tips for hosting a DYH session

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• Choose a comfortable, cordial space and serve refreshments.

• Musical selections should be no longer than 5 minutes.
  (2-4 minutes is best.)

• Reserve 45 minutes to an hour. Present only 2-3 songs per session.

• Hand out copies of the instructions for running a DYH session. This helps participants to follow them.

• If there are lyrics in the music you’ll play, print them out
  for participants on the back of the DYH instructions.

• Review the instructions together.  

• When introducing the music, avoid saying anything that may color people’s impressions. (This is harder than one might think.)

• Remind people not to talk while the music is playing.
  (Still, some people will not be able to control themselves.
  Stare them down!)

• Let the small group discussions go for 7-10 minutes.

• Convene for a larger group discussion, about 5 minutes.

• Add a few pertinent insights about the background of the music and musicians that will round out participants’ understanding.

• Play the music again, reminding everyone to try to hear “through other people’s ears.”

• Leave a minute or two for final impressions before moving on to the next song.