It would be quite nice if singers actually listened while tunes were being played. For they usually talk loudly during them, just waiting for them to end so they can sing.

If the tunes have words please sing along. You may not be heard above the instruments however, but that would never do would it?

I don't think that combined song and tune session work. This is due to singers needing to turn talented and willing musicians into an audience whilst not seeing that this is what they are doing or the frustrations that this causes.

If you do not want instruments to play along, don't go to a session were there are musicians wanting to play TOGETHER.

I am sorry if this sounds like intolerance. I am not intolerant in the slightest. I like to both sing and play. I am just tired of the intolerance of singers who appear unable to see the issue from the musician's point of view.

I have never seen musicians tell singers to 'piss off', but plenty of times when it would have been understandable if they had.

Instrumental players are just more tolerant, it would seem?