Comments

When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

So on Sunday, I'm going on a 2 week holiday to Ireland. It's coach tour thing, so we're going all around, stopping in different towns etc for a few nights then moving on.
The trouble is, I want to go to a few sessions, but

1. I've only ever been to sessions with a least 3 people I know. My mum and dad will be with me, but they don't play instruments, so I'll be effectively on my own. How am I supposed to join?

2. I'm only 14, so what happens if they won't let me join the session, or not even let me in the pub, or I go and sit down and they start throwing evil looks at me until some guy with starts prodding me with the end of his bow?

I don't want to go and make a total prat of myself. I mean, I suppose I play the whistle/flute well enough, and I know plenty of tunes, but how I'm I supposed to act?

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by Folkie Junkie

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Amy, any of these things could happen to all of us regardless of age. I can usually get into the pub, unless it's after hours(there might still be a session) or if I've had too much to drink(seldom happens nowadays ;-) )

So, basically it's down to good manners, as has been discussed here before. There are many more family friendly pubs these days so it's just a case of listening/watching whats going on and then *politely* asking (or your Mum and Dad for you) if you can join in, if you feel up to it. If the situation is right, and it will be in many cases, I'm sure you'll be made very welcome.

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by Johnny Jay

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

We are in Belfast will you be there as i could probably direct you to some tunesters about the same age as you, if that is any help.

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by buzzer

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Tootie,
if you find yourself a little session going on somewhere, just show some informed interest in the music being played, this will mark you out as a musician, and then you will probably be invited, or even coerced to play something. I think you'll find that anywhere thats not a tourist trap, or in a musician-saturated festival, you will be welcomed and people will be interested to hear you play, especially if you do not force yourself upon them.
Good luck!
Mark

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by Ottery

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Amy - sorry I can't offer any specific advice that hasn't been said above, but I just want to encourage you to "go for it" and wish you good luck in finding a session or two.

:-)

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by showaddydadito

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Amy, at 14, you're bound to be asked to play if you approach the session politely. Most musos know that encouraging the young'uns is the best way to keep this stuff alive.

Keep your instrument in the case at first, but sit near the musicians and listen and watch and learn from what they're playing (or not playing). Lilt quietly along with the tunes you know, tap your foot just like you do when you're playing.

Then at a break in the music, introduce yourself to the flute/whistle player. A good ice breaker would be to tell them that you've been learning the Irish flute and are now picking up the whistle and having a hard time of it, and you're learning a lot from listening to them, so thanks for that. Then let the conversation go where it will, which will likely be that (unless it's one of those gig sessions) they'll ask you to at least play a tune or two, if not to sit in.

But even if no one asks you to join in (not a likely prospect), enjoy the music and learn what you can from the session even if you don't have your instrument out. In this stuff, listening IS practising, and you'll likely be able to pick up quite a bit by just watching and listening.

Have fun! Let us know how your trip is going if you can!

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by Zina Lee

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

True, nobody won't chase you away if you're in teens (and a girl).

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by slainte

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Sorry, *nobody will chase you away....*

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by slainte

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

All of the above seems good advice, but may I just add (but this may be up to yourself....)...if you find the session too advanced, ie too fast with obscure tunes, you'll have to decide whether to either go for it a brief explanation that you're a newbie, or just to can it. If I were you I'd choose the "go for it" option.

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by Rudall the time

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

FlutieTootie,
Bring your instrument, but listen a little and don't pull it out to play until you have asked if anyone minds you joining in (they probably won't mind, but asking gets you off to a good start).
Don't be shy, though. Some of my greatest regrets are times I got a chance to sit in with someone but turned down the opportunity. Fortune favors the brave!!!
Even if they are a pretty high-powered session, they will probably accomodate you by playing a few tunes or sets that you know.
I have brought my whistle on business trips to Denver and Chicago recently, and in both cities met some great folks and had a good time that I would have missed without my instrument along.
Have fun!

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by AlBrown

P.S.

If you get into Ennis, go straight to Custy's Music (right around the corner from Cruise's) and ask them about sessions and perhaps getting a lesson in from someone. They'll be able to find you a session and/or teacher just right for you!

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by Zina Lee

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

YOU'RE GOING TO IRELAND??!!? Lucky -_- I have to wait another year hehehe........

ANYWAY, I don't think you should have a problem getting into the pub, and yeah just ask if it's ok to join. I had no problems getting into the sessions that I've been to that way so yeah. Have fun you lucky person you. =P

Cheers,
Armand

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by armandale

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

As to the question "how am I supposed to act". Be yourself. You're obviously humble, respectful and conscientious. I bet if you approached nearly any musician with exactly the same question you posted they'd least point you in the right direction.

