Thanks so much for checking out this video - I hope you enjoyed! You might be interested online course How to Play Bodhrán : Begin Your Journey which includes over 4 hours of video content in 42 videos, specially recorded practice tracks and much more! Check it out at the link below-> bodhran.teachable.com/p/how-to-play-bodhran
Hi Ruairi, i've just stumbled across your videos, you make playing the bodhran look so enjoyable, i want to get one. But i live in Cyprus so will probably have to buy one on line, have you any suggestions for an absolute beginner please?
Hi Ruairu, I'm just starting out with playing the Bodhran. I have a condition with my left hand that prevents me from straightening my fingers and I wear a wrist brace. Do you have any tips for how I can adjust my technique? Thanks.
Thanks so much for the video. I’m a 72-year old widow currently in lockdown for 12 weeks in the UK. While tidying my garden shed last week I came across my husband’s old bodhran, which I had planned to give away. I thought I’d bang it during the Thursday night tribute to the NHS, then decided I’d try to learn to play it a bit while I’m stuck indoors. I don’t suppose I’ll be a fast learner at my age but I’m going to give it a go. I think my husband would approve but he’s probably having a laugh somewhere at my efforts so far.
Thats so lovely to hear Melody, and I hope your doing ok through this particularly difficult period. Keep going with the bodhrán and let me know if I can do anything to help you out. All the very best to you and happy drumming! Ruairi
You sound like a thoroughly wonderful woman Melody. Your optimism, creativity and grit are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your lovely story, the very best to you love.
Hi! I am 62 yrs and am teaching myself to play ukulele. I like folk music instruments and am now trying to decide between bodrahn or frame drum. I have arthritis in my right large thumb joint and am wondering if one or the other would be better. Any thought? I also have Irish whistles and dulcimer. 😅
Great lesson! Followed it on a cardboard box, with a thick pen for a tipper. Halfway through and I can make it sound like something distantly resembling stuff I've heard played on a bodhrán hahaha. Made my day.
I just saw you on TV. And yesterday,as I helped clear out my husband`s house,my eyes alighted upon his bodhran.He bought it when we shared our lives on a narrow boat for many years,I always "wanted a go" but he was funny about it. |Now, no one really knows how strange it is that I finally have it in my hands and can play with it, that I possess it.I am making tentative steps with your help.Like a previous comment,I ,like she,am picking up her husband`s instrument,so there is grief involved. But also a new start,so thank you.
Hi, I'm Brazilian and honestly I love the sound of the Bodhrán, I've been listening to a lot of songs with this instrument for a couple of years... I don't know maybe I was just born in the wrong country 😅❤
Amazing video series!! I first learned to play this beautiful instrument at the ripe young age of 11. I was only ever a basic level. I feel this video series might take me to the next level. It never leaves ya, but i wanna go further. Thanks for these instructions
I'm living in Japan and I'm in a taiko group at the moment. I got a bodhrán shipped to me from Galway and planning to teach myself. Very different feeling! Thank you for the vid!
have a bodhran in my house my entire life, never knew the name of it. saw it yesterday after a few years. decide to look it up and play it. it's been a random object that i barely paid any mind too other than picking it up and playing with it for a few seconds before putting it down for my entire life but now it's gonna become something i can actually play. i've been trying and failing to learn insturments but i'm determined to learn this one! wish me luck!
Wow Ruairi this is really great. I've been playing since about September 2019 and have been surfing the vids and yours are wonderful on so many levels. First the quality of the video and lighting is first class. Second the audio is great with your voice on the lav and the drum on a second mic. These are details that so many instructors don't get or don't know how to get. BUT most of all you are teaching at the same level as what you are teaching. In other words for a beginner like me to understand what you are teaching you are not making any assumptions about me and overplaying the lesson. Many teachers out there seem to want the student to "get it" right away and then show off with impressive rolls and triplets that are not part of the lesson. I've been playing sax and flute my whole life and wanted to learn something new that I can use to sit in with folks and the bodhran is giving me that. I look forward to more of your videos.
