McGrath, I think there may be a third reason why people speed up.....inexperience. As a beginner in sessions, I get so nervous I tend to speed up even if I do not want to. Same with the one time I performed in front of an audience. I sped up from nervousness there too.

Stewart, thanks for your words, I find them comforting.

Carol, it helps to know this is a universal problem but that there are sessions out there I would enjoy. Gives me hope.

marty D, I decided to narrow my focus for now so I am studying under Dwight Diller who teaches a very specific type of old-time banjo tunes from the 18th & 19th century with a specific style in a specific area of Pocahontas County in West Virginia.
It would be interesting to hear Rick's thoughts on this topic.

I really do appreciate all the guidance I am getting on this thread. It is so helpful, thank you!

Little Neo