Celtic Music Sessions: Top Tips for Successful Gatherings
An Irish "session" is an informal gathering of musicians in venues like pubs that is focused on group tune-playing rather than performance.
Irish traditional music sessions, called 'seisiúns', can be exciting but sometimes confusing for new people or planners. This post explains these musical meetups and offers tips to help you join or host good events that honor Irish songs. We will look at the main point of these casual meetings and the friendship involved. This guide answers your questions to ensure you have a meaningful time with Celtic songs and social connections.
An Irish session is a casual meeting of players in places like pubs. The focus is on playing tunes as a group instead of a show, so it does not need microphones. Songs can be local, and players must watch the group energy and follow the normal rules.
As we keep looking at Irish music sessions, you will see how to behave, learn about famous songs, and connect with the cultural side of this custom. There is a lot to learn here, so let us move forward.
Disclaimer: Celtic Musik participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
Overview
An Irish music session, or "seisiún" in the Irish language, acts as a center where people meet to play and enjoy their shared interest in traditional Irish music. These meetings are different from formal shows because they feel easy and relaxed. You often find them in pubs or centers. No matter the city, these groups turn into a full musical event once a few traditional players meet up.
The main point of a traditional Irish music session is more than just fun; it centers on the group enjoying the music together. It is about musicians sharing their love for old songs in a relaxed place, building friendship and shared habits. A session is not meant to wow a crowd with hits or put on a big show. Instead, the feeling comes from musicians making melodies together and enjoying the Irish spirit that connects them.
For a more thorough introduction to Celtic music sessions, he Field Guide to the Irish Music Session by Barry Foy is a book devoted entirely to the dynamics and etiquette of the traditional Irish musical gatherings. By clicking this link, you will be directed to its page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XLNzeh
The Tradition of Music Sessions
Known as a "Trad Session," these meetings are a big part of Irish musical custom. They provide a space for casual and often unplanned groups of musicians to play traditional Irish music. The history of these sessions goes back to days when players would meet anywhere they could fit. This helped them swap tunes, customs, and friendship.
Today, these sessions fit well in the comfortable corners of pubs and Irish centers all over Ireland and the world. This shows how popular Irish music is. It creates a space where it does not matter where a group of trad musicians meets. A session will likely start up quickly.
While most of the session involves playing tunes, a song might pop up sometimes to add change. Picking from such a huge list of old tunes might feel scary to some. This is where sites like TheSession.org come in handy. It is a digital tool with a list of popular tunes that work well as warm ups or fillers to stop any quiet moments. It is a helpful service for keeping the music custom alive.
If you are looking to get familiarized with top tunes for Celtic music sessions, the "Celtic Session Songbook for Voice and Guitar" is a good resource. By clicking this link, you will be directed to its page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3BiASQi
Conducting a Music Session
The main idea of running an Irish music session is accepting its casual style. Sessions are not concerts. They are not built to entertain a room or put on a display. The focus stays on the music itself and the joy it brings to the players. The sound does not need microphones or gear. It only needs to carry enough to link the group of players in a shared rhythm.
Regarding money, session planners might get a small thanks for running events, but pay for joining musicians is not normal or expected. Instead, the value of these meetings is mutual respect, shared fun, and maybe a round of drinks for the friends playing tunes.
As a session leader, being able to change plans is vital. Try to have almost two hours of music ready, mostly for the first few sessions. This plan lowers the need to rely on guests and keeps the songs moving. The leader must also make sure everyone feels included and gets a chance to play a favorite piece. The point of session culture is shared effort, turning each song into a group project.
The book Last Night's Fun by Claran Carlson is a sparking celebration of music and life that is itself a literary performance of the highest order. It is also a good resource for those wanting to learn more about Celtic and Irish music. By clicking this link, you will be directed to its page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/47Mjwr7
Session Atmosphere
In a traditional Irish music session, the mood is key to having a real and fun time. These meetings usually happen in small, comfortable spots like pubs or centers. They focus on building a feeling of closeness and warmth among the people there.