Thats really kind of you to take the time to write Graham, and it means a lot. I' m really delighted you have got something from the videos, and I'm planning to make several more in this series. Feel free to let me know what you think of the other videos, and if you have an specific requests for subjects for me to cover. Best wishes for your bodhrán playing, Ruairi
Thank you for this amazing video! 🙏🏻 I just bought an 18 inch Bodhran and I’m so excited to start playing! I love your straight forward teaching style. It’s very easy for a beginner like me.
Thank You for such a great intro to this instrument, as a Drummer, I’ve seen many bands recently & when we went to Ireland for our first overseas trip in 2005, I was always intrigued by the sound, so I just bought one, I have the tipper & my Bodhran is coming today🙌🏻🥁 I’m anxious to play this instrument, I recently saw Eileen & The Brigideens at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in Goshen CT USA and was so impressed with the Bodhran player, I decided to buy one. Plus my wife is Irish☺️ & one of her Cousins plays fiddle, so I’m going to learn to play and jam with him.
Ok, I really want to learn this so I can introduce it with my singing with the worship group at my church. Don’t worry, I won’t be trying anything public for a long time 😂, but just contacted my dad for his Bodhran as it’s been sitting waiting for one of us to use it for decades!
Great fun and instruction this! Thank you for starting with picking the right chair!!! I loved the pub energy of this lesson and opening video. I approached this with true passion and enjoyed an unfiltered cider during the lesson. On to the next lesson : )
This is terrifically helpful. I've just started to learn the bodhran and played this video a few times. Each time I can hear myself produce a cleaner and more confident sound. Thank you so much!
Thank you for being a such a good teacher on this subject. Tonight my 11 yr old daughter found a mention of a song in her schoolwork, looked up more on the subject, started playing videos and singing to Sea Shanties and Irish Jigs. Then we found your channel. I am pretty sure we have a Native drum, and not a Bodhran, but between that and a wooden chopstick, my daughter has picked up on using it as a bodhran, and learned something new due to your generosity of posting these videos. Thank you so very much from Oregon.
I'm an Austrian in love with Irish music. I've been thinking about buying a bodhran but haven't, so far, because I didn't know where I'd find a teacher. I think that with your tutorials I might actually stand a chance of learning the basics even during lockdown.
So glad to hear that your going to learn bodhran during lockdown! Enjoy my videos, and don't hesitate to ask me any questions in the comments. Take care - Ruairi
Thanx so much for such an inspiring video! I am an Australian who has recently discovered I have Irish ancestry, so have decided to get in touch with my roots and learn to play the bodhran during lockdown! I bought one a couple of weeks ago, but it is yet to arrive, so I have made my own tipper and I’m practicing the strokes on my cutting board! Having an absolute ball! :)
about to learn..so watching with interest..I atcualy made my own bodhran drum and a tipper.finished it yesterday..so carnt wait to start.i adore the sound and the rhythm
I recently bought a bodhran from a famous shop (which will remain nameless). It came with "premium lessons" which didn't cover the basics like positioning of the body, seating posture, etc! Your lessons are SO MUCH BETTER!
How clear you make this! I’d love to be able to play the the bodhrán, because I cannot be lugging my double bass everywhere. I feel empowered to try. 🎉
I have to say that this is the right place for everyone who really wants to learn to play the Bodhrán properly. I`ve seen many good tutorials on how to play this interesting instrument but none is so good as yours. Thanks so much for the tutorial.
THANKS HOLY GOD ! MERCI SEIGNEUR ! Finally a tutorial which explain to me How to positioning my bodhran ! I'm a bit chubby and it was very hard to see how to. I'll follow very carefully, Ruairi, very thank you !
I’ve had my bodhran for many years and only been a decoration on the wall ... would love to be able to play properly.... that doesn’t happen without practise.. I know!! Am going to get the metronome app and have a go thank you
My new Bodhran arrived today: this new adventure really starts. I´ve watched a few lessons around you tube: yours are the best I think. I hope to be reeling (no doubt slowly) by next week!
