At the various sing-arounds and song circles and open sings I've gone to in the NY-NJ area, we usually have some system taking turns. When your turn comes around, you have three choices:

1. You can perform a song, meaning that you do it solo or else only with those people you individually ask to accompany you.

2. You can lead a song, meaning that others are free to join in with voices and instruments. Good song leaders usually run through the tune and chords at least once, and they specify whether they want people to sing along on the entire song or only on the choruses.

3. You can request a song, either from a specific individual or from the group as a whole. In the latter instance, someone who knows the song usually comes forward to lead it. If not, you get a chance to request another song. Also, if you perform or lead a song by request, it does not count as your turn.

Sessions of this kind tend to be friendly places where people of all interests and ability levels feel welcome.