The best session size changes, but a group feels lively with six to ten players. With this number, each person can add to the songs while keeping the energy high. As the planner, talk to the guests, make introductions, and help people work together. This makes everyone feel welcome and brave enough to join.
Choosing songs and variety are also important for the session mood. Pick a mix of well known tunes and local favorites to keep the players interested. Be careful of the skill level of the group. You want to handle a range of skills without making anyone feel left out or stressed. It is important to find a balance between hard and easy tunes to keep it fun for all.
In short, the mood of an Irish music session should build friendship, openness, and a shared love for old music. By making a kind space and picking good songs, the session can become a special memory for everyone involved.
The Essential Irish Drinking Songs & Sing Alongs: Whiskey In The Jar album is a great album to those who want to familiarize themselves with Irish music session tunes. By clicking this link, you will be directed to its page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gF2RKl
Session Etiquette and Best Practices
An Irish music session relies on unity and respect for the old songs. To keep this feeling, it is important that all players follow certain rules and good habits.
Being aware of others is key in a session. Watch the energy of the group and always respect when others take a turn. Watch the speed when starting songs and stick to the rhythm of the group. In general, it is polite to let older members or the leader start tunes, but feel free to join in as the music goes on.
When picking songs, mixing different types is good, but keep the focus on Irish music. If someone wants to play non Irish songs, it is best to talk to the group during a break so you do not stop the flow. Sometimes, trying a wider list can bring a different taste, as long as it does not hide the main goal of the session.
Active playing in the session means listening to the tunes, watching for signs on when to join, and respecting the beat. Silence is needed during songs to honor the singer and the feeling of the music.
Basically, following session rules creates a balanced, full, and fun musical time for everyone involved.
For a more thorough introduction to Celtic music sessions, he Field Guide to the Irish Music Session by Barry Foy is a book devoted entirely to the dynamics and etiquette of the traditional Irish musical gatherings. By clicking this link, you will be directed to its page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3XLNzeh
The Global Influence of Irish Sessions
As proof of the big interest in Irish music, "seisiúns" have moved far past their start to share Irish culture globally. In cities all over the world, from Chicago to Tokyo, you can hear jigs and reels. They come from busy local pubs or small groups of players, showing how far Irish music reaches.
These musical meetings introduce many people to traditional tunes from Ireland. Some songs are known all over. "The Star of Munster," a fast reel; "Banish Misfortune," a fun jig; and "The Boys of Bluehill," a well liked hornpipe, are often on the list for many sessions around the globe.
These melodies often have a strong beat and a catchy sound that brings memories for old players and a nice welcome for new ones. Each version carries a bit of history. It is a tune that connects with players and listeners alike, crossing borders.
The growth of Irish sessions around the globe shows the power of music, mostly traditional Irish beats. These sessions invite everyone to join in or just enjoy the songs, no matter where they are located.
The Pub Sessions album is also a great choice to those who want to familiarize themselves with Irish music session tunes. By clicking this link, you will be directed to its page on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gGs2w6
Final Thoughts
Irish music sessions are casual, community focused meetings for playing and enjoying traditional Irish tunes. They are not a show or concert, but a shared musical event that honors the musical history of Ireland.
Joining these sessions offers many benefits beyond just the fun. Guests get the chance to improve their musical skills in a helpful group setting. Hearing a range of tunes and styles, along with the act of playing together, can really help your musical ear and skill.
Still, we must clear up the idea that sessions are totally open spaces. They work under an unspoken set of rules. This highlights respect for classic songs, care for other players, and knowing the general speed of the session.
The world fame of Irish music and its sessions shows how much people like these songs. These meetings, found around the earth, give a look into the musical habits of Ireland. Participants connect with a hornpipe or jig. So, Irish music sessions are shared spaces of music, friendship, and the steady beat of Irish culture.
For a more thorough introduction to Celtic Music, the NPR Curious Listener's Guide to Celtic Music furnishes an A-to-Z glossary of musical terminology, lists of essential CDs, a history of the art form and its profound influence on modern music, and profiles of notable musicians. Find out more through this link on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4gpW5rL
What is Celtic Music?
