The other day, when I was patronised [..."PRAY TELL?"] for posting here even though I had never been to an actual real-world session, admittedly I was angry. I thought to myself:
"who f'n cares if I've ever been to a session, the music is what is important in this place! No worries Mikey, seems there are many good people there and being crabbed at does not make you cower. Seriously man, you've put your two cents worth in here and in return received some really great advice from some really great people."
...hmmmmm "Pray Tell?"... how to answer that sincerely... hmmmmm... what am I doing posting here anyways? Well ok then, here ya' have it, for starters, I love my violin and I play it 2-3 hours/evening. I don't know the violins maker as it has no tag, but it doesn't matter because it was my Grandfather's who died right in front of me when I was nine while vacationing in Germany. Having it was like having him around still, and so at age nine is when I started to play. I loved playing it so much that when I was around ten years old I wrote to the N.American show 'Thrill of a lifetime' asking them to let me be the youngest violin player to play the Grand Ol' Opry in Tennessee. Ha! Childish dreams, they never responded but at least I wrote the letter. I love Irish and Scottish music, it is very much a part of what little obvious old Canadian culture there is to be had. And Tim Horton's doesn't count. Even if I don't know loads about 'trad', at least I'm trying to learn. We Canadians can be a mixed-up bunch when it comes to traditional types of music, for example one of Canada's fiddling icons Don Messer came from German lineage. What in god's name was a german born kid doing playing this stuff? Answer, he was Canadian and he grew up around it and he fell in love with it. I suppose I fall into that category and I would love to share this music with others....even if just to chat about it online REAL LIFE SESSION OR NO REAL LIFE SESSION. That is what landed me here as up until now it was all I had... even my fiddle instructor has become too unstable due to sickness or alcohol or pot to even keep students! So there you have it, I didn't really think it was a big deal to not have had the experience of an actual session. And in the future you might be better to encourage people than to snipe them.
That being aired, all this may be mute now because the whole thing spurned a valiant search once again for a session to attend near where I live. And if I didn't find one I was going to start one! Granted, no thanks to many here who can't seem to find a nice thing to say about their own sessions or the behaviour of the people that attend... heaven knows why I would even want to go to one. Regardless, I called local pubs, and I'll say there are many here in 'steeltown' Hamilton, to no avail. So I tried the listings on the site again. Strangely, there are two listed in the session archives on this site! One of these I've already tried going to, which I've mentioned in previous posts, ended due to infighting, and the other I didn't find until today. SOoooo, I am excited because I called the pub and luckily they hold session every week. I'm in luck.
Taking into account much of the paranoia inducing etiquette advice I've learned here regarding session protocol, I phoned ahead to see what I might expect. The person who answered was really up and friendly, didn't ask any questions and just told me to "Bring your instrument and you're good to go!" I asked if I could attend without instrument a couple of times to get a feel for the environment and maybe meet some of the musicians... that was TOTALLY fine also. I GOT A GOOD VIBE PEOPLE...which is something I didn't expect. I can now see why it is so easy to become a cynic around here. Phew!
Perhaps, now, someone could start a thread where the only stipulation is that you say only positive things about your respective sessions and the people who attend. I'm on a mission now personally to go on Tuesday to see what I'm missing out on, but I'm not holding my breath.
My apologies for this novel... it couldn't be helped.
Good to see that you're treating it positively and finding yourself a session. A lot is going to depend on what type of session it is that you've found, but I have 2 pieces of (friendly) advice, which are applicable to all sessions:
1) Take something to record on like a minidisc or tape recorder, and work hard at learning the tunes they play at the session.
2) Develop a thick skin. If you play this music you're going to take a lot of stick. Most of it will be meant in a friendly slagging way, but some of it will be downright nasty. It's up to you to treat it positively and use it to make you a better player, not dwell on it and let it get you down.
Yep, you're off to a good start! There are lots of good people here, too--some of them just go into lurk mode when the proverbial spit hits the flan.
That said, some real world sessions *are* full of booby traps and etiquette quicksand, so it doesn't hurt to be aware of that ahead of time. The point is to find a session that matches your own sense of fun, and contribute to that, rather than bogging down in some session that doesn't do what you want to do.
Glad you found a local place to go - let us know how it clicks!
Good luck with the new session - sound advice from dow, if you don't have any means of recording then take a note book and pen to jot down any names of tunes that you don't know. I would only ask a few each time and it helps to remember names that you have asked if you write them down. I reckon the only thing more irratating than always asking for tune names is asking for the same names each week!