Many many thanks to you Ruairi. I have an 18" bodhran but I have only just retired so I am going to spend some time learning to play. I have been playing classical piano for over 60 years somy timing won't bea problem, just my suppleness in the wrist. It is people like you that give everybody else the push needed to learn an instrument like this because there isn't a teacher for instruments like this on every street corner, is there? How could anyone learn if it wasn't for people like you that gives up their time for everyone. I can't thank you enough for what you do. May thanks.
Ten minutes in, brilliant, saving it to come back to. Planning to buy a bodhran for myself soon, and I’m going to end up teaching myself. Thanks for the excellent beginner video!
Just got a Bodhran for my birthday, (my husband is the musician in our house) knowing that I love drums he got this for me so I could play with him and his latest obsession, the banjo. Not exactly Celtic, I know, but I’m determined to learn how to play my beautiful drum anyway and we’ll see what happens. I looked at a lot of teachers on Utube but your videos seem to be the most beginner friendly, and I love your enthusiasm , your genuine and friendly personality and you natural teaching abilities. Love how you take ever😊thing step by step but still give us a taste of things to come or what to aspire to. It’s so much fun to work towards a goal, not just drone on …just one question…if I may? Trying to put together a practice schedule as a beginner. How long should I practice each step and what is a good beat sequence for the metronome? Thanks for any help!!
Thank you so much for this tutorial! you explained everything in a very clear, fun and dynamic way, I was playing along after a few goes. I play tin whistle and piano, but I've wanted to learn the Bodhrán for years. I was lucky enough to receive one for Christmas so I can't wait to learn how to play it. Thank you so much!
This is a great lesson, very understandable and covering every little step. Your cheerful and positive attitude surely make you a great teacher, I can only envy the attendants of your face to face students:)!
Singing with the local (Melbourne OZ), I'm looking forward to learning to play bodhran with your excellent videos so I'm not just sitting there while the clever musicians do their melodies! Love your teaching style and patient explanations
Hi Ruairi, Thanks for your excellent videos. We bought a bodhran nearly 29 years ago on our honeymoon in Ireland. It split some years back, so just recently I bought a skin and reskinned it (that was fun! :-) ). My wife then said, 'you'd better learn to play it now'. So here I am, having a go. I play guitar and know the only way to learn is practice, practice, practice. Malc (Margate, England)
Fantastic stuff Malc! Delighted to read this! I have a stack of tutorials here on TH-cam which hopefully help you on your journey with this wonderful instrument. Practice, little and often, and don't forget to enjoy the journey too :) Ruairi
Nicely done and most appreciated. Just bought our first Bodhran and will follow you to learn from .Not all are good teachers ......you are one of the best. It's an art, thank you.
Before I make my comment, can I just confirm that the profile photo IS NOT me 😂😂First of all, Ruairi, can I say that both your video and your teaching method are brilliant 👏 My wife and I love Ireland, and when we were last there before lockdown, I just had to buy a Bodhran. I have to be honest and say that I never did anything with it until a few days ago, when I made a belated New Years Resolution to pick it up and learn to plat it a little. I've looked at a few Bodhran 'tuition' videos on TH-cam, but yours stands out by far, and I think that I can stick with you on my journey. I also just wanted to say how inspired I was by the comment made by Melody McKay Burton, and the numerous replies to her comment. I, too, hope that Melody kept on with the Bodhran and has had much pleasure from playing it. Me? Well, I'm 74 this year 🤫
What a great lesson! You are so patient, and you explain everything with precision. Use of metronome, building up speed, and demonstrating was wonderful. I was a band and choir director for 35 years, but never learned specific folk instruments in college. Now that I am only a church choir director, some of our hymns have a CELTIC Feel, and I want to learn how to embrace and add that cultural sound to our music too. Lesson 1 was awesome. Looking forward to learning more!!! Thank you!! 😀
Brillant lesson mate, very complete and straight to the point. I just ordered a Bodhrán yesterday and I cannot wait for it to arrive and start playing it. Greetings from Mexico!
