Beginner Bodhran Instruction Video

A well put together, professional product, this DVD will answer your questions about the bodhrán and give the instruction to allow you to learn to play. I found John’s instruction to be straight forward, easy to understand and extremely comprehensive. All in all this is one of the best and most complete instructional DVDs I’ve ever seen.

Jack Baker – Irish American News Chicago (and Rampant Lion Celtic Traders)

 

Having taught bodhrán classes at the Riley School of Irish Music, and the Irish Heritage Center of Cincinnati, with credits that include instructing the bodhrán workshop multiple years at the Dublin Irish Festival, and a variety of other Irish/Celtic festivals across America, I thought it may be a good idea to put that instruction to use for those who may not have access to a nearby Irish music school.

 

The subtitle, Instruction from the Ground Up, illustrates that this video is for someone just starting to learn how to play the bodhrán drum. It is designed to take you through every aspect of learning to play, and assumes that you have had no formal instruction, just as was true of me many years ago when I got my first drum. The lessons in this video are meticulously demonstrated, just as I do when teaching my 8 week beginner bodhrán class.

 

This instruction is not meant to be rushed through. Each part is meant to be mastered before going onto the next. For instance, make certain you are consistently striking the drum without “scraping” before you go onto the Reels. When you receive the DVD, you will also get my email address, so you can contact me with any questions or issues.

 

An important bonus feature of this video includes the section about playing in Irish music seisiúns. I included this because some bodhrán players have ruined it for the lot of us when it comes to playing in seisiúns. As long as you learn to hold the tempo and to stay with the dynamics of the music being played, you will be a VERY welcome addition to any seisiún.

 

May you find as much pleasure in playing your bodhrán drum as I have through the years.