I think people sing much better when they sing from memory - providing they have thoroughly learned the song.

We use the Beech Tune Book in our tunes sessions - 14 copies, big print on 'music stands' and we use a version of that for Ceilidhs.

I picked up this idea from 'Beginners Sessions' at Whitby and Shrewsbury Festivals. As a result around 110 people have played in our sessions, 20 play most times and we generally have a Ceilidh Band of about 20.

Most of the people who come to The Beech, M21 9EG, have not played on other sessions and as far as I can tell still don't - although some of us do.

I believe having the music enables a whole host of people who can read a bit to play with us. Playing from the dots is an historic feature of country dance tunes - that why they have survived in such incradible numbers - see The Village Music Project.

Best wishes