Ruairi, Just started learning to play the Bodhran from your videos. Excellent info and teaching style. Keep up the great work. I've been a drummer/percussionist since I was 6. I'm now pushing 70. As a younger guy I thought about a professional career in music like my dad (and sister) but went a different direction in life and have kept drums as an avocation rather than vocation. I play most traditional percussion instruments and kick a big band on my drum kit but NEVER really learned any hand drums and although I'm of Irish ancestry wasn't even sure how to pronounce, let alone play, Bodhran. My wife is of Scottish ancestry and has been playing flute, whistle, and piano with groups through the Celtic Arts Foundation in Mt Vernon, WA USA for a couple years. She gave me a Bodhran for my birthday this year and I'm attempting to get enough chops to join in on some of the jam sessions at the CAF. In fact, I'm going to give it a try in today's live session. I'll be taking all your available TH-cam classes and intend to find out how to take your formal on-line lesson/class series. Cheers!
Thanks for this, really helpful. I’ve decided to take up the Bodhran as a new hobby and I’ve signed up with the online academy, so this is a great support lesson for extra practice. I’ve got quite a large drum (I’ve had in my loft for years) and I did find when holding it that the sound seemed to ring a lot. But, from holding it under my arm and having a tighter hold it doesn’t vibrate as much. It’s also made it easier to using the tipper and get the sound I’m wanting. Because I am musical (piano and vocal), I find this helps a lot with understanding the basic foundations of music when applying to other instruments.
just picked a bodhran last week and your videos help tremendously in starting this new beautiful instrument! thank you very much for your time and effort in making those vids!
You are one outstanding instructor! I salute you! I can't wait for my drum to arrive in the mail! May the Good God Bless you! Former Lieutenant Commander John Sullivan,USNR.
Thanks for this tutorial Ruairi! I love the sound of the bodhrán! I don't own one myself but I truly love it. Thanks so much for telling us more about how to play this lovely instrument.
I’ve always wanted to play an instrument & loved the sound of the bodhran. I bought myself one for Christmas & pulled it out eager to play. Realizing a needed some lessons, I checked out a couple of TH-cam videos. But I’m so glad I found yours. Your instructions really helped me understand how to hold the tipper & the bodhran so I had success in drumming & actually striking beats! I’ve a long way to go, but now I’m looking forward to playing!
Lovely to read your comment Monica, and delighted to hear you got a drum for Christmas! What a great way to start the New Year! Enjoy your journey learning this wonderful instrument, and hopefully my tutorials here on TH-cam are a good help. Ruairi
Fabulous tutorial. I've recently made a drum that is just like this. I've been drawn to playing it like this rather than banging with a big stick..im gonna try and make a reed stick and practice this. Thanks.
I purchased a Bodhran from McNeela’s 18” tunable, and it will hopefully get to me in 7-10 days or so. Until then I plan to watch your videos and learn a bit of the techniques and tips to get started. Still HIGH off attending a Celtic Woman concert and the idea of getting to learn/play the Bodhran drum that is so instrumental to Ireland and the culture, is a great feeling and journey I’m eager to jump on. Thank you for this video, and hope I can reach out for any questions. You seem to know a lot and as you mentioned are experienced from a young age. I’m 30 so hoping its not too late to get going at this point in life 😅. Cheers man.
I just happened upon this video. You’re a wonderful teacher. Your instructions are easy to follow. I just subscribed. Thank you for sharing your gift and knowledge.
I also have had a bodhran in my closet for some time now and am using this quarantine period to get creative and learn how to play it. I'm super excited to see how it goes! Your video is the first I've watched actually. I definitely connected with your style and will be watching more. Thank you!
Diolch just bought my new Bodhran 16" using the hot rod tipper , found this lesson really helpful . I play the Cymru drum so I will see how I get on with your instruction. Diolch yn Fawr Iawn
hello R, its important to explain the position of the palm of your hand on the inside flat of the drum even in the beggining lessons, getting the feel of control on the snare and base if you like. thanks again for teaching this wonderful Irish instrument to the world!
Finally, someone I can learn from! I've tried sooooo many tutorials and sucked. Then followed this one and I've got it! The grip of the tipper really messed me up because I just wanted to use my finger movement and not the wrist. Thank you!
@@bodhran I will, I honestly hate the tipper I have, it feels weird and stiff. I'm going to look for one with the strands, but not sure Ill find one here in the US. Might have to get my mum to send me one. Or buy one when I go home and visit.
