[Harp-L] Jamming Etiquette

[Tobe <wonderwhy@xxxxxxx>]

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.