In a separate discussion, it was suggested that I start a Beginner's Session to avoid getting dirty looks at regular sessions for not playing up to the expectations of other session players.
Even though I have learned local session etiquette, sit outside the inner circle, play the correct chords on my guitar softly and enrolled in a class to learn tunes, I totally agreed that a Beginner's Session is probably where I should be.
For those of you who have started a Beginner's learning session, I would appreciate your "positive" comments and suggestions such as - Kitchen Sessions work best, have a lead instructor, begin with six tunes and start there, etc.etc.
In my opinion keep it simple and informal. The last thing you want is a poster advertising an open beginner session where any eejit with a shakey egg can 'play' trad.
Do you know anyone else who is learning? If you do, just suggest meeting up for a few tunes. Explain what your after.
Best of luck to you.
"a Beginner's Session is probably where I should be"
Not everyone here would necessarily agree with you here. Not even some of our more vociferous contributors!
" I have learned local session etiquette, sit outside the inner circle, play the correct chords on my guitar softly and enrolled in a class to learn tunes"
If you have or actually ARE doing these things, then you should be welcome in most sessions with the exception of those which are very "exclusive" for one reason or other. Otherwise, those who are giving you "dirty looks" are not very nice. If you do follow the local etiquette, then they shouldn't be bothered about you being there.
So, if I were you I'd still go along to regular sessions. It's probably a much better learning environment in the long term.
I'm not against "beginner" or "intermediate" sessions. They have their place but because of their nature it's best that they have some direction with a good leader... preferably an experienced player/sessioner who has the patience to be a mentor and a guide to improving musicians.
Unfortunately, many sessions which attract beginners and less experienced players tend to be a bit "headless" and the results aren't always great. You're more likely to learn bad habits in such a situation.
So, it's much better to join in with good or competent players unless you can find a good leader. Of course, you should behave yourself and respect the more experienced players but it's probably the better route.
I'd follow session savage's advice -- find some other friends who are of approximately your level and meet up in someone's house or flat. If it is an open pub session it will be difficult to keep out the shaky eggs and every eedjit who is going to bang away random chords on their guitar or random rhythms on a drum. The pub session may be good craic but you won't get much out it playing-wise if you are contending with the aforesaid bullsh*t.
It would be even more ideal to find one musician with slightly more experience to join you. That way you can hear how the tunes should sound, they can offer you tips, and you can follow their rhythm and phrasing and learn lots from them.
That said, you can do it in a public venue if you choose said venue carefully. When I lived in Colorado I went to the tune learning session run by Zina and Pete (aka Reverend), which was a brilliant thing. They knew more than we did so could provide a stable rhythm and phrasing, and they knew lots of tunes and taught (by ear of course!) a lot of standard session tunes. It was held in a relatively quiet coffee shop on Sunday afternoons so was very chilled out. In that sort of place you don't have to contend with all the drunks who just want a wild night out *and* you get accustomed to playing in public.
If it is to be a learning environment then I think conducting it outside the influence of alcohol is a must. A quiet coffee shop, a home, a school or a park would be the best place. Getting permission to organize there would probably be easier than it would be at a bar, too.
Where I used to live in Florida, a lot of public schools would rent out classrooms to groups on weekends. Everything from A.A. meetings to Chinese cultural school, Christian Sunday school, community activist groups and clothing construction clubs. Or if your town/city/county has a community center, you could try contacting the activities director to obtain a space.
Be prepared to put down a few dollars if you elect to sponsor the activity anywhere with "official" sanction or permission. Myself and another member of my band used to lead a biweekly bluegrass learning session in a local park to circumvent paying any fees. Although it was advertised on the internet, several music stores, as well as by word of mouth within the bluegrass community, parks and recreation never knew about it and it just looked like a gathering.
My first session was with advanced musicians. I sat on the outside and tried to learn the chords and theory as I went. I did a lot of listening and only played the tunes I knew.
