Hey Flut...

Don't worry - I agree with all that has been said before.

I know that you can get some really quite terratorial sessions and some friendly ones too.

I have been to sessions all over Ireland, not played in them all - but most of them. I usually just sit down and listen to how the session is going for a while, get chatting to one of the locals.... and then I get invited in to the session.

Some people can be terribly snobby about learners - I teach kids irish music, and I like to take them with me to our local session. Most of all the other sessioners are brilliant with them... and any who arn't I remind them of what they were like at their age.. and that they have to get experience and practice... and what better way.

I admit, that the kids usually start off with a few of the simple tunes... and we all make sure that we play all the tunes at some point in the evening that they know. We also encourage them to start off some of the tune sets.

I don't mind getting a little criticsm during sessions.. as I will usually turn it around and get the person to show me what they mean, get some tunes of them and usually a little coaching and a few tips...

I have actually seen someone lambasted at a session by one of the music police - and I glared at them for doing so... Everyone has to start somewhere, and joining a session can be fairly nerveracking... Though once you get into the swing of things it is great - and is an excellent way of meeting people and a great social thing too.

One bit of advice is listen to as much music as you can, you don't have to try and play along all night... I listen in and may just sit quietly in my corner quietly picking up the odd note until I have all the tune in my head and can take it home with me to try out...

There is not really any correct way of playing trad music, there are so many different styles of playing - usually characteristic of the area the musician comes from...

Donegal fiddling, Kerry fastness (all the Kerry sets!!) Sligo and all... Breton etc...

There is the lilting swaying and skippy playing of the Sligo/Leitrim area and then all the other countries..

Try and pick out the different styles.

But most of all... never let anyone put you off from playing! Brass neck! and guts...

Keep going and have fun!!!

All the best

Ella