of course there are sessions that are elitist. etiquette shmetiquette, Etiquette is just common sense on both the session player and guest. (If you want to have a private session with your clique of friends & dont want other people to try and occasionally join - then dont play in a public place) Ive been playing Irish fiddle for 8+ years and have even started a session of my own that lasted a 2or 3 years - and I still have noticed that of the sessions in our town, some are elitist. One particular session - they are all good players, and like to play tight and 'in the groove'

now, Im not particularly political and want to maintain good relations with the musicians in my community - yet I went to this session for at least a year before I was asked to start a tune. (of course I would start a couple of tunes per night anyway) eventually I stopped going after a while because I like to play more than a handful of tunes.

and yet our sessions by contrast with the 'elitist one' - made everyone welcome... anyone who showed up was asked at least once to start a tune -. (We might not have been as slick but I like to think thats what the music is all about - no one owns it) of course -- if we had someone show up with a stand and sheet music for instance - or a beginner starting a lot of tunes he barely knew (and no one else did for that matter) we would try to discreetly take them aside and let them know.

ANother group in town plays regularly - and anyone who tries to join in is told - you can join us and play along but we play our tunes on our list. (I dont even call that a session) Its like anything else, human nature and just plain common sense.

but which is more rude? the unwelcoming session musicians, or the guest who just wants to play tunes?