I started a beginners session 6 months later. At that session, music is allowed though not encouraged. I used music when I started to kind of jump start myself. As soon as I knew a tune, I put the music away. I have tried to train my ear, and many times I like the chords I play by ear rather than those on the music.
It's been a year now, and my session is thriving. First, find a place that is willing to host your session. We had a coffee house in town that has a lot of music, so that's where we have the session. I started the session with a friend who plays. For a while it was just the two of us.
Second, have a common play list that you hand out; that way everyone will have a standard repetoire that gets things going. I established a yahoo site for the session and post many of the tunes as well as our playlists there. It is private so I can control who has access to it.
Third, and this may be controversial, I have groundrules for the session. There have been people that wanted to play that I knew from other sessions who I told not to come. These were musicians who did their own thing and made not efforts to learn the tune.
Now, a year and a half later, we have as many as 16 musicians. The session has a reputation as being friendly and open.
CG - sounds like a good way to go about it. The tune list seems like a good idea, at least as a starting point, so people have an idea of which tunes they can learn and expect others to know.
If I could suggest something, since you've got a yahoo group, you might also find some available web real estate and plant a set of recordings of the tunes on your list. Nothing fancy, just run through each one three times at a moderate pace and without a lot of ornamentation so people can get used to hearing them.
Zina and Reverend Pete would be a huge help for you as well.
I host a kitchen session Tuesdays in...well, my kitchen. Newbies are all welcome, and I always have one or two of the accomplished vets hanging out for the craic, food and drink. Then, we do our regular 'at speed' session at the pub on Sundays. Everyone is welcome at both, but obviously they are two different creatures entirely, and I anchor them accordingly.
The tune learning session that we've run over the years is still in full swing. (BTW, Zina and I can't really take credit for that. It was originally started by Matt & Shannon Heaton when they lived here, although, they only ran it for about 6 months before moving off to Boston and dumping it in Zina and Dirk's laps).
There's a distinction to be made between a tune learning session and a slow session or "beginner's session", though. The tune learning session is a place where we teach tunes (1 or 2 a week), practice prior weeks' tunes, talk about etiquette, and sometimes teach technique. It's certainly not something that would attract customers, and in fact, it usually empties the coffee shop right out, because we make quite a racket. Listening to people learn tunes is not much fun! So we're lucky to have the gracious hosts at the coffee shop, but something like that is maybe more suited for a private house.
Recently, however, a number of the regulars at the tune learning session decided that they needed to get out and play in sessions, but that they didn't feel comfortable in the full-speed sessions yet, so they decided to form their own "intermediate session". They have built a basic repertoire, and made sure that at least one person knows how to start each of the tunes, so that someone can "lead" each set, etc. I think it's great that they've taken the initiative to do this. And it is a good step forward. It allows them to play with other people in public, and do so in a somewhat comfortable environment. Since it was formed by a group of like-minded people, they are all on the same page as to what it should be like. And they keep it somewhat quiet. They're not advertising it to try to attract other people (or bones players, even ), so that alleviates some of the potential pitfalls.
Let me also say that I have some reservations about this kind of thing too, though! It may be *too* comfortable for them, and it could become a crutch. Part of the reason that I progressed as well as I have at learning to play this music is because I've been thrust into playing in sessions that were way beyond my abilities (albeit with the comfort of being with friends). The pressure (and humiliation) of being out of my league were great motivators for improvement. And since I was often playing with some of the best players around my area, I was learning good things. I agree wholeheartedly with Johannes J, a session like this needs some experienced people too, or it becomes a case of the blind leading the blind. And the outcome may not be desirable.
I would honestly advise doing it at someone's home rather than in public. In my experience there are a couple dangers in putting beginners in front of strangers to play: first, they might be too shy or self-conscious to get a lot out of the session.
I have also seen a coffee house host a beginners' session, thinking they were getting free entertainment.. only to discover a room full of novices painfully rehearsing a single tune over and over, squeaks and squeals hurting their customers' ears... resentment grew and the termination of the session was full of hard feelings.