Good luck with the session, sounds good and just remember us that the real stars of Irish music are the most welcoming by that I mean the old timers who are steeped in the tradition and welcome everyone with open arms so don't mind all the criticism of sessions its just that we've all come up against begrudgery, big heads and sheer unfriendliness, all in total opposition to the spirit of the music , so go and play and enjoy and as an old friend of mine used to say f**k the begrudgers!
Some people contribute to this session who do not play an instrument but simply love the music and it's ok. I didn't know there was an entry requirement to the site. Although I do play I think a genuine music lover has something to contribute to this site, even if they don't play or go to session.
Conversely, some pals who are keen musicians and some even professional contribute jokes and witticisms more often than musical info to the Session.org, and you would never guess from their contributions here how brilliant and knowledgeable they are about the music. But that's fun too.
WF: if I have contributed to the negative vibe, I apologize. In my posts, I have concentrated on some of the negative aspects to find ways to deal with them. A great session is a perfect high for me, and I am addicted. I am a lucky person, because I have attended some truly unbelievable sessions.
The music itself is wonderful, but for me the music is also highly social. I think you will benefit greatly from going out to the session.
Never mind the paranoia wf. I've met some of the folks in Hamilton and they're pretty decent. You won't have any trouble, and you won't get any slagging. Everyone's going to be very nice to you, the tunes are going to be cracking, and you're going to get hooked like the rest of us. Plus, from what I remember, they *need* you. A friend who used to live there told me the pickings are a bit on the slim side in Hamilton, for trad musicians.
You *might* want to think about developing a thicker skin, just for your own peace of mind.
I remember my first session that I had to drive 3 hours to get to back in 1980. I had a toy concertina and my strongest tune was the Boys of Bluehill. The unfortunate fellow leading the session was having one of those nights when the neophytes, like myself, were outnumbering the people who could play. Before I arrived the fiddler had decided that he would enjoy himself more at the bar. The poor guy, (paid host,) after playing the Boys of Bluehill 5 more times was leaning way over in his seat wrenching his neck towards the bar and yelling, "Oh Chris.... Chris..... Chriiiiiiissss!!!!"
Food for thought: communal sessions are a relatively new development in ITM. Prior to the 50's or so. Sessions for the sole purpose of gathering to play tunes together was pretty unheard of anywhere. House sessions w/2-3 players were had though. The point is, who cares if you've never been to a session? You can become a mighty ITM player without going to sessions. In fact, playing alone or with 1 other person will make you improve farther than playing in a session will. Not that I don't like sessions, I go to my local regularly, but that's also a social experience as well. These folks are my friends too. If you're ever in Portland, Maine, come on by. We're welcoming and you don't have to be great or even be able to play many tunes.
Hey, wf, nil illegitimi carborundum est. (Don't let the b*^tards grind you down --- in dog latin.) I don't play in real life sessions either (see bio if you want to know why). I've had my eyebrows scorched off a time or two on the dread yellow board, but I've also made friends here and gotten some excellent advice and assistance from the really good folks who frequent the place. Enjoy the good ones, ignore the w*nkers, and have fun with what you can do. And good luck with your mission!
Sara
Hey world fiddle, chill out for christ sake. I never said you shouldn't post here. That's not my place anyhow (only the almighty Jeremy has such omnipotent power). I just wondered why that's all.
And, for anyone else who doesn't play in sessions? Why?
You see as far as i'm concerned, playing music is a social thing.
If you prefer to perform, then that's your perogative, get up on a stage and entertain Joe Public. Or if you just want to sit at home playing along with your CDs, then off you go and play with your self, your choice.
But,
If you can find some chums to play with, (it doesn't have to be a session in a pub) then not only will you all learn together, you'll have fun. Humans are social creatures.
Music is a social thing.
Diddly music is democratic.
Diddly music is easy.
And that's what a session is..
I appologise for being so sensitive Michael. Usually, I'm pretty good about not giving a crap but I really did read your comment as a condescending snipe. It's a bit of a lesson for us both I guess. Bygones.
Jim, thanks for listening, I'll spend some time and turn it to F. That might be a good idea anyways because in E that offkey G I can't get right is killing me in the second phrase!
