09/20/2026
For those that are unaware, there are guidelines for the TIMES Sessions that we encourage players to follow to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone who attends.
• Keep the music Irish trad.
• Play tunes that are commonly played at sessions with some exceptions. If some players (not soloists) have sets of tunes they want to play that are newly learned but still trad, go for it. That’s how new tunes are introduced in sessions.
• No solo performances. It’s a group session.
• Our sessions use the “popcorn” format where anyone may randomly start a set of tunes or song. A leader may ask someone to start a tune set or sing a song to increase or vary participation.
• If you don’t know a tune, refrain from playing, and instead, listen and/or record it. If you are great at learning by ear on the fly, play on but with respect for the music and sensitivity to the other players.
• The person who starts the tune(s) establishes the tempo. Please follow the tempo he or she chooses. Also, the person decides the number of times tunes are played and when a set ends. Don’t add tunes to someone’s set when they’ve ended it.
• Songs are welcomed, but it’s mostly a tune session because of the overwhelming number of melody players present.
• Bring and play folk instruments that are common to Irish trad music only.
• Because of the differing chord and rhythmic choices that guitar and bouzouki players use to accompany Irish music, it is preferred that they take turns OR sit on opposite ends to avoid distracting the melodies. Similarly, bodhran players should avoid sitting together unless they take turns playing.
• Sessions are social events, and conversation is welcomed, BUT refrain from talking while tunes are being played or songs sung. Save it for the breaks between tunes or take the conversation away from the group.
• Keep it friendly. It’s an open session, and everyone is welcomed (unless they continually ignore the previous guidelines).
Thanks for keeping these in mind as we play together!