I agree about having a leader who can play, too. And no sheet music! Learn by ear in someone's livingroom and keep going to the advanced sessions to learn and for inspiration...
I'm actually pleased that they have started an intermediate session there, since I know some of those guys were very hesitant to attend the normal advanced-ish sessions in the area. Crutch or not, at least they are getting out and getting experience. I'd prefer that to the way I did it, which was fall on my face in the Boulder session and flail about for a while until I sort of found my feet-ish. The ironic thing is that in the grand scheme of things that's actually a pretty friendly, low key, accommodating session and I wouldn't hesitate to play there now, while there are sessions here I won't go anywhere near with the pipes (though I will pop down occasionally without an instrument to listen).
I'd totally agree that a few experienced players at an intermediate session will benefit it greatly.
Back to the OP.... Are you looking at starting a tune learning session or a session where less advanced players can play tunes together and not feel intimidated, unwelcome, or out of place?
My original thoughts were to gather up 4 or 5 real beginner players (from my tune learning class) and play at someone's house once a week for a hour or hour and half. Provide an atmosphere where one can play and learn not feel unwelcome.
Start with six tunes and play them over and over again until the group felt it was time to add another tune - perhaps one a month. Find a better player to act mentor and use a digital recorder as a means of hearing the tune's structure at home.
Perhaps as a group attend one the area's (Cape Cod) regular sessions to listen and learn.
That sounds pretty good. It should be up to the group whether adding a tune a month is enough. The potential drawback of this is whether you're pushing yourself hard enough. If it's *too* comfortable, then it may be defeating the purpose!
Like I said, the humiliation of having a tune that I know come up in a session at a faster speed than I could play it was great motivation to get better. You should actively work to push yourselves, and it will help your progress greatly. Having an experienced player (or two) will make that much easier, and help you push yourselves the right way. And there's nothing quite like the euphoria of latching on to the playing of someone better, and hanging on for the ride!
The fact that you will be doing it in a comfortable environment (like someone's home) is good, but also keep in mind that the pressure is different. You may get comfortable in that environment, and then make it out to a public session and find yourself choking up, simply because it's a different environment.
There is a large group of folks in our town who are new to this music and are eagerly pursuing it on a weekly basis. They have a tune-learning session at a house once a week where they break down a tune phrase by phrases until each person has a grasp of it. Then on Sunday about two hours before the regular session, these same folks meet at the pub and have a slow tempo session to run through the material they have been working on. Later, when the regular session begins, they can stay if they wish and listen or play along on tunes they know. This program has "graduated" quite a few beginners over the years to enjoy "at speed " sessions where ever they may go. I hope you are successful in starting something similar in your town - good luck!
I started a "learning" session last year that met in the houses of different people in the group. It attracted a mix of more and less experienced musicians, and was friendly and supportive. I think it worked pretty well musically for most people and filled a need, and worked well socially for everyone. I learned a lot from playing slowly, from having to lead, and because I could really listen to the better players. I got some satisfaction from seeing that nearly everyone benefitted to some degree.
The group subdivided rapidly into those that learned new tunes and those who played only what they already knew, but didn't learn new tunes. The new tune learners generally made much more progress in all aspects of playing. After a year or so some of the less experienced players were ready to move up to "real" sessions, and some would continue to benefit from the slow/learning sessions.
The house session was discontinued this year because the experienced players had competing demands on their time, and perhaps (I am guessing here) because they sensed diminishing returns in working with the people who made slower or little progress in the first year.
I encourage you to go ahead and try. I'd also encourage you to do your best to keep the group limited to those with similar motivation/desire to improve if that's possible, and to keep the total size down. For one thing it's harder to find hosts because most people don't have big enough rooms/tolerant enough families to fit more than a half dozen or so players. For another thing, if there are too many people there are not enough opportunities to lead, suggest tunes to learn, and to build up the camaraderie and trust required for people to take chances and spread their wings.
