Phoenix Slow Session

The “slow session” will be scheduled as often as possible.  The session leader will determine when it’s time to move into the regular session if at all. 

The session leader will ensure that the tunes are played at a slower, beginner-friendly pace.  All musicians are encouraged to play or start a tune in this supportive environment.  This is not a “teaching session”, so you need to know your tunes to play just like in any other session.  However, recording tunes is highly encouraged.  And not to worry if you are just able to do one or two in a row if you start the set!  

Advanced musicians are encouraged to participate. This is a great opportunity to hone your session skills, which is more about playing and sharing your talents with others and being attuned to social cues than playing advanced tunes. Occasionally an advanced tune is welcome, and beginners should be encouraged to record and learn it. But 90% (or more) of the music should be very accessible for beginners or somewhat challenging.

General expectations of the slow session are the same as a regular session:

  • Play along on tunes you know; sit out respectfully on tunes you don’t know. If you don’t know a tune, don’t play or “noodle”/drone along.

  • Quality is far more important than speed.

  • Keep your instrument in tune.

  • Tunes are typically played in sets of 3 or 4 according to tune type.  Set of two tunes or just one tune is also encouraged, according to the comfort level of the musician.  It’s up to the person who started the first tune to choose the next one in the set.  If you start a set, choose a tempo close to the session norm – not much faster or slower.

  • Watch your volume – each player needs to hear everyone else.

  • Allow breathing time between tune sets. A great time to meet people and chat about the tunes, where you learned it, etc.

  • Assess the mix of rhythm instruments in a session before joining in.   Irish music is focused on the melody. Irish rhythm instruments provide variation to back the melody, not the other way around. Therefore, rhythm instruments are not often doubled. One guitar, bouzouki, spoons/bones or bodhrán to a session, please.  If there are multiple rhythm instruments, take turns unless you are a very experienced!

  • Sean Nós Singing (or unaccompanied singing) is greatly appreciated in traditional Irish music sessions.  Session leaders should be ready to ask a singer to sing and if they prefer accompaniment. Likewise, a singer should assess the situation and either request accompaniment or politely ask to sing unaccompanied.  

  • Do not take a cell call during the session, minimize other cell usage like texting.

  • Only instruments are used in the session – no microphones, music stands, plug-ins, etc.  Recording devices to learn tunes is acceptable in most sessions.  Best to ask first and always ask an unaccompanied singer if you may record him/her.

 

Read the following for more information, some of the info above is sourced here: https://blog.mcneelamusic.com/the-irish-trad-session-explained/