By the way for anyone who is debating the recording thing... I've found out recently that it really throws you for a loop in a not-so-good way so if you decide to try it, make sure you *expect nothing great* when you first listen back. I think it's impossible to become narcissistic about your sound because the playback sounds almost nothing like the violin at your head....or even down at your chest for that matter, and it's friggin' hard work too... I thought I would be able to passively sit around and play to the mic happily making my little Christmas gift CD for my family...nope...not a chance. Instead I sat there playing the, and I quote, "stupid tunes" over and over and over...and over.....and over... until I was even moderately satisfied enough to say "ok, that time at least it didn't completely suck". So if you decided to do some recording, make sure you have the guts to turn off the machine the minute it becomes frustrating. Then turn out the lights and play your music for fun and enjoyment until you work up the nerve again. This seems to work for me.
I know what you're talking about wf. The very fact that what I'm doing is being recorded - all the squeaks and scratches and off-key notes becoming permanently archived - does my head in. The quality of my playing when I'm recording myself is about 60% of my normal ability. (Keep that in mind, all you who are expecting a copy of the Mighty Craic album!)
Yeah, recording makes me play worse! It's not just the playback sound vs what I hear in my head, it actually affects my playing ability to be sitting with a mic there and being hyper aware of everything.
I'm about to go to lunch but a quick question. Kerri, how do you know it's 60%? I record myself every so often as a way to work on the weak and rough spots of my playing. I'm actually glad to hear about this, but how do you know for sure? Just curious. I feel a little better
meemtp, if you do it enough, it gets a lot easier. I sit at the kitchen table, nice and relaxed with a cup of coffee and do it every once in a while. I'm at the point where I can record myself and feel relaxed and not feel too aware of everything else. Of course the results aren't always good.
I try to fo it for a little bit each day. Sometimes now I can actually tune out the mic and come up with a good recording. I don't think it helps that rather than a minidisc type thing, which isn't to obtrusive, I have a full mic on a stand with a boom. So it's a little more "in your face".
Just plain stupidity on my part....
Just plain stupidity on my part....
Irony? Perhaps plane stupidity on my part.
The other day, when I was patronised [..."PRAY TELL?"] for posting here even though I had never been to an actual real-world session, admittedly I was angry. I thought to myself:
"who f'n cares if I've ever been to a session, the music is what is important in this place! No worries Mikey, seems there are many good people there and being crabbed at does not make you cower. Seriously man, you've put your two cents worth in here and in return received some really great advice from some really great people."
...hmmmmm "Pray Tell?"... how to answer that sincerely... hmmmmm... what am I doing posting here anyways? Well ok then, here ya' have it, for starters, I love my violin and I play it 2-3 hours/evening. I don't know the violins maker as it has no tag, but it doesn't matter because it was my Grandfather's who died right in front of me when I was nine while vacationing in Germany. Having it was like having him around still, and so at age nine is when I started to play. I loved playing it so much that when I was around ten years old I wrote to the N.American show 'Thrill of a lifetime' asking them to let me be the youngest violin player to play the Grand Ol' Opry in Tennessee. Ha! Childish dreams, they never responded but at least I wrote the letter. I love Irish and Scottish music, it is very much a part of what little obvious old Canadian culture there is to be had. And Tim Horton's doesn't count. Even if I don't know loads about 'trad', at least I'm trying to learn. We Canadians can be a mixed-up bunch when it comes to traditional types of music, for example one of Canada's fiddling icons Don Messer came from German lineage. What in god's name was a german born kid doing playing this stuff? Answer, he was Canadian and he grew up around it and he fell in love with it. I suppose I fall into that category and I would love to share this music with others....even if just to chat about it online REAL LIFE SESSION OR NO REAL LIFE SESSION. That is what landed me here as up until now it was all I had... even my fiddle instructor has become too unstable due to sickness or alcohol or pot to even keep students! So there you have it, I didn't really think it was a big deal to not have had the experience of an actual session. And in the future you might be better to encourage people than to snipe them.
That being aired, all this may be mute now because the whole thing spurned a valiant search once again for a session to attend near where I live. And if I didn't find one I was going to start one! Granted, no thanks to many here who can't seem to find a nice thing to say about their own sessions or the behaviour of the people that attend... heaven knows why I would even want to go to one. Regardless, I called local pubs, and I'll say there are many here in 'steeltown' Hamilton, to no avail. So I tried the listings on the site again. Strangely, there are two listed in the session archives on this site! One of these I've already tried going to, which I've mentioned in previous posts, ended due to infighting, and the other I didn't find until today. SOoooo, I am excited because I called the pub and luckily they hold session every week. I'm in luck.