I'm just having a hell of a time getting even one person to show. There may be plenty of ITM players in Sonoma county but there don't seem to be any in Cloverdale. Other than myself that is.
Nice pub, permission from the owner, a website and myspace page advertising it... and nobody shows.
Obviously there is something I'm doing wrong. I haven't a clue what that is however.
I've started a beginner session at the local "Celtic supplies" shop. A friend and I produced a CD of tunes followed by backing tracks which can be played along to, once the tune is learnt.
We do allow sheet music but I'm constantly encouraging people to get along without it as quickly as possible (that is the reason for the CD).
As I am a box player and whistle player I have been taking the instruments I'm attempting to learn (mandolin and flute) and it is a good chance for me to play slowly tunes that I know on an instrument that's not familiar.
So although I'm primarily there to help along the beginner players by teaching the tunes, suggesting the right accents and ornamentation and giving positive feedback, I'm also getting something out of it by having a chance to play with others on my two "new" instruments.
The sessions that I am involved in are always being misnamed "beginner sessions". They are sessions, however, where beginners are welcomed and encouraged. There is a big difference.
We do the round robin (circle of death) and everyone gets to start many tunes in an evening. We all play at the pace that the contributer started at. There is a fine mixture of fast and slow tunes. Everybody has a great time. Once in a while, a beginner will ask "have we played ...... yet?" the answer is that "it doesn't matter, start it up!". Play the same tune every time you are to start. Doesn't matter. We love old tunes and new, simple and complex.
The advantage is that the beginners hear and see what is going on and see the goal, rather than seeing only other beginners.
I supply helps on my site (http://www.SessioNite.com), as mentioned, from sound files, tune lists, links, tune collections, a calendar, advice, and, not to be under rated, a bunch of photos of us playing here and there. We just started putting up links to YouTube and MadFluter has put together a comprehensve list of Traditional Musicians that everyone can use in their search for recordings. FidKid has written some wonderful articles. I include some of the most helpful things put forth on this site, too (http://sessionite.com/page.php?in=51)
I also walk most of the players out to their cars when they leave. I get lots of feedback that is helpful.
The fact that we are welcoming does not mean that anything goes. We have clearly stated etiquette guidlines and I have had to direct the attention of a few people to them. Some of those have chosen not to attend again, and that is fine, but most appear willing to abide by them and learn.
Another key element on our site is the attendance feature. Everyone can go to the site and tell all where they will be attending. We can encourage others to attend by attending! We used to have a drawing for some music related prize. To be included, you had to sign up on the attendance page. By the way, if your group wants to use the attendance page, let me know and I will put your session in the dropdown box.
Anyway, the whole concept is based on the idea that advancement in the music is an individual thing. One gets better according to their own desire and commitment. Others can help, but you won't get better just because you are playing with others especially other beginners! There is a community that really likes you, is glad to see you and that wants to see you advance. But it is up to the individual.
Feardearg - when I get my tech world together I'll have to update that list for listening.
Palor Boyle - Feardearg has great material on sessionite.com you may want to talk with these guys too http://www.slowplayers.org/BOSS/index.html
Not sure how close they are to you but even a phone chat, it might be interesting to see what they did to get started and what they learned along the way.
As far as learning tunes just work on a few at a time and play them over and over until you feel that it is time to go see doctor because you can't get the tune out of your head and if you hear it one more time you're going to puke. Then you got them.
Beginner Session - How to start one?
Beginner Session - How to start one?
In a separate discussion, it was suggested that I start a Beginner's Session to avoid getting dirty looks at regular sessions for not playing up to the expectations of other session players.
Even though I have learned local session etiquette, sit outside the inner circle, play the correct chords on my guitar softly and enrolled in a class to learn tunes, I totally agreed that a Beginner's Session is probably where I should be.
For those of you who have started a Beginner's learning session, I would appreciate your "positive" comments and suggestions such as - Kitchen Sessions work best, have a lead instructor, begin with six tunes and start there, etc.etc.
