I'm a musician who plays accordion - I'm also a church organist, so I know that loud isn't always best, but it's handy to have that advantage if you need to lead.

If I'm in a session I like to 'doodle' quietly in the background - sometimes on my accordion, sometimes on my flute, sometimes on my mandolin, or maybe playing a guitar accompaniment.

It's all down to respect for the person leading the set - though there is a tendency for some people to play their favourite show-off pieces which are obscure, so no-one else gets to join in.

One session I used to go to was just like that - there was a clique, a mutual admiration society. Yet when I played one of my favourites (which people could join in with, BTW) I was 'reprimanded' by one of the clique at the end of the evening. I've not been back.

There are times when it seems that I'm the only one being polite, showing respect, etc., and that privilege isn't being reciprocated - almost as if they resent my ability, yet I know it isn't that.

Okay! Moan over!!