Standard Session Rules
The following primer outlines the conduct and comportment recommended for meritorious advancement:
- Show respect by musicking to your highest standard.
- Phrasing, rhythm, and tempo are important. Make sure you’re in tune, in rhythm, and that you’re playing with an ear to how the music typically works. "Faster" doesn't mean "better."
- Be social and enjoy a good chat. Don’t interrupt a good chat with a tune, don’t disrupt a good tune with chat – neither is good.
- No more than one harmony instrument (guitar/bouzouki/piano) and one bodhrán sitting in the circle at a time. Multiples of either should be prepared to take turns, unless.
- A tastefully chosen song makes for a fine occasional diversion.
- The size of the session is limited to ten people. If all the seats at the table are taken, the session is full. Do not go and find a chair to add or play sitting at a different table. This one is not about you, so don't take it personally.
- Ask before sitting. Don’t displace a regular if you’re brand new, don’t make a move on a seat that's been reserved, and do be ready to give up your seat if circumstances demand. (Remember – giving up your seat is sometimes the right thing to do!) You should absolutely be ready to relinquish your seat if a great/important musician stops in, especially if s/he’s from out-of-town. These people usually won’t ask to sit, but I’ll definitely give them a seat and it'll likely be yours, so be prepared for the possibility.
- There's a good chance an eyebrow raised in your direction is consequential. Take note and honor rule number one by making an adjustment.
- All complaints must be submitted in writing. In triplicate.
- Tom Dunne may not always feel like sitting, but will be accommodated if he wants to.