for the "normal" or average trad musician, as opposed to semi-professional etc. I would like to go about once per week, this week may be different - might make three sessions. Of course the more you go to to better, but speaking for myself anyway, there are many demands on my time, so I would be very happy with one session per week.
Any thoughts?
I play 5 or 6 sessions per week. Of course I am not employed right now, so I have the time, but I decided, when I picked up guitar 14 months ago, that the best way to become a musician was to be around musicians. So far, it seems to be working very well.
Between the job, my three sons and all their pursuits, time with my wife - I'm blessed if I can get to 4 a month. Those 3 or 4 hours I can steal away with my friends playing tunes is my joyful refuge; my personal selfish holiday. I can then return to real life refreshed and energized until the next opportunity presents itself.
We have 2 a month here, unless they cancel them for some reason. They did a lot of canceling the last few months. There's also one blue grass jam per month, and while it's not Irish it is a chance to play with others in a similar environment.
I live in a village in a part of the UK where the only kind of session they know is a drinking one! No public transport of an evening and I'm not allowed to drive since the stroke.
But if you ever visit my local you'd better bring your gear with you 'cos I'm determined to educate these God forskaen heathens.
So my 'sessioning' can best be described as erratic.
I am not sure what the crack was about; if it was about playing guitar, I don't get it. What's wrong with guitars, if they are played well. I do some backing and some melody with my Guild 12-String. I think it is a beautiful sounding instrument that I try to play with great sensitivity to the music.
I know there are a lot of guitar players out there that just plunk away, and do not take the time to learn the music. I am not one of them.
2...wednesday and sunday!!!!the wednesday one starts at 10 and finishes at 2-ISH!!!and i have school the next day but i wouldnt give them up for anything!!!!
welshman....i fell sorry for you and if im ever in your area ill definitely come and have a few tunes with you!!!
Celtic Guitar, old chap, you are a 14-month guitar man who plays a twelve-string a lot and you go to five or six sessions a week. Tell me, have you noticed any decline in attendance at those sessions?
Of course, you're probably very, very good, but I just thought I'd ask.
I had a prior life as the lead guitar player for a band called The Magic Mushrooms back in the mid-sixties. I stopped playing for 37 years until I picked the guitar back up in 2007. The sessions I play at have not declined in attendance at all. I think that is because the musicians realized I was very serious about learning ITM. They have all been very helpful to me in learning the music.
I went to the session I first played at for a 1 1/2 years before I started to play. I had never played an acoustic guitar until I bought my Martin last Novemeber. Then, I found my Guild 12-string and started to play both backing tunes and playing the melodies. I am the primary guitar player at some of the sessions, and I am going to be in the learning mode for a very long time.
But now, I am playing for my own pleasure and the challenge of improving from one week to the next. There are a lot if guitar players who don't do that, so I can see why a lot of musicians do not like to see another guitar.
I attend 3-4 sessions per week, and a practice. Also trying to catch up.
All very well for you young brats who squeeze a session in between non-stop sex, drugs, and rock & roll..........
I go to two however there are sessions six nights a week and sometimes as many as three different sessions on at the same time within an hours drive . Most of the others have there quota of accompanists so it would be rude on a regular basis to intrude I think .
I get to one session a week normally - the local folk club on Sundays, but occasionally get a yearn for a fast session, so I mighttravel to Limerick or maybe Ennis on a weeknight, or Mack's in Bunratty on the weekend.
I listen to Clare FM and Ceili House and Culan on the internet (with box at the ready in case its a new tune) plus cds in the car - that must be better than going to 6 sessions
Clare FM (weekdays from 7 - 9 pm) is great isnt it? I try to listen to it every evening, even just for for half an hour, often when we eat dinner its playing in the background. Great variety of music and the presenters really know their stuff.
None. I don''t think my skills are there yet. And my drivers license definitely isn't. I couldn't get there if I wanted too.
THAT SAID...
I live in Sonoma County, CA where I know of a half dozen ITM sessions a month. More if you include bluegrass. But there is a brew pub here in Cloverdale, Ruth McGowan's that has just expanded and added a stage. Good food, good beer and way ripe for a session night.
If only I could find folks who would help me lobby the owners to let one happen and then come out to play. If you live in or near Sonoma county, shoot me an e-mail. Let's talk.
