If you plan to visit the session, we politely request everyone please abide by these rules.
Scottish Session Etiquette
Acoustic instruments only and preferably instruments played in traditional sessions (guitar, fiddle, tin whistle/penny whistle, bodhran, small pipes, harp, tenor banjo, mandolin, box/button accordion, concertina, bouzouki, hammered dulcimer along with a few others such as cello piano and bass). Instruments outside this realm may be discouraged but will depend on the instrumentalist.
If you are new to a session or jam, listen first before automatically starting to play. Each session/jam is unique and usually tempered by years of folks playing together.
When someone starts to set, it’s their set, their tunes, their tempo. If you start a set, choose tempo close to the session norm space line not much faster or slower. Watch your volume - each player needs to hear everyone else.
Please refrain from “noodling” between sets.
Quality is far more important than speed.
Some key participants (or session leader) will have the main influence over the choice of tunes and who gets to do what solos be respectful of the situation. Fit in as invited.
Instrumentalist, be mindful of when others want to do a solo or do featured backup. Please give them space and take turns being featured. Don’t compete!
Please refrain from speaking or when someone is singing or while tunes are being played.
Silence your cell phone and for respect to the other musicians, if you just have to text or call someone, please excuse yourself from the circle.
Backup instruments - please be ultra mindful, play a solid simple texture with an appropriate volume, don’t play “stock" chord progressions. If you don’t know a tune and its chords, don’t play. Keep the rhythm simple, steady and strong.
If there are multiple backup instruments, consider taking turns.
Keep your instrument in tune!
Regarding tuning: wait your turn. If someone is tuning, please avoid any playing, or perhaps (if you’re sure your instrument is in tune) offer notes matching the open strings of the other person’s instrument.
Please restrict lesser known tunes/sets to once during the main session. Players are welcome to stay when most players have left to play lesser known tunes. This avoids exclusivity.
Most sessions restrict who sits in the circle to those playing or singing – Anyone else is politely requested to grab a spot at a table nearby or at the bar.