Taking Time Slow Session and Tune Learning
Every Wednesday, John hosts a free, live “Taking Time” slow session on Zoom. The session starts at 4pm Pacific Time / 7pm Eastern Time / Midnight Irish/UK time, lasts for about two hours, and regularly draws attendees from around the world.
Players and listeners of all levels are very welcome to enjoy playing or hearing favorite tunes at a moderate tempo, along with the all-important warmth of connection that shared music brings into our lives.
This is also a great opportunity for learning new tunes, as everybody but the session leader (John) will be muted while they play. Unlike an in-person session, you can noodle along to your heart’s content and nobody will ever know unless you tell them!
How Do I Sign Up?
Sign up for John’s newsletter! John sends out the Zoom link and tune list to his newsletter subscribers every week, usually on Tuesday evening (Pacific time). That is all you need to do — no separate sign-up process required!
Can I Request My Favorite Tunes?
Yes! John creates a tune/set list in advance of each session, so feel free to email a couple of tune requests to him at whelanbx1@me.com. If you miss out on the chance to request tunes at one session, you can always make a request for the following week.
Can I See Previous Set Lists/Get a Recording of a Previous Session?
Yes! Michael Eskin has been kind enough to archive the set lists for every past Taking Time session on his website. You can also download a recording of the previous week’s session from the same page.
The download link is only valid for a week from the date of each session, so don’t delay!
Great seeing you at the Convention John!
Kenny&Teri Wolin
Hi Kenny, great to see you too. I’m only seeing this email now as I don’t go into my website admin very much. you can get me more directly at whelanbx1@me.com
I’d like to join in on the zooms Thank you
hi
I used to play the violin (roughly) at an irish session. I would love to take out my poor dusty violin and try to play again.
I would love to join your session.
cheers
Sandy Schmidt-Jones
Hi Sandra, my session is on hold for a while as I have been traveling and touring. I hope to start up again after Thanksgiving.
John. are you doing any online sessions now? (December 2023)
Hello, John! I would like to sign up for your email list.
Thanks for all the music!
Damon
I just learned about your slow session. I’ve been playing fiddle in a slow tune learning session near my home and really enjoy it . Looking forward to trying yours.
THanks
Deb Levine
Hi Deborah, my slow session is on hold for the moment as I have been traveling and touring. I hope to start up again by the end of November
Can I sign up for the news letter here?
I play Irish tenor banjo in our Big Moose Contra Dance Band. I do most my practicing on a Soprano or tenor uke restrung and tuned to GDAE.
Yes Ed. as long as you enter your email for the newsletter.
Hi John,
Are you still doing your Wednesday Zoom sessions? Just wondering.
Hope you’re well!
Hi Peter,
I am starting back this Wednesday 8th 2025