out for their signal that the tune change is coming up, but don’t try to barge in with one of your own.
• Comment on anyone else’s playing or tuning. Compliments are obviously allowed, but I’ve seen a few sessions turn sour when someone has felt the need to tell a fellow musician that their instrument is out of tune.
• Get offended. Irish musicians are the salt of the earth, but there are still a few cantankerous trad purists out there, and you might be unfortunate enough to run into one. These ‘elders’ of the music scene won’t be shy about sharing their opinion on your playing, your tuning, or even your choice of tune. Their bark is usually a lot worse than their bite but they’ve been known to order musicians out of a session if they’re messing up in any way. It’s a true rite of passage to get a dressing down from one of these session grump characters however so try not to take it personally. We’ve all been there and lived to tell the tale. Just laugh it off!
• Take anyone’s seat. Always ask if a seat is free before placing your rear end down.
• Leave your pint on the floor – especially if you’re sitting beside a flute player. Two words: condensation drips.
• Clap along. I’m a patient man who has a lot of time for everyone at a session, but even I would be tempted to ask you to leave if you start to clap along with the music. Leave that to the tourists.

If it’s your first time attending a session it might be a good idea to head along to your chosen session in advance, without the intention of joining in, to observe and listen. It will give you a feel for the atmosphere and the session etiquette in place. You can always join in later when you feel comfortable. 

Don’t be discouraged if you find yourself at a session that’s beyond your capabilities. Think of it as the perfect opportunity to learn and see how the pros do it. You may get very lucky and encounter some kindly musician who will invite you to play a tune or two at your own pace, but don’t expect this of them.

Irish trad session at a pub in Galway by Giuseppe Milo

Joining a Traditional Irish Music Session

Jumping In

If you’ve found the session of your dreams, have hung around a few times with your instrument under your oxter (elbow), and are on nodding and/or smiling terms with the musicians, it’s time to take the next step and actually play a tune. A polite request to join in on a tune or two is a good start, just make sure that you know it! 

Volume Control

Most musicians will have mastered the art of playing ‘under’ the music, ensuring any mistakes are neither audible nor intrusive. So for your first few sessions, let the others propose the set and try to play along without putting anyone off. It’s a good way of building up confidence and showing respect for the other musicians. 

Find the Flow

Many musicians have often likened the traditional Irish session to a good conversation, with flow being one of the main desirable attributes. Listen to your fellow musicians, make sure you’re not simply playing in time with them but also matching their playing style, phrasing, ornamentation and swing.

Musical Awareness

It takes a certain sensitivity to partake in a session and luckily most musicians are naturally blessed with it, the ones who aren’t will stick out like a sore thumb. 

Don’t be overly shy either about sharing your music however. If you’re confident in your ability, have a fair few tunes under your belt, and play music similar to your session of choice then take it away.

Changing Tune at an Irish Trad Session

You may notice the tune change at 02:03 in the video below but can you work out who proposes it?

The Session Lead

It could be session lead, esteemed fiddler Antóin Mac Gabhann, (middle fiddle player) or legendary Irish accordion player, James Keane, seated facing the five fiddle players. See the subtle eyebrow raise just before the change… Answers in the comment section below please!

Listen and Learn

As the aim of a session is to play together and explore a common repertoire it’s important to choose a session that isn’t too far above your abilities. 

If you attend a session where all the players are consistently top-notch, and you’re not yet fully confident in your mastery of your instrument, it might be best to enjoy these sessions as an observer rather than a participant.

Understanding & Respecting the Musical Hierarchy

There’s nearly always an unspoken hierarchy at play at sessions which generally takes the form of beginner or inexperienced musicians giving way to the more seasoned session players or musicians. 

The Irish sense of ómós (oh-mose – like the ‘mos’ sound in most) or respect is a very strong element of trad sessions and is the underlying theme of nearly every session worth being at. 

You’ll see it very markedly if an older more venerable musician happens to be about. All other players will defer to them, regardless of their  own expertise, and they will try to ensure that their playing serves almost as a sort of tribute to that musician. This is why it’s important to brush up up on your Irish folk music and traditional Irish musical knowledge.

The Irish phrase, ‘Ar scáth a chéile a mhairimid‘ is particularly relevant here. It literally means, ‘we live in each others shadow’.  It’s an adage that implies reciprocal hospitality and generosity amongst people – it’s particularly relevant when applied to musicians at a session.

Bodhrán Players at Sessions

Yes bodhrán players, you get your own section. I can’t have you out there giving us all a bad name after I’ve worked so hard all these years…

While the same Irish music session etiquette rules apply to bodhrán players, there are a few more things to keep in mind.

Some musicians will groan inwardly when they see a bodhrán player approach a session – even before the bodhrán player has a chance to show their skills. Fair or not, there still exists within some Irish music circles today a snobbery towards bodhrán players (though some will argue this is borne of bitter experience). 