Taking into account much of the paranoia inducing etiquette advice I've learned here regarding session protocol, I phoned ahead to see what I might expect. The person who answered was really up and friendly, didn't ask any questions and just told me to "Bring your instrument and you're good to go!" I asked if I could attend without instrument a couple of times to get a feel for the environment and maybe meet some of the musicians... that was TOTALLY fine also. I GOT A GOOD VIBE PEOPLE...which is something I didn't expect. I can now see why it is so easy to become a cynic around here. Phew!
Perhaps, now, someone could start a thread where the only stipulation is that you say only positive things about your respective sessions and the people who attend. I'm on a mission now personally to go on Tuesday to see what I'm missing out on, but I'm not holding my breath.
My apologies for this novel... it couldn't be helped.
# Posted on October 6th 2004 by c_ya
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
Good to see that you're treating it positively and finding yourself a session. A lot is going to depend on what type of session it is that you've found, but I have 2 pieces of (friendly) advice, which are applicable to all sessions:
1) Take something to record on like a minidisc or tape recorder, and work hard at learning the tunes they play at the session.
2) Develop a thick skin. If you play this music you're going to take a lot of stick. Most of it will be meant in a friendly slagging way, but some of it will be downright nasty. It's up to you to treat it positively and use it to make you a better player, not dwell on it and let it get you down.
Good luck!
# Posted on October 6th 2004 by Dow
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
Remember to have fun!
# Posted on October 6th 2004 by Murph
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
Yep, you're off to a good start! There are lots of good people here, too--some of them just go into lurk mode when the proverbial spit hits the flan.
That said, some real world sessions *are* full of booby traps and etiquette quicksand, so it doesn't hurt to be aware of that ahead of time. The point is to find a session that matches your own sense of fun, and contribute to that, rather than bogging down in some session that doesn't do what you want to do.
Glad you found a local place to go - let us know how it clicks!
# Posted on October 6th 2004 by Will CPT
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
Good luck with the new session - sound advice from dow, if you don't have any means of recording then take a note book and pen to jot down any names of tunes that you don't know. I would only ask a few each time and it helps to remember names that you have asked if you write them down. I reckon the only thing more irratating than always asking for tune names is asking for the same names each week!
# Posted on October 6th 2004 by clunk999
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
Good luck with the session, sounds good and just remember us that the real stars of Irish music are the most welcoming by that I mean the old timers who are steeped in the tradition and welcome everyone with open arms so don't mind all the criticism of sessions its just that we've all come up against begrudgery, big heads and sheer unfriendliness, all in total opposition to the spirit of the music , so go and play and enjoy and as an old friend of mine used to say f**k the begrudgers!
# Posted on October 6th 2004 by MollyB
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
Some people contribute to this session who do not play an instrument but simply love the music and it's ok. I didn't know there was an entry requirement to the site. Although I do play I think a genuine music lover has something to contribute to this site, even if they don't play or go to session.
Conversely, some pals who are keen musicians and some even professional contribute jokes and witticisms more often than musical info to the Session.org, and you would never guess from their contributions here how brilliant and knowledgeable they are about the music. But that's fun too.
# Posted on October 6th 2004 by Cath
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
WF: if I have contributed to the negative vibe, I apologize. In my posts, I have concentrated on some of the negative aspects to find ways to deal with them. A great session is a perfect high for me, and I am addicted. I am a lucky person, because I have attended some truly unbelievable sessions.
The music itself is wonderful, but for me the music is also highly social. I think you will benefit greatly from going out to the session.
# Posted on October 6th 2004 by Jode
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
Never mind the paranoia wf. I've met some of the folks in Hamilton and they're pretty decent. You won't have any trouble, and you won't get any slagging. Everyone's going to be very nice to you, the tunes are going to be cracking, and you're going to get hooked like the rest of us. Plus, from what I remember, they *need* you. A friend who used to live there told me the pickings are a bit on the slim side in Hamilton, for trad musicians.
You *might* want to think about developing a thicker skin, just for your own peace of mind.
:^)
# Posted on October 6th 2004 by Kerri Brown
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
I remember my first session that I had to drive 3 hours to get to back in 1980. I had a toy concertina and my strongest tune was the Boys of Bluehill. The unfortunate fellow leading the session was having one of those nights when the neophytes, like myself, were outnumbering the people who could play. Before I arrived the fiddler had decided that he would enjoy himself more at the bar. The poor guy, (paid host,) after playing the Boys of Bluehill 5 more times was leaning way over in his seat wrenching his neck towards the bar and yelling, "Oh Chris.... Chris..... Chriiiiiiissss!!!!"