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by Cape Cod Struggler
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
In my opinion keep it simple and informal. The last thing you want is a poster advertising an open beginner session where any eejit with a shakey egg can 'play' trad.
Do you know anyone else who is learning? If you do, just suggest meeting up for a few tunes. Explain what your after.
Best of luck to you.
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by session savage
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
"a Beginner's Session is probably where I should be"
Not everyone here would necessarily agree with you here. Not even some of our more vociferous contributors!
" I have learned local session etiquette, sit outside the inner circle, play the correct chords on my guitar softly and enrolled in a class to learn tunes"
If you have or actually ARE doing these things, then you should be welcome in most sessions with the exception of those which are very "exclusive" for one reason or other. Otherwise, those who are giving you "dirty looks" are not very nice. If you do follow the local etiquette, then they shouldn't be bothered about you being there.
So, if I were you I'd still go along to regular sessions. It's probably a much better learning environment in the long term.
I'm not against "beginner" or "intermediate" sessions. They have their place but because of their nature it's best that they have some direction with a good leader... preferably an experienced player/sessioner who has the patience to be a mentor and a guide to improving musicians.
Unfortunately, many sessions which attract beginners and less experienced players tend to be a bit "headless" and the results aren't always great. You're more likely to learn bad habits in such a situation.
So, it's much better to join in with good or competent players unless you can find a good leader. Of course, you should behave yourself and respect the more experienced players but it's probably the better route.
Just my opinion...
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by Johnny Jay
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
I'd follow session savage's advice -- find some other friends who are of approximately your level and meet up in someone's house or flat. If it is an open pub session it will be difficult to keep out the shaky eggs and every eedjit who is going to bang away random chords on their guitar or random rhythms on a drum. The pub session may be good craic but you won't get much out it playing-wise if you are contending with the aforesaid bullsh*t.
It would be even more ideal to find one musician with slightly more experience to join you. That way you can hear how the tunes should sound, they can offer you tips, and you can follow their rhythm and phrasing and learn lots from them.
That said, you can do it in a public venue if you choose said venue carefully. When I lived in Colorado I went to the tune learning session run by Zina and Pete (aka Reverend), which was a brilliant thing. They knew more than we did so could provide a stable rhythm and phrasing, and they knew lots of tunes and taught (by ear of course!) a lot of standard session tunes. It was held in a relatively quiet coffee shop on Sunday afternoons so was very chilled out. In that sort of place you don't have to contend with all the drunks who just want a wild night out *and* you get accustomed to playing in public.
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
If it is to be a learning environment then I think conducting it outside the influence of alcohol is a must. A quiet coffee shop, a home, a school or a park would be the best place. Getting permission to organize there would probably be easier than it would be at a bar, too.
Where I used to live in Florida, a lot of public schools would rent out classrooms to groups on weekends. Everything from A.A. meetings to Chinese cultural school, Christian Sunday school, community activist groups and clothing construction clubs. Or if your town/city/county has a community center, you could try contacting the activities director to obtain a space.
Be prepared to put down a few dollars if you elect to sponsor the activity anywhere with "official" sanction or permission. Myself and another member of my band used to lead a biweekly bluegrass learning session in a local park to circumvent paying any fees. Although it was advertised on the internet, several music stores, as well as by word of mouth within the bluegrass community, parks and recreation never knew about it and it just looked like a gathering.
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by gravelwalks
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
My first session was with advanced musicians. I sat on the outside and tried to learn the chords and theory as I went. I did a lot of listening and only played the tunes I knew.
I started a beginners session 6 months later. At that session, music is allowed though not encouraged. I used music when I started to kind of jump start myself. As soon as I knew a tune, I put the music away. I have tried to train my ear, and many times I like the chords I play by ear rather than those on the music.
It's been a year now, and my session is thriving. First, find a place that is willing to host your session. We had a coffee house in town that has a lot of music, so that's where we have the session. I started the session with a friend who plays. For a while it was just the two of us.