Super excited to learn the bodhran! Your tutorial is excellent. I might suggest you tell beginners that putting some tape (like athletic tape or the tape used on tennis racket handles) on the tipper. Most basic tippers are pretty slick in the hand when first using it. I found the tape made a big difference, even in just practicing the basics as you show in this beginner video. Can't wait to feel comfortable enough to move to #2!
Thanks so much for checking out this video - I hope you enjoyed! You might be interested online course How to Play Bodhrán : Begin Your Journey which includes over 4 hours of video content in 42 videos, specially recorded practice tracks and much more! Check it out at the link below->
bodhran.teachable.com/p/how-to-play-bodhran
Hi Ruairi, i've just stumbled across your videos, you make playing the bodhran look so enjoyable, i want to get one. But i live in Cyprus so will probably have to buy one on line, have you any suggestions for an absolute beginner please?
With your assumed permission I took the liberty of posting your first video and recommending you series to my followers. Thank you in advance!
Hi Ruairu, I'm just starting out with playing the Bodhran. I have a condition with my left hand that prevents me from straightening my fingers and I wear a wrist brace. Do you have any tips for how I can adjust my technique?
Thanks.
Thanks so much for the video. I’m a 72-year old widow currently in lockdown for 12 weeks in the UK. While tidying my garden shed last week I came across my husband’s old bodhran, which I had planned to give away. I thought I’d bang it during the Thursday night tribute to the NHS, then decided I’d try to learn to play it a bit while I’m stuck indoors. I don’t suppose I’ll be a fast learner at my age but I’m going to give it a go. I think my husband would approve but he’s probably having a laugh somewhere at my efforts so far.
Thats so lovely to hear Melody, and I hope your doing ok through this particularly difficult period. Keep going with the bodhrán and let me know if I can do anything to help you out. All the very best to you and happy drumming! Ruairi
This makes my heart happy! I'm glad your husband reminded you of the music within you! Blessings to you, Melody!
You sound like a thoroughly wonderful woman Melody. Your optimism, creativity and grit are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your lovely story, the very best to you love.
Hi! I am 62 yrs and am teaching myself to play ukulele. I like folk music instruments and am now trying to decide between bodrahn or frame drum. I have arthritis in my right large thumb joint and am wondering if one or the other would be better. Any thought? I also have Irish whistles and dulcimer. 😅
Melody McKay Burton You are such an inspiration to me. I hope it’s going well.
Thanks for the tutorial! I didn't have a bodhran or tipper, so I used a computer case and a wooden salad fork. This is really fun!
Great stuff Grace! Don’t let it stop you - pizza boxes are great too.. and you get to eat the pizza 😋
@@bodhran greatest tip. Thanks. I'm off to buy a pizza now
@@bushcat274 what?
🤣🙊
👍
ive had my dad's old bodhran for years. thank u for teaching me how to finally use it
Fantastic!
Have had music teacher this good at breaking things down in years. Thank you for making this video.
Great lesson! Followed it on a cardboard box, with a thick pen for a tipper. Halfway through and I can make it sound like something distantly resembling stuff I've heard played on a bodhrán hahaha. Made my day.
I just saw you on TV. And yesterday,as I helped clear out my husband`s house,my eyes alighted upon his bodhran.He bought it when we shared our lives on a narrow boat for many years,I always "wanted a go" but he was funny about it. |Now, no one really knows how strange it is that I finally have it in my hands and can play with it, that I possess it.I am making tentative steps with your help.Like a previous comment,I ,like she,am picking up her husband`s instrument,so there is grief involved. But also a new start,so thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing this Suzanne, and wishing you all the very best with your bodhrán - keep going! Ruairi
Hi, I'm Brazilian and honestly I love the sound of the Bodhrán, I've been listening to a lot of songs with this instrument for a couple of years... I don't know maybe I was just born in the wrong country 😅❤
Don't worry, I'm an American and i've been having a ton of fun listening to and learning Brazilian instruments. Ter a mente aberta e sempre bom!
me too
Music is universal and has no borders
Amazing video series!! I first learned to play this beautiful instrument at the ripe young age of 11. I was only ever a basic level. I feel this video series might take me to the next level. It never leaves ya, but i wanna go further. Thanks for these instructions
Cheers boss. Great video. Drummer here who plays a bit of bodhrán. Very helpful stuff.