At least one a week, but they're not all ITM, one of the regular ones we ( the SO and I ) attend is eclectic, open to newbies, has everything from acoustic rock'n'roll to our trad and even stuff from other countries.
Some of the serious sessions down the road are a little intimidating, if only by their repertoire and speed. But it's all fun.
I'm living it up while I'm in Cork...I usually hit an average of 5 days of sessioning, with multiple (2, sometimes 3) sessions on Sundays. I haven't had a seven day streak yet, but plan on it before the year is out.
But that's what I'm here for....obsessing about trad with like-minded people...I'm not looking forward to the reverse culture shock of one session a week an hour or more drive away from my hometown...
how many sesisons a week do you go to?
how many sesisons a week do you go to?
for the "normal" or average trad musician, as opposed to semi-professional etc. I would like to go about once per week, this week may be different - might make three sessions. Of course the more you go to to better, but speaking for myself anyway, there are many demands on my time, so I would be very happy with one session per week.
Any thoughts?
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by BanjoBongo
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
I play 5 or 6 sessions per week. Of course I am not employed right now, so I have the time, but I decided, when I picked up guitar 14 months ago, that the best way to become a musician was to be around musicians. So far, it seems to be working very well.
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by Celtic Guitar
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
Blimey, get a life
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by llig leahcim
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
Between the job, my three sons and all their pursuits, time with my wife - I'm blessed if I can get to 4 a month. Those 3 or 4 hours I can steal away with my friends playing tunes is my joyful refuge; my personal selfish holiday. I can then return to real life refreshed and energized until the next opportunity presents itself.
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by Jusa Nutter Eejit
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
Depends. 5-6 per month.
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by s.g.
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
Roughly once a week.
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by SWFL Fiddler
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
3 a week, usually.
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by Buck
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
Hey llig leahcim,
I have a very nice life full of music, so if you don't like it, tough! You are a true cynic!
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by Celtic Guitar
Re: how many sessions a week do you go to?
I'm not telling
, but my Details give a list of my local sessions in Bristol, and I have a music life outside of ITM as well.
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by lazyhound
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
We have 2 a month here, unless they cancel them for some reason. They did a lot of canceling the last few months. There's also one blue grass jam per month, and while it's not Irish it is a chance to play with others in a similar environment.
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by sbhikes
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
One a week but it's enough when it last's all day,,lol..
jim,,,
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by FIDDLE4
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
Usually twice a week. But I'm about to give up one of those nights to dance tango instead.
CG, i don't think llig was lamenting that you play sessions 5-6 nights a week with no job, rather that you're attempting to do so with a guitar.
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by silver bow
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
I only get to about one a month - more in the summer when I'm at festivals. I wish I could get to a couple a week!
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by Tarrantella
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
Silver Bow, we'd be happy to play tangos at the Thursday session if that would keep you from defecting....
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by Will CPT
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
that's very kind Will but who will play bandoneón?
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by silver bow
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
You will, of course.
Don't tell me you can't dance and play an instrument at the same time....
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by Will CPT
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
about six - in a year.
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by kuec
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
I live in a village in a part of the UK where the only kind of session they know is a drinking one! No public transport of an evening and I'm not allowed to drive since the stroke.
But if you ever visit my local you'd better bring your gear with you 'cos I'm determined to educate these God forskaen heathens.
So my 'sessioning' can best be described as erratic.
D
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by Welshman
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
Hello silver bow,
I am not sure what the crack was about; if it was about playing guitar, I don't get it. What's wrong with guitars, if they are played well. I do some backing and some melody with my Guild 12-String. I think it is a beautiful sounding instrument that I try to play with great sensitivity to the music.
I know there are a lot of guitar players out there that just plunk away, and do not take the time to learn the music. I am not one of them.
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by Celtic Guitar
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
Where's your local, Welshman? You can't be that far away from me, I wouldn't have thought ...
# Posted on February 18th 2008 by benhall.1
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
2...wednesday and sunday!!!!the wednesday one starts at 10 and finishes at 2-ISH!!!and i have school the next day but i wouldnt give them up for anything!!!!
welshman....i fell sorry for you and if im ever in your area ill definitely come and have a few tunes with you!!!
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by craicagusceol
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
Celtic Guitar, old chap, you are a 14-month guitar man who plays a twelve-string a lot and you go to five or six sessions a week. Tell me, have you noticed any decline in attendance at those sessions?
