Some Irish pubs in the states have set up a second, "slow" session, for players who do not yet feel up to the rigors of the parent session, or anyone wanting to slow down the pace of the tunes.

While I don't think an Irish session should make newcomers feel unwelcome, newcomers do have a responsibility to lay back a bit and see what the unwritten house rules of etiquette are. It doesn't seem elitist to me - unless the regulars outright shun newcomers, or refuse to be encouraging to beginning sessioners who observe whatever etiquette is in play, or refuse to help a newcomer observe the etiquette with some gentle prodding. There will probably always be a few clueless extreme examples who take the bull in the china shop approach, won't give a damn about etiquette, listening to others, or judging their own ability in relation to the session at hand. If gentle prodding doesn't work, every Irish session has a right to ask them to leave. The many shouldn't have to suffer the few who chronically refuse to respect other musicians and house rules of etiquette. Elitist? I don't think so. There has to be standards in order to inspire, encourage and draw in beginners and newcomers AND make the session enjoyable for the regulars. Musicmaking takes work and dedication - no less for a successful session.

Chanteyranger