I’m an American with Irish ancestry looking to pick up this beautiful instrument. These lessons will help me.
Glad to hear it!
Just got my first bodhran and this is the first tutorial I’ve looked at. Very accessible and built my confidence to move on to no. 2!
Fun to listen how the compressor works when you are playing and talking at the same time :) Nice lesson! Thanks from Barcelona
I'm living in Japan and I'm in a taiko group at the moment. I got a bodhrán shipped to me from Galway and planning to teach myself. Very different feeling! Thank you for the vid!
Awesome stuff Amy! Thats so cool that your doing Taiko too - take care and have fun! R
have a bodhran in my house my entire life, never knew the name of it. saw it yesterday after a few years. decide to look it up and play it. it's been a random object that i barely paid any mind too other than picking it up and playing with it for a few seconds before putting it down for my entire life but now it's gonna become something i can actually play. i've been trying and failing to learn insturments but i'm determined to learn this one! wish me luck!
Keep going!
Very helpful knowing how to hold the drum, helps with knowing how it should sound.
Wow Ruairi this is really great. I've been playing since about September 2019 and have been surfing the vids and yours are wonderful on so many levels. First the quality of the video and lighting is first class. Second the audio is great with your voice on the lav and the drum on a second mic. These are details that so many instructors don't get or don't know how to get. BUT most of all you are teaching at the same level as what you are teaching. In other words for a beginner like me to understand what you are teaching you are not making any assumptions about me and overplaying the lesson. Many teachers out there seem to want the student to "get it" right away and then show off with impressive rolls and triplets that are not part of the lesson. I've been playing sax and flute my whole life and wanted to learn something new that I can use to sit in with folks and the bodhran is giving me that. I look forward to more of your videos.
Thats really kind of you to take the time to write Graham, and it means a lot. I' m really delighted you have got something from the videos, and I'm planning to make several more in this series. Feel free to let me know what you think of the other videos, and if you have an specific requests for subjects for me to cover. Best wishes for your bodhrán playing, Ruairi
Thank you for this amazing video! 🙏🏻 I just bought an 18 inch Bodhran and I’m so excited to start playing! I love your straight forward teaching style. It’s very easy for a beginner like me.
Thank You for such a great intro to this instrument, as a Drummer, I’ve seen many bands recently & when we went to Ireland for our first overseas trip in 2005, I was always intrigued by the sound, so I just bought one, I have the tipper & my Bodhran is coming today🙌🏻🥁 I’m anxious to play this instrument, I recently saw Eileen & The Brigideens at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival in Goshen CT USA and was so impressed with the Bodhran player, I decided to buy one. Plus my wife is Irish☺️ & one of her Cousins plays fiddle, so I’m going to learn to play and jam with him.
@@robertbelanger6733 have fun and enjoy the journey!
Ok, I really want to learn this so I can introduce it with my singing with the worship group at my church. Don’t worry, I won’t be trying anything public for a long time 😂, but just contacted my dad for his Bodhran as it’s been sitting waiting for one of us to use it for decades!
What an excellent lesson! You’re a great and engaging teacher and I’m looking forward to watching more of your videos.
Great fun and instruction this! Thank you for starting with picking the right chair!!! I loved the pub energy of this lesson and opening video. I approached this with true passion and enjoyed an unfiltered cider during the lesson. On to the next lesson : )
Thank you for posting this series! I just got my first bodhrán from McNeela yesterday. I'm looking forward to learning more from you :)
This is terrifically helpful. I've just started to learn the bodhran and played this video a few times. Each time I can hear myself produce a cleaner and more confident sound. Thank you so much!