Of course, you're probably very, very good, but I just thought I'd ask.
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by Steve Shaw
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
I had a prior life as the lead guitar player for a band called The Magic Mushrooms back in the mid-sixties. I stopped playing for 37 years until I picked the guitar back up in 2007. The sessions I play at have not declined in attendance at all. I think that is because the musicians realized I was very serious about learning ITM. They have all been very helpful to me in learning the music.
I went to the session I first played at for a 1 1/2 years before I started to play. I had never played an acoustic guitar until I bought my Martin last Novemeber. Then, I found my Guild 12-string and started to play both backing tunes and playing the melodies. I am the primary guitar player at some of the sessions, and I am going to be in the learning mode for a very long time.
But now, I am playing for my own pleasure and the challenge of improving from one week to the next. There are a lot if guitar players who don't do that, so I can see why a lot of musicians do not like to see another guitar.
Nice discussion!
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by Celtic Guitar
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
Excellent. I wish you well. But get a 6-string.
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by Steve Shaw
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
He HAS a 6-string, Steve!
A little more sympathy, please, for someone who (had to?) give up music for a long time, and is trying to catch up.
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by oldstrings
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
I attend 3-4 sessions per week, and a practice. Also trying to catch up.
All very well for you young brats who squeeze a session in between non-stop sex, drugs, and rock & roll..........
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by oldstrings
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
Two I co-host, one other I attend
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by Michael Eskin
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
There are 7 opportunities this week in our area. I will probably be at 3.5. Usually around 2.
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by feardearg
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
I go to two however there are sessions six nights a week and sometimes as many as three different sessions on at the same time within an hours drive . Most of the others have there quota of accompanists so it would be rude on a regular basis to intrude I think .
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by bazouki dave and the real tooty flutey
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
I get to one session a week normally - the local folk club on Sundays, but occasionally get a yearn for a fast session, so I mighttravel to Limerick or maybe Ennis on a weeknight, or Mack's in Bunratty on the weekend.
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by RockyRoader
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
I listen to Clare FM and Ceili House and Culan on the internet (with box at the ready in case its a new tune) plus cds in the car - that must be better than going to 6 sessions
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by geoffwright
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
Not forgetting Grace Notes and the Late Session. Good thing I work from home!!
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by geoffwright
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
Clare FM (weekdays from 7 - 9 pm) is great isnt it? I try to listen to it every evening, even just for for half an hour, often when we eat dinner its playing in the background. Great variety of music and the presenters really know their stuff.
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by BanjoBongo
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
None. I don''t think my skills are there yet. And my drivers license definitely isn't. I couldn't get there if I wanted too.
THAT SAID...
I live in Sonoma County, CA where I know of a half dozen ITM sessions a month. More if you include bluegrass. But there is a brew pub here in Cloverdale, Ruth McGowan's that has just expanded and added a stage. Good food, good beer and way ripe for a session night.
If only I could find folks who would help me lobby the owners to let one happen and then come out to play. If you live in or near Sonoma county, shoot me an e-mail. Let's talk.
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by Fishmonger
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
benhall - I am in Stafford (or at least in one of the villages just outside).
D
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by Welshman
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
At least one a week, but they're not all ITM, one of the regular ones we ( the SO and I ) attend is eclectic, open to newbies, has everything from acoustic rock'n'roll to our trad and even stuff from other countries.
Some of the serious sessions down the road are a little intimidating, if only by their repertoire and speed. But it's all fun.
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by Guernsey Pete
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
I can't remember ever going to a "sesison"
But I make it to an average of 2.5 sessions per week...
# Posted on February 19th 2008 by Reverend
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
Stafford, eh? Hmmm ... quite a trek ...
Hey! You're not far off doing a Horn Dance!
# Posted on February 20th 2008 by benhall.1
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
I'm living it up while I'm in Cork...I usually hit an average of 5 days of sessioning, with multiple (2, sometimes 3) sessions on Sundays. I haven't had a seven day streak yet, but plan on it before the year is out.
But that's what I'm here for....obsessing about trad with like-minded people...I'm not looking forward to the reverse culture shock of one session a week an hour or more drive away from my hometown...
# Posted on February 20th 2008 by Amy J
Re: how many sesisons a week do you go to?
I go to 2-5 depending on the week.
# Posted on February 20th 2008 by TheSilverSpear