The people who run the hotel / bed and breakfast you're staying in will know where to find sessions.

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by Kerri Brown

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

I find that just sitting near the musicians, with your instrument clearly in sight, generally works - ended up playing with Rónán Ó Snodaigh the other week by doing that :) And when I was literally only just starting I can't count the number of times I was asked if I was going to play, just because I had a fiddle/bodhrán with me, firmly in their cases... I'm sure you'll be invited to join in, no bother.

Actually getting to stay in the pubs later in the evening I see as being more of a problem, as they kick under-18s out at nine (or legally they should...) But sure it's worth a shot, and I don't see them kicking you out if you're playing in the session anyway.

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by tumeltyni

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

I'm trying to imagine a scenario where musicians ( particularly in Ireland ) would turn away or be rude to a 14 year old. Especially one who seems as considerate as you seem. I don't think you'll have any problem. Just ask " Is this an open session? " and that's really all you gotta do. Have fun.

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by Farr

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

As usual, “The Session” crowd are giving you good advice here, Amy. I’d add one or two other pieces of advice as follows:
Depending on where you are, traditional sessions are not always that easy to find in certain parts of Ireland. I would strongly advise when you get there to get a copy of the latest edition of “Irish Music Magazine”. It has a long list of sessions in all the counties, and although I think it may be fairly up-to-date and reliable, you’d be best to phone ahead to check that a session is still happening. You could also check that it’s OK for someone your age to be there, and find out if it’s the kind of session where you can join in or not.
One other option – and some people may disagree with this – but if a local branch of Comhaltas has its’ meeting on a night wherever you are, you would be made very welcome there, and you would be guaranteed to find people your own age with the same interest in music. Something to consider, anyway.
Don’t be surprised if musicians are playing a lot of tunes you might not have heard before. There is often quite a difference in the tunes which are played in sessions in Ireland and in the UK, in my experience, anyway. That’s the time to listen, and if you have a recording device of some kind, ask if you can make a recording of the tunes being played. I don’t think anyone minds if you explain that you are learning and haven’t heard the tunes before.
From your posts above, Amy, I’d say you’re going in to this with the right attitude, and I’m sure you’ll be very welcome in any session you happen to find. Have a great time, and good luck!

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by Kenny

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Do you know where you'll be at all? Because I'll be playing trad with a bunch of Italians for a couple of weeks myself...

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by tumeltyni

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Here's a link to the sessions section of the online edition of IMM.
However, as Kenny suggests, you should phone first and it would do no harm to get a copy of the latest edition.

http://mag.irish-music.net/Sessions/Sessions.htm

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by Johnny Jay

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

If you're in Dublin you'd be more than welcome at the Monkstown sessions. My favourite night is Wednesday but Tuesday might also suit you too, particularly as the first 90 minutes or so are a "Slow Session" where new tune sets are learnt. Friday and Saturday nights can also be very good. Sessions normally start around 9.15pm and you'll usually find some people of your own age there.

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by Bannerman

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

I'm 17 and I've been playing in pubs all over Ireland since I was younger than you and I haven't ever been turned away from a session...YET! So you'll have no bother getting in, especially if your parents are with you! And there will probably be plenty of other people your ages there as well!

In our local sessions we love to have visiting musicians join in! You can pretty much be sure that anyone who has seen your instrument or knows that you play trad music will invite you to play a few tunes! And don't worry if you start something and no one joins in - its great for the locals to learn some new tunes as well! So just sit back, relax and enjoy the craic! And if you're in the Cushendall area (which u probably won't be cos its kinda in the middle of nowhere!) try Joe McCollams Bar on a friday or sunday night! Good luck!

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by an cuirtín

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Just walk in, as you sit down at the musicians table mumble something like "OK if I join in" and play. You'll be ok then.

Do not be put off by this web site and nonsense about rules and regulations.

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by bodhran bliss

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

I just realised that Kenny is right earlier. It might be difficult finding a session unless you know where to look. "Celtic Tiger" USA imitating trendy Ireland sort of looks down on traditional music, except for the tourist trade.

And Cushendall isn't the middle of nowhere, it's actually nowhere all on it's own.

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by bodhran bliss

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

BB, I agree that much of what is said on this web site is nonsense but common sense, politeness, and courtesy will still get you a long way. That's all you really need other than the ability to play an instrument. In fact, it's better to have these things and not be very good than to be a brilliant musician and an arrogant, rude b****rd.

