There seems to be quite a strong tendency at festivals and now sessions as well to separate songs and music. I've heard it said that music sessions lose their momentum if someone sings a song, and I've also heard it said that singers are unwelcome in music sessions. I find that all a bit narrow minded because any sessions can accommodate both.

Of course there are those who only want to do their own thing and they will be sectarian about it - we see it at festivals all the time. But that's hardly a recommendation. Historically, music has always been mixed with song. Many of the Irish airs are used for song melodies, and mouth music is a classic example of the link.

What can be more boring than endless tunes or endless ballads? Yeah, I know, both! And what about those poor souls who accompany themselves on a concertina or guitar, or whatever, and who then feel inhibited in a song session where people are hostile to instruments. It's all a bit puerile and egotistical. Time we stopped insisting we're right and started appreciating the diversity of what we are offered? It's nicer when singers and musicians both have a chance to contribute. It just takes a bit of consideration for others.

But then maybe some people wouldn't be quite so able to use sessions as practice? Should sessions be used for practice?