Listening is part of music and it may be true that a musical free for all does not result in the best music...but these sessions are often musical and free for all. I understand the point about the bodhrain not being suited to all songs and that bad playing of any sort is disruptive to the entire dynamic...but, it is a session. I don't see any difference between showing up to a tradition session with a Marshall stack and an electric guitar loaded with distortion and showing up to a session to perform solo. It is a social event which is designed to get people to play together. If people are performing individually, that is called an open mike night or I guess maybe a song circle. Yes people take turns choosing songs or playing leads...but if you want to play alone than go ahead and play alone. There is another thread out now talking about songs that only you like...the guy who started it is talking about songs that he enjoys but doesn't perform much because his audience doesn't react well. He is suiting his music to his audience...this is a good thing. In a session, the audience is also your new band...suit your music to them. I'm not saying every song has to be appropriate for 15 bodhrains joining in, but maybe you could stay away from songs that nobody can join in on.

To be fair, I agree that the drum could sit out slower songs or inappropriate songs, but I also think its silly to shopw up to a session and expect everyone to sit and listen to you...by yourself...get a solo gig, go busking, invite a friend over to watch you, sing in the shower...but if you are at a socail session you should expect to play with people. Teach and learn..teach and learn...but don't exclude. Maybe do a song once and then ask people to join in after they get an idea of the tune, but if nobody can join in, save it for another time.