page_title: Music session
section_title: Terminology
hierarchical_section_title: Music session / Terminology
caption_attribution_description: High Bridge Trail State Park jam session under the full moon at High Bridge. jlw used in blog
context_page_description: A music session is a social gathering of musicians and singers who perform music in a relatively informal context. Much of the music performed at such events is traditional music for the area, popular songs and other well-known tunes. In sessions, the participants typically improvise the accompaniment, song arrangements and musical ornaments to the melodies of songs or tunes. The venue may be a public bar, tavern, village hall or a private home.
  The events usually occur at regular intervals and a weekday evening may be chosen if professional musicians are expected to take part, so that it does not interfere with paid weekend gigs. More amateur players may organize a session on a weekend. At a session, musicians usually play or sing for pleasure and to socialize. Frequently the musicians and singers are unpaid. However, one or two musicians are paid to 'lead' a session and to encourage others to join in. In a jazz or blues jam, the venue may pay a small "house band" to provide accompaniment.
context_section_description: Depending on the genre and region, music sessions may be called a "traditional music session",  "session", or in jazz and blues, a "jam session" or "jam".
caption: An outdoor jam session with acoustic instruments.
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