Second, have a common play list that you hand out; that way everyone will have a standard repetoire that gets things going. I established a yahoo site for the session and post many of the tunes as well as our playlists there. It is private so I can control who has access to it.
Third, and this may be controversial, I have groundrules for the session. There have been people that wanted to play that I knew from other sessions who I told not to come. These were musicians who did their own thing and made not efforts to learn the tune.
Now, a year and a half later, we have as many as 16 musicians. The session has a reputation as being friendly and open.
Good Luck!
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by Celtic Guitar
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
CG - sounds like a good way to go about it. The tune list seems like a good idea, at least as a starting point, so people have an idea of which tunes they can learn and expect others to know.
If I could suggest something, since you've got a yahoo group, you might also find some available web real estate and plant a set of recordings of the tunes on your list. Nothing fancy, just run through each one three times at a moderate pace and without a lot of ornamentation so people can get used to hearing them.
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by Jon Kiparsky
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
Where's feardearg, our man in Michigan? He's a wealth of info about setting up beginners' sessions, keeping them running, etc.
He has a great website, too:
http://www.sessionite.com/
Zina and Reverend Pete would be a huge help for you as well.
I host a kitchen session Tuesdays in...well, my kitchen. Newbies are all welcome, and I always have one or two of the accomplished vets hanging out for the craic, food and drink. Then, we do our regular 'at speed' session at the pub on Sundays. Everyone is welcome at both, but obviously they are two different creatures entirely, and I anchor them accordingly.
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
The tune learning session that we've run over the years is still in full swing. (BTW, Zina and I can't really take credit for that. It was originally started by Matt & Shannon Heaton when they lived here, although, they only ran it for about 6 months before moving off to Boston and dumping it in Zina and Dirk's laps).
), so that alleviates some of the potential pitfalls.
There's a distinction to be made between a tune learning session and a slow session or "beginner's session", though. The tune learning session is a place where we teach tunes (1 or 2 a week), practice prior weeks' tunes, talk about etiquette, and sometimes teach technique. It's certainly not something that would attract customers, and in fact, it usually empties the coffee shop right out, because we make quite a racket. Listening to people learn tunes is not much fun! So we're lucky to have the gracious hosts at the coffee shop, but something like that is maybe more suited for a private house.
Recently, however, a number of the regulars at the tune learning session decided that they needed to get out and play in sessions, but that they didn't feel comfortable in the full-speed sessions yet, so they decided to form their own "intermediate session". They have built a basic repertoire, and made sure that at least one person knows how to start each of the tunes, so that someone can "lead" each set, etc. I think it's great that they've taken the initiative to do this. And it is a good step forward. It allows them to play with other people in public, and do so in a somewhat comfortable environment. Since it was formed by a group of like-minded people, they are all on the same page as to what it should be like. And they keep it somewhat quiet. They're not advertising it to try to attract other people (or bones players, even
Let me also say that I have some reservations about this kind of thing too, though! It may be *too* comfortable for them, and it could become a crutch. Part of the reason that I progressed as well as I have at learning to play this music is because I've been thrust into playing in sessions that were way beyond my abilities (albeit with the comfort of being with friends). The pressure (and humiliation) of being out of my league were great motivators for improvement. And since I was often playing with some of the best players around my area, I was learning good things. I agree wholeheartedly with Johannes J, a session like this needs some experienced people too, or it becomes a case of the blind leading the blind. And the outcome may not be desirable.
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by Reverend
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
I would honestly advise doing it at someone's home rather than in public. In my experience there are a couple dangers in putting beginners in front of strangers to play: first, they might be too shy or self-conscious to get a lot out of the session.
I have also seen a coffee house host a beginners' session, thinking they were getting free entertainment.. only to discover a room full of novices painfully rehearsing a single tune over and over, squeaks and squeals hurting their customers' ears... resentment grew and the termination of the session was full of hard feelings.