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by Johnny Jay

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Love it. I agree entirely.

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by bodhran bliss

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Well said, JohnJ.

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by Kenny

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Well said Kenny & JohnJ.

# Posted on July 26th 2005 by On Sabbatical

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Yes, well said John J, someone like that would be insufferable.

# Posted on July 27th 2005 by bodhran bliss

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Y'know, I'm starting to get irritated by all this "nonsense" nonsense. Most of what I've personally said is all about common sense and politeness, not about rules, unless you're counting the rules of basic societal getting along. If you want to call that nonsense, go ahead, but don't go tagging me with being a session nazi/etiquette fiend, because I'll fight you on it.

Most Irish people I know are weirded out by the whole "session etiquette" thing until they've been to sessions where the normal Irish societal rules (or something close) are not common, and then suddenly they're all for it.

Anyway, the reason I gave Amy the advice I gave her is because it's all too likely that she'll attend at least one session where the previously uninvited may not be welcome and I don't want her to get her head snapped off by some grumpy old muso who's sick of one too many ignorant tourist, okay? Call that nonsense if you like, but only if you're prepared to have me start snapping at your heels.

# Posted on July 27th 2005 by Zina Lee

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

I didn't suggest that what you said was nonsense, Zina. As usual, you have given good advice.

However, there is a lot of nonsense on this site. It all boils down to common sense and good manners, at the end of the day.

# Posted on July 27th 2005 by Johnny Jay

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

I suppose, Johnny J, that it all depends on what you think "nonsense" is. I think, since I've been back, that I've seen a certain amount of being funny at other people's expense for the sake of being funny, and I think that that qualifies as "nonsense". I think certain bits of snobbery that I've seen pop up in the last year are certainly "nonsense".

I never mind the joking back and forth, because while that's "nonsense" for sure, it's not harmful and helps cement friendships of the sort that I've been off enjoying for the last month.

Anyway, those who think the site is full of nonsense (lumping the good in with the bad) should probably stay out of my way for a while. I'm running out of patience with it. Sorry.

# Posted on July 27th 2005 by Zina Lee

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

As a musician in Belfast, I have to say i am surprised that people are worried. In my experience here people are always actively encouraged to play. There are very few instances where someone has been asked to stop. And i have to say they probably deserved it. I would be a amazed and saddened if any musician in the country was discouraging to a young person playing the music. Good luck. Give us a shout if you are in Belfast

# Posted on July 27th 2005 by Pól

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Zina:
" but only if you're prepared to have me start snapping at your heels."
So Dow's picture was right after all! Hey I've got some really juicy beef chewies at home.......

# Posted on July 27th 2005 by Donough

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Flutietootie, if you walk in with an instrument and take it out and sit in and join without saying anything,
you’ll get a few looks even if it is an open session - on the other hand if you sit by with an instrument
you’ll be asked “when you gonna take that oput and join us” .
Best of luck and let us know how you get on, by the sound of you I think you’ll be alright !

# Posted on July 27th 2005 by BegF

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Zina, if you didn't talk nonsense the whole time and give this site a bad name, maybe people wouldn't keep going on about it and testing your patience :-)

# Posted on July 27th 2005 by Dr. Dow

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

I'm sorry, I take that back. I'm just happy you can talk at all. My next door neighbour's dog only barks incessantly. Who wants a biscuit? Yes you do, don't you?

# Posted on July 27th 2005 by Dr. Dow

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

I've just been on the Sessions search bit, and is anyone going to be at The Duke in Dublin session thingie this Sunday???
http://www.thesession.org/sessions/display.php/1057

# Posted on July 27th 2005 by Folkie Junkie

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Or is there another session this Sunday in Dublin that I could go to?

# Posted on July 27th 2005 by Folkie Junkie

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

Not this Sunday, because I'm off playing in the west, but I HIGHLY recommend it, brilliant musicians. I might well be there the week after...

# Posted on July 27th 2005 by tumeltyni

Re: When in Ireland, do as the Irish do?

And I'd say they'd be pretty open to you joining in - I've never actually brought my instruments, but I've been asked to sing a time or two. My cousin's much more of an instrumentalist, and they told me to send her along some time. She's 16 now.

# Posted on July 27th 2005 by tumeltyni

Not a member yet? Sign up!

forgotten your password?

Frequently Asked Questions

Enter your email address to have your password sent to you.