[Harp-L] Jamming Etiquette



Another musician and I have been running an open jam once a week for more than then years. For what it's worth here's the handout that we give to people who want to play:

All musicians are welcome, no matter what level. Don’t be shy. This is your chance to play before a live audience.



Before the music starts.

1. If you want to play, talk to the persons who run the stage.

2. It’s an effort to set up and take down the equipment. Ask how you can help.

3. Until the sound-check starts, don’t play. If you want to warm up, do so off stage.

4. When you are asked to check your sound, play at the level you expect to use during the performance. Just do what the sound person says to do. Don’t play while another musician is checking the level for his or her instrument.

5. If another group is playing ahead of you, don’t come onto the stage to set up your equipment while another group is playing. Let them remove their equipment before starting to set up yours.



After the music ends.

1. Remove your gear as quickly as possible.

2. If you are on the stage when the music is over, lend a hand in clearing the stage.



During the performance.

1. Be thoughtful and courteous to the other players.

2. Each band has a leader. Be clear about who the leader is before the music starts.

3. If there is to be a singer, the singer is the leader unless there is a prior agreement.

4. The leader picks the song, the key, when it starts and when it ends. Suggestions are welcome, but the leader decides.

5. Play when it is your turn. Or to put it another way, don’t play when it is not your turn. When to play varies from song to song and from instrument to instrument, so please understand that these are only general guidelines. Watch the leader for a signal.

6. Rhythm instruments usually play throughout the song. Rhythm instruments include: drums and bass. Guitar, keyboard and other percussion instruments can also be rhythm instruments. Most ensembles have a rhythm guitar player. He or she is usually the person who sets and maintains the rhythm.

7. Unless there is a prior understanding with the leader, lead instruments only play solos or to support the singer between the phrasing of a song. If you play a lead instrument, do this sparingly and be aware that other lead players are also playing between the phrases. Be conscious of each other. Lead instrument include: lead guitar, harmonica, flute, banjo, mandolin, keyboard, sax, trumpet, bowed strings, clarinet, etc.

8. Don’t judge your own sound level. Many players think that they are playing just right when they are too loud. Ask somebody else about your sound level.

9. Stay off the stage when not playing, setting up or taking down. Visitors are welcome on the stage, but only between performances.



Overall

Remember that the main goal is to have fun. Experience has shown that we will all have more fun when everybody knows and follows the rules. And one last thing that may be the most important rule: when you are in the groove and the instruments are talking to each other, nothing else matters and all rules might just fly away like the music.






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