I agree about having a leader who can play, too. And no sheet music! Learn by ear in someone's livingroom and keep going to the advanced sessions to learn and for inspiration...
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by glenn
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
I'm actually pleased that they have started an intermediate session there, since I know some of those guys were very hesitant to attend the normal advanced-ish sessions in the area. Crutch or not, at least they are getting out and getting experience. I'd prefer that to the way I did it, which was fall on my face in the Boulder session and flail about for a while until I sort of found my feet-ish. The ironic thing is that in the grand scheme of things that's actually a pretty friendly, low key, accommodating session and I wouldn't hesitate to play there now, while there are sessions here I won't go anywhere near with the pipes (though I will pop down occasionally without an instrument to listen).
I'd totally agree that a few experienced players at an intermediate session will benefit it greatly.
Back to the OP.... Are you looking at starting a tune learning session or a session where less advanced players can play tunes together and not feel intimidated, unwelcome, or out of place?
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by DrSilverSpear
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
I am pleased with all the positive responses.
My original thoughts were to gather up 4 or 5 real beginner players (from my tune learning class) and play at someone's house once a week for a hour or hour and half. Provide an atmosphere where one can play and learn not feel unwelcome.
Start with six tunes and play them over and over again until the group felt it was time to add another tune - perhaps one a month. Find a better player to act mentor and use a digital recorder as a means of hearing the tune's structure at home.
Perhaps as a group attend one the area's (Cape Cod) regular sessions to listen and learn.
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by Cape Cod Struggler
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
That sounds pretty good. It should be up to the group whether adding a tune a month is enough. The potential drawback of this is whether you're pushing yourself hard enough. If it's *too* comfortable, then it may be defeating the purpose!
Like I said, the humiliation of having a tune that I know come up in a session at a faster speed than I could play it was great motivation to get better. You should actively work to push yourselves, and it will help your progress greatly. Having an experienced player (or two) will make that much easier, and help you push yourselves the right way. And there's nothing quite like the euphoria of latching on to the playing of someone better, and hanging on for the ride!
The fact that you will be doing it in a comfortable environment (like someone's home) is good, but also keep in mind that the pressure is different. You may get comfortable in that environment, and then make it out to a public session and find yourself choking up, simply because it's a different environment.
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by Reverend
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
There is a large group of folks in our town who are new to this music and are eagerly pursuing it on a weekly basis. They have a tune-learning session at a house once a week where they break down a tune phrase by phrases until each person has a grasp of it. Then on Sunday about two hours before the regular session, these same folks meet at the pub and have a slow tempo session to run through the material they have been working on. Later, when the regular session begins, they can stay if they wish and listen or play along on tunes they know. This program has "graduated" quite a few beginners over the years to enjoy "at speed " sessions where ever they may go. I hope you are successful in starting something similar in your town - good luck!
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by Jusa Nutter Eejit
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
I started a "learning" session last year that met in the houses of different people in the group. It attracted a mix of more and less experienced musicians, and was friendly and supportive. I think it worked pretty well musically for most people and filled a need, and worked well socially for everyone. I learned a lot from playing slowly, from having to lead, and because I could really listen to the better players. I got some satisfaction from seeing that nearly everyone benefitted to some degree.
The group subdivided rapidly into those that learned new tunes and those who played only what they already knew, but didn't learn new tunes. The new tune learners generally made much more progress in all aspects of playing. After a year or so some of the less experienced players were ready to move up to "real" sessions, and some would continue to benefit from the slow/learning sessions.
The house session was discontinued this year because the experienced players had competing demands on their time, and perhaps (I am guessing here) because they sensed diminishing returns in working with the people who made slower or little progress in the first year.
I encourage you to go ahead and try. I'd also encourage you to do your best to keep the group limited to those with similar motivation/desire to improve if that's possible, and to keep the total size down. For one thing it's harder to find hosts because most people don't have big enough rooms/tolerant enough families to fit more than a half dozen or so players. For another thing, if there are too many people there are not enough opportunities to lead, suggest tunes to learn, and to build up the camaraderie and trust required for people to take chances and spread their wings.