# Posted on October 6th 2004 by Phantom Button
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
Food for thought: communal sessions are a relatively new development in ITM. Prior to the 50's or so. Sessions for the sole purpose of gathering to play tunes together was pretty unheard of anywhere. House sessions w/2-3 players were had though. The point is, who cares if you've never been to a session? You can become a mighty ITM player without going to sessions. In fact, playing alone or with 1 other person will make you improve farther than playing in a session will. Not that I don't like sessions, I go to my local regularly, but that's also a social experience as well. These folks are my friends too. If you're ever in Portland, Maine, come on by. We're welcoming and you don't have to be great or even be able to play many tunes.
# Posted on October 6th 2004 by meemtp
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
Hey, wf, nil illegitimi carborundum est. (Don't let the b*^tards grind you down --- in dog latin.) I don't play in real life sessions either (see bio if you want to know why). I've had my eyebrows scorched off a time or two on the dread yellow board, but I've also made friends here and gotten some excellent advice and assistance from the really good folks who frequent the place. Enjoy the good ones, ignore the w*nkers, and have fun with what you can do. And good luck with your mission!
Sara
# Posted on October 6th 2004 by sara g
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
Hey world fiddle, chill out for christ sake. I never said you shouldn't post here. That's not my place anyhow (only the almighty Jeremy has such omnipotent power). I just wondered why that's all.
And, for anyone else who doesn't play in sessions? Why?
You see as far as i'm concerned, playing music is a social thing.
If you prefer to perform, then that's your perogative, get up on a stage and entertain Joe Public. Or if you just want to sit at home playing along with your CDs, then off you go and play with your self, your choice.
But,
If you can find some chums to play with, (it doesn't have to be a session in a pub) then not only will you all learn together, you'll have fun. Humans are social creatures.
Music is a social thing.
Diddly music is democratic.
Diddly music is easy.
And that's what a session is..
# Posted on October 7th 2004 by llig leahcim
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
I appologise for being so sensitive Michael. Usually, I'm pretty good about not giving a crap but I really did read your comment as a condescending snipe. It's a bit of a lesson for us both I guess. Bygones.
Jim, thanks for listening, I'll spend some time and turn it to F. That might be a good idea anyways because in E that offkey G I can't get right is killing me in the second phrase!
By the way for anyone who is debating the recording thing... I've found out recently that it really throws you for a loop in a not-so-good way so if you decide to try it, make sure you *expect nothing great* when you first listen back. I think it's impossible to become narcissistic about your sound because the playback sounds almost nothing like the violin at your head....or even down at your chest for that matter, and it's friggin' hard work too... I thought I would be able to passively sit around and play to the mic happily making my little Christmas gift CD for my family...nope...not a chance. Instead I sat there playing the, and I quote, "stupid tunes" over and over and over...and over.....and over... until I was even moderately satisfied enough to say "ok, that time at least it didn't completely suck". So if you decided to do some recording, make sure you have the guts to turn off the machine the minute it becomes frustrating. Then turn out the lights and play your music for fun and enjoyment until you work up the nerve again. This seems to work for me.
# Posted on October 7th 2004 by c_ya
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
I know what you're talking about wf. The very fact that what I'm doing is being recorded - all the squeaks and scratches and off-key notes becoming permanently archived - does my head in. The quality of my playing when I'm recording myself is about 60% of my normal ability. (Keep that in mind, all you who are expecting a copy of the Mighty Craic album!)
# Posted on October 7th 2004 by Kerri Brown
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
Yeah, recording makes me play worse! It's not just the playback sound vs what I hear in my head, it actually affects my playing ability to be sitting with a mic there and being hyper aware of everything.
# Posted on October 7th 2004 by meemtp
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
I'm about to go to lunch but a quick question. Kerri, how do you know it's 60%? I record myself every so often as a way to work on the weak and rough spots of my playing. I'm actually glad to hear about this, but how do you know for sure? Just curious. I feel a little better
Joyce
# Posted on October 7th 2004 by JMH
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
meemtp, if you do it enough, it gets a lot easier. I sit at the kitchen table, nice and relaxed with a cup of coffee and do it every once in a while. I'm at the point where I can record myself and feel relaxed and not feel too aware of everything else. Of course the results aren't always good.
# Posted on October 7th 2004 by JMH
Re: Just plain stupidity on my part....
I try to fo it for a little bit each day. Sometimes now I can actually tune out the mic and come up with a good recording. I don't think it helps that rather than a minidisc type thing, which isn't to obtrusive, I have a full mic on a stand with a boom. So it's a little more "in your face".
# Posted on October 7th 2004 by meemtp