You may feel that this is an unfair slight (though tin whistle players also frequently encounter this same bias) but a bodhrán player needs to display an extra special sensitivity to their fellow musicians. In fairness, we do play a very loud drum that’s capable of dominating a session, and completely ruining the environment for everyone if not wielded carefully.

So please, on behalf of bodhrán players everywhere – and our already dodgy reputation – think before you play.

Listen to the music and make sure you’re in time, and playing at an appropriate volume. If you’re feeling uncertain, play quietly and softly. If you feel you’re out of your depth, resist all temptation to beat that bodhrán.

I promise you this consideration will be much appreciated by the other musicians, and when you do let loose you will find you have a far more receptive audience.

If there happens to be another bodhrán player present and they display better skills than you, pull back a little. Listen and learn.

Try taking a little inspiration from some of the greats: Modern Day Legend of the Irish Bodhrán.

Slow Sessions

While some sessions attract the best of the best – musicians who want to play fast-paced tunes with others of the same level and skillset – there has been a huge increase in recent years of sessions aimed at beginner and intermediate musicians. 

These slow sessions take the tunes at a slower, beginner-friendly pace and offer a safe space for those who may not feel ready to join in at full speed. Mistakes are welcome and newbies are encouraged.

The focus is on supporting and encouraging each other and playing for the sheer joy of it, without having to worry about an audience. 

These sessions provide the perfect learning environment with a safe and welcoming environment. Usually an experienced musician or two will drop in and lend a hand, to offer advice and help keep the session on track. 

There’s no shame at all in starting out with a slow session or beginner session, and working your way up from there. In fact, you may find that your fellow trad musicians progress at the same pace as you and by the time you’re ready to speed things up, they will be too. You’ll have your very own advanced trad session ready to go!

Irish Session Tunes

Some tunes are deemed acceptable session tunes – others are not. Popular session tunes are typically universally playable – in other words, they can be played on any instrument. Certain tunes are better suited to individual instruments are are more suitable for solo performance. It’s important to keep this in mind.

Tunes at sessions are played in sets, not as a standalone tune. A suitable selection of dance tunes will contain three or four tunes of the same tune type – such as jigs, reels or hornpipes – played seamlessly into one another.

If you hear a tune you like at a session don’t be afraid to ask for its name. It’s perfectly acceptable to record it so that you can learn it at home, in your time, at your own pace – but make sure to check with the musicians before you do, just in case. Keep track of the Irish session tunes you like, or hear played most often, and make an effort to learn them. I guarantee it will be time well spent.

Slow airs are not commonly played at sessions, and for good reason. These are not suitable for group performance. Unless you’re a virtuoso soloist, with a deep knowledge and understanding of slow airs, do not attempt to play one at a session.

One more faux pas to avoid: never refer to a tune as a song. Songs have lyrics. Traditional Irish dance tunes do not. Referring to a tune as a song mark you out as a clueless newbie straight away.

If you’re looking for some tips on the best tunes to learn, check out my handy blog section on Irish Session Repertoire. We also offer an exciting range of Irish tune books for players of all ages and abilities. You can browse the full selection in my Irish Music Store.

What does ‘hup’ mean?

One last thing… You may hear this sound a lot or not at all depending on which music sessions you attend, and it might be used for different reasons at different sessions. 

The session leader may shout ‘hup’ to indicate that a change of tune is imminent, or to indicate a change of tempo, or even a key change. 

You may also hear it said by a member of the audience, or indeed a session player themselves, when the mood strikes, as an expression of enjoyment or general delight.

A versatile little syllable, ‘hup’ can translate to “fair play lads, isn’t the music great? I’m really enjoying it.”  – a general nod of encouragement to the musicians.

A word of warning however – try to use it sparingly…

If you want to learn more about the phrase ‘Hup!’, head over to The Session for a comprehensive and rather entertaining discussion of this elusive interjection.

Session Ready

If you’ve made it this far you’re well on your way to being session-ready.

The above is by no means an exhaustive guide to the traditional Irish session. In fact, I’m sure I’ve missed one or two key pieces of advice. There are myriad nuances and insights still to explore, and the best way to do that is to be brave, and get out there. So what are you waiting for?

And as always, McNeela Music is here to help. If you have any questions about tunes, Irish musical instruments, Irish music sessions, learning to play or even finding a teacher, please don’t hesitate to  get in touch. We are happy to offer our expert advice and help guide you on your way.

Check out our wide selection of traditional Irish music instruments, and see which one you’d like to carry into your next Irish trad session. We have accordions, banjos, bodhráns, concertinas, fiddles, flutes, whistles and more – plenty to catch your imagination. Hup!