If folks get enjoyment out of playing along slowly with Music in front of them, how can that harm me, you, or the Music?

EXACTLY!!!

I can't comment about running a slow/learning session from the perspective of a host or organizer but I can comment from the perspective of a player.

I've been to a few different jams, 2 that were conducive to newer players and a couple that were not and one in the middle.

Some things that made the slower jams enjoyable were:

1. The attitude of the folks running the jam...I like Kaleea's idea of having an accomplished musician learning something new too...

2. The lack of "BOSSY" people, for lack of a better term. Some folks felt compelled to jump on every little thing. I think I could have taken in more and learned more if just one or two things were pointed out....and if they had been pointed out by someone who actually played the same instrument as me. How can someone who doesn't play the violin at all, offer instruction involving fingering, etc? They can't.

3. Having other players at the same level was fun.

4. Having a gentle hostesses who called out changes when there was no music to follow.

5. No pressure. I really enjoyed the jams that I went to where I wasn't pressured to start a song when I was still very shy about playing with anyone.

Those are my top five and I'm sure I will think of more later.

If I were running such a session, I'd try to keep in mind that both the instrument and the genre of music may be new to the beginner. With that in mind, I'd try to keep a collection of music on hand to share with people. I also think it would be nice idea if the host/hostess would play through the song once or twice so the beginner can have an idea of how the song goes.

Ok..enough for now.

Michelle