I posted this in reply to a thread but i think it might have got buried... so as I'm a persistent, annoying kinda geezer I thought I'd put it here and force you all to read it...I'm quite chuffed with meself.
I had my first Jam session last night here in Nottingham UK. I was terrified but the folks were great and accommodating. Three Fiddles, 3 Banjo's and 2 Mandolins, I had a hard time hearing the Banjo's though. Initially one of the Fiddlers suggested some tunes, none of which I could play so I sat and nodded rhythmically waiting for the opportunity to strike.
Once I'd figured that no-one could hear my Banjo I started to try and pick out the melody and eventually it actually began to work. I didn't realise it but I can play Angeline the Baker, phew. Feeling braver I started them off playing Simple Gifts which IS one of the tunes I can play (I murdered it though). They all didn't know it but after one run through they were all playing it and to me it sounded flippin' awesome. What a sensation!! That's the Holy Grail, to be able to listen to a tune then play it.
I had a blast and now I have some clear goals in my playing and a list of tunes to learn. I'm gonna play along to fiddle tunes till my families ears bleed and go back next month and have another go!