Once the crew has gathered and the first of the usually complimentary drinks have been placed on the table the first few tunes get played. Usually it will start something most of the players will know. If the session consists of people who haven't played together before then this will usually break the musical ice and set speeds and styles and ability and everyone subconsciously knows what sort of night they are in for. Styles of playing then take control. A Donegal fiddler may clash a little with a more laid back paced Clare player so in the first few tunes if the players are experienced then they will adapt to the style of the other and compromises will be made on every side.

A few more pints flow and everyone get to know each other's playing and the tunes come to life. There is always a lot of shouting involved as well. Sometimes this is the boisterous whoops of the crowd but more often than not, it's the musicians who mid tune can call the next one to play and what key they want to play it in. Sets of tunes can last for 20 minutes or even longer, one following the other. If the session is good the feel for the tunes is right players will call the name of another tune and the rest will seamlessly follow. The main thrust of the evening's music will come with the reels or jigs. Occasional slip jigs will be played and Polkas will find their way in as well, especially in Kerry.

Then a hush will become apparent as someone take on the unenviable task of singing an unaccompanied song or sean-nos as it's called in Ireland. Not many people have heard the words to the first verses of these songs as the hushing that goes on always overshadows them. Finally the last word of gossip or the clink of a glass at the far end of the room fades and the lone voice holds the room to ransom. Again this can be the longest silence in the world if the singer can't hold a tune and murders the song before it's even come to life. If the singer is any good then the assembled throng can be reduced to tears or at least bring a lump to the throat of even the most cynical.

Overall a good session should have a couple of good fiddlers, another tune instrument like a flute, a guitarist with imagination and a bodhran player who knows what the instrument is for. A good singer is a bonus as a few songs can break up the endless diddlee-aye of continuous tunes. Many sessions these days welcome more modern instruments and songs. The younger generation of traditional musicians loves their music but also enjoys a break into something a little contemporary, so don't complain to me if you hear an Oasis song or a Bob Dylan classic somewhere between the Kesh Jig and the Wise Maid.

My advice overall is to go to a session, bring your instrument if you think you can play it. Listen to a few tunes if you don't know the people playing and if you think you can handle it politely ask if you can sit in for a few. In most cases if you are so bad it's unbearable someone will quietly hint that maybe you should go get yourself a drink. By and large though sessions are a social occasion and people are made welcome. On a good night, if you are just there to listen or to play you should come away with a feeling of elation and, unless the drink has finally caught up with you, a new spring in your step.

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