Session etiquette.

I came across this thread on Irish Music's infamous "Mustard board". Good dicussion here, even though it goes off the rails a bit.

www.thesession.org/discussions/display/24493

Things can go from friendly to awkward and on to downright maddening when playing tunes together. I myself have been caught out "practicing" during a session when I should have done the practicing at home. I could claim that I'm just enthusiastic about a tune or about learning a new instrument, but a big part of what causes awkwardness in the circle is a failure to listen and notice others'reactions.
To a degree, it's not even about one's skill with their chosen instrument. An example: Lately we've had some of Bowen's learning fiddlers come out and grace us with a tune or three. I think it's grand when we can play at a learner tempo, and I hope that our young friends (and their Suzuki-schooled parents)enjoy the experience of playing along with others.
And even though we sometimes limp a bit through a tune when playing with a beginner, it is so enjoyable because these kids (and their Suzuki-schooled parents) "get it". They listen. Lots. They don't play over their heads. They appear to care more about the tune coming out well than they do about playing along with every jig or reel or whatnot.
Or maybe they're just shy and starting out. Nevertheless, despite freshman skills on the fiddle or whatever, these kids are already skilled musicians because they seem so acutely aware of what's going on in the group and with the tune while we saw through it.

The tune of the week comes from Aria, but her setting is B-part first. And in A major instead of myxolidian. Never mind, just follow her lead when you play at The Snug.

www.thesession.org/tunes/display/1218