There are many different forms of music today and each one appeals to a different crowd. One recently developed form of music that is gathering a vast following is called Traditional Irish Music Sessions.
Definition of Session: A session is a loose collection of local musicians, playing Traditional Irish music on acoustic instruments. They play only Traditional Irish tunes (tunes you play, songs you sing) usually at a local pub or coffee shop for the joy of playing, rather than for a performance. The goal of a session is for the musicians to have fun. They are not paid, so a session is not about money; but for them; a session is about friendship, fun and good times. The birth of what we now call the Traditional Iris Music Session took place in about 1960 in Ireland where local musicians started getting together in pubs to play the “old time music” for the joy of it. This has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon known as Traditional Irish Music Sessions.
That does not mean that the patrons at the pub are not enjoying the music. Many report that they love this kind of music because it is traditional. They see it as a connection to the past or to a culture in a far-away land that they would like to visit someday.
Definition of Traditional: The word traditional, when applied to this kind of music, refers to the music of Ireland that was created probably in the 18th and 19th centuries. There is very little history written about the local music of that time. Since music of that era was passed down from adult to child for many generations, it is unclear, in many cases, who the original creator of this music was. Music was commonly not written down in those days in Ireland; it was learned by “ear” (rote memorization) and so there are very few copies of written traditional Irish music from this era. Those copies that we do have today sound different from the way the same tune is currently played. This speaks to an evolution that many pieces of Traditional Irish music have likely taken over time. That is why this music is called “alive” since it is always evolving and changing with the passing of time.
In about 1907 a man named Captain Francis O’Neill published a collection of Traditional Irish tunes in a book called O’Neill’s Music of Ireland. This was Captain O’Neill’s attempt to prevent the loss of these classic tunes. Since then there have been many books, videos, websites and classes created to keep this music alive. So, what makes Traditional Irish Music special? It is the people: traditional Irish music is about the people and having fun. It is about “the old days” and the way it was.
Description of a Session: People who play in sessions usually have a good playing knowledge of their instruments (most play three or more instruments) and read music. They generally sit in a circle so that each player can see the other players. One member will start a tune and other players will join in if they know the tune. If the leader finds that she/he is the only one playing, then he/she will start a different tune until one is found that many members can play. There are different kinds of sessions (see separate article on kinds of sessions) and the type of session will determine the speed that the music is played. The leadership of tunes is usually shared amongst the members of the group. Sheet music is not required, but in some sessions is frowned upon thus encouraging the members to memorize their music before playing it in that session.
Session Rules: Sessions have rules and a procedure to be followed. Not following the procedure can get you a questioning look or a sarcastic comment from your neighbor. The rules are: Only play what is called Traditional Irish tunes, no improvising, no vibrato, and no harmony. The person who starts the tune must end the tune (by raising their foot to signal to the other musicians that this is the last time through the tune), and to play the tune in its entirety for three time through. Depending on the type of session (see article on types of Traditional Irish Music Sessions), the leader must set the speed and key of the tune. Most tunes are played in the key of D major or G major with D major being the most common. It is not necessary for the leader to announce the key, just to make sure that he/she is leading the tune in the key that it is commonly led in or else announce the new key. If he/she finds that no one in the session is joining in to play the tune then the leader stops playing that tune and chooses another with the goal being to get lots of people playing along with you and enjoying the tune.
Requirements for Sessions: Each member is required to play a “traditional” Irish music instrument that is not electronically amplified. The traditional Irish music instruments are: harp, fiddle, flute, penny whistle, concertina, bones and Bodhran (the Irish drum). In modern times, the banjo, guitar, mandolin and in some cases the harmonica or hammer dulcimer have been added. The decision as to what is included is usually left to the leader of the session (see later article on leading a session).
Each member is expected to know the tune being played or else keep your instrument in your lap and learn the tune by listening. Recording a session so that you can later learn tunes is allowed in most sessions.
Each member is expected to follow the protocol for a Traditional Irish Session (see special article on Rules for Sessions)
Each member is expected to show respect for their fellow musicians by not playing louder than anyone else or playing tunes that no one else knows or that are not considered Traditional Irish tunes.
In Conclusion: Hopefully this article has provided the novice with an introduction and some answers to what a Traditional Irish Music Session is and how it works. Please visit this website from time to time to read further articles that address issues with ongoing sessions and how others have solved them.
Thank you for your time and your interest in Traditional Irish Music. If you have questions or recommendations for corrections please e-mail me.
Jim Wells Sr. Copyright 2011 by Jim Wells Sr.