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by flutefry
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
I'm just having a hell of a time getting even one person to show. There may be plenty of ITM players in Sonoma county but there don't seem to be any in Cloverdale. Other than myself that is.
Nice pub, permission from the owner, a website and myspace page advertising it... and nobody shows.
Obviously there is something I'm doing wrong. I haven't a clue what that is however.
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by Fishmonger
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
I've started a beginner session at the local "Celtic supplies" shop. A friend and I produced a CD of tunes followed by backing tracks which can be played along to, once the tune is learnt.
We do allow sheet music but I'm constantly encouraging people to get along without it as quickly as possible (that is the reason for the CD).
As I am a box player and whistle player I have been taking the instruments I'm attempting to learn (mandolin and flute) and it is a good chance for me to play slowly tunes that I know on an instrument that's not familiar.
So although I'm primarily there to help along the beginner players by teaching the tunes, suggesting the right accents and ornamentation and giving positive feedback, I'm also getting something out of it by having a chance to play with others on my two "new" instruments.
# Posted on October 14th 2008 by buttons 'n' whistles
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
The sessions that I am involved in are always being misnamed "beginner sessions". They are sessions, however, where beginners are welcomed and encouraged. There is a big difference.
We do the round robin (circle of death) and everyone gets to start many tunes in an evening. We all play at the pace that the contributer started at. There is a fine mixture of fast and slow tunes. Everybody has a great time. Once in a while, a beginner will ask "have we played ...... yet?" the answer is that "it doesn't matter, start it up!". Play the same tune every time you are to start. Doesn't matter. We love old tunes and new, simple and complex.
The advantage is that the beginners hear and see what is going on and see the goal, rather than seeing only other beginners.
I supply helps on my site (http://www.SessioNite.com), as mentioned, from sound files, tune lists, links, tune collections, a calendar, advice, and, not to be under rated, a bunch of photos of us playing here and there. We just started putting up links to YouTube and MadFluter has put together a comprehensve list of Traditional Musicians that everyone can use in their search for recordings. FidKid has written some wonderful articles. I include some of the most helpful things put forth on this site, too (http://sessionite.com/page.php?in=51)
I also walk most of the players out to their cars when they leave. I get lots of feedback that is helpful.
The fact that we are welcoming does not mean that anything goes. We have clearly stated etiquette guidlines and I have had to direct the attention of a few people to them. Some of those have chosen not to attend again, and that is fine, but most appear willing to abide by them and learn.
Another key element on our site is the attendance feature. Everyone can go to the site and tell all where they will be attending. We can encourage others to attend by attending! We used to have a drawing for some music related prize. To be included, you had to sign up on the attendance page. By the way, if your group wants to use the attendance page, let me know and I will put your session in the dropdown box.
Anyway, the whole concept is based on the idea that advancement in the music is an individual thing. One gets better according to their own desire and commitment. Others can help, but you won't get better just because you are playing with others especially other beginners! There is a community that really likes you, is glad to see you and that wants to see you advance. But it is up to the individual.
# Posted on October 15th 2008 by feardearg
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
There's our man! Good stuff.
# Posted on October 15th 2008 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: Beginner Session - How to start one?
Feardearg - when I get my tech world together I'll have to update that list for listening.
Palor Boyle - Feardearg has great material on sessionite.com you may want to talk with these guys too
http://www.slowplayers.org/BOSS/index.html
Not sure how close they are to you but even a phone chat, it might be interesting to see what they did to get started and what they learned along the way.
As far as learning tunes just work on a few at a time and play them over and over until you feel that it is time to go see doctor because you can't get the tune out of your head and if you hear it one more time you're going to puke. Then you got them.
Feardearg is dead on about everything he said.
# Posted on October 15th 2008 by madfluter