Wonderful stuff! Keep going Jaedan 🙌
Thinking of trying the Bodhran, I’m a drummer and play traditional grip, love the Irish music and love the sound of the Bodhran.🤘🏻🥁
Thank you for being a such a good teacher on this subject. Tonight my 11 yr old daughter found a mention of a song in her schoolwork, looked up more on the subject, started playing videos and singing to Sea Shanties and Irish Jigs. Then we found your channel. I am pretty sure we have a Native drum, and not a Bodhran, but between that and a wooden chopstick, my daughter has picked up on using it as a bodhran, and learned something new due to your generosity of posting these videos. Thank you so very much from Oregon.
Thanks so much! Used to play samba but moved to a Scottish village so I need to know how to percuss locally 😅
Thanks a million for that. My bodhrán career has officially started. Great lesson.
Well you got a perfect name for a bodhran player, ha!
I'm an Austrian in love with Irish music. I've been thinking about buying a bodhran but haven't, so far, because I didn't know where I'd find a teacher. I think that with your tutorials I might actually stand a chance of learning the basics even during lockdown.
So glad to hear that your going to learn bodhran during lockdown! Enjoy my videos, and don't hesitate to ask me any questions in the comments. Take care - Ruairi
Bought a Bodhrán at the renaissance festival and I’m excited to play it.
Thanx so much for such an inspiring video! I am an Australian who has recently discovered I have Irish ancestry, so have decided to get in touch with my roots and learn to play the bodhran during lockdown! I bought one a couple of weeks ago, but it is yet to arrive, so I have made my own tipper and I’m practicing the strokes on my cutting board! Having an absolute ball! :)
Wonderful - that is serious commitment! Have fun learning bodhrán, and I hope that the videos are a good help! All the best, Ruairi
Just found these videos. I "inherited" a bodhran a few years ago and am looking forward to playing
have fun!
day 1 lesson 1 , metronome , basic playing stroke ,gather round children and away we go . they say simple is best , this may become my anthem rhythm
What a great teacher
Thats kind of you to say!
about to learn..so watching with interest..I atcualy made my own bodhran drum and a tipper.finished it yesterday..so carnt wait to start.i adore the sound and the rhythm
fantastic! Enjoy the journey ✨
I recently bought a bodhran from a famous shop (which will remain nameless). It came with "premium lessons" which didn't cover the basics like positioning of the body, seating posture, etc! Your lessons are SO MUCH BETTER!
This was such a big help I've had a class before but I had forgotten alot and I'm starting lessons soon so I'm so glad I could practice thanks!!
Just got gifted my first Bodhrán. I also just finished this video here and I'm so grateful that I'm able to learn from you
I just received my bodhran today and am so happy I found you! Subscribed
Thank you! Great place to start and so clear to follow.
i had one 10 years ago and i got a 16 inch from ireland today could play it use it for african drumming, worked very well..
Very good intro. Thanks Ruairi!
I just ordered a Bodhran and got it overnight - - - Now the work begins. So glad You are there to get Me started. ☘️ 🍀
I got pretty good with it about 5 years ago. Then set it aside, So I’m using your tutorial to “relearn”, thanks.
OMG - getting back to playing after many years, and I see you have the same drum as one of mine! COOL!!!
This is the best tutorial. He's very enjoyable to watch, I wouldn't mind being one of his students. I could learn a lot 🥰
How clear you make this! I’d love to be able to play the the bodhrán, because I cannot be lugging my double bass everywhere. I feel empowered to try. 🎉
Go for it!
I have to say that this is the right place for everyone who really wants to learn to play the Bodhrán properly. I`ve seen many good tutorials on how to play this interesting instrument but none is so good as yours. Thanks so much for the tutorial.
Thanks for the kind words Eusebio - really glad you find the tutorials helpful 🙌🙏
THANKS HOLY GOD !
MERCI SEIGNEUR !
Finally a tutorial which explain to me How to positioning my bodhran !
I'm a bit chubby and it was very hard to see how to.
I'll follow very carefully, Ruairi, very thank you !
I’ve had my bodhran for many years and only been a decoration on the wall ... would love to be able to play properly.... that doesn’t happen without practise.. I know!! Am going to get the metronome app and have a go thank you
You can do it Sue! Have fun with the bodhrán and I hope my tutorials are a good help for you on your journey with this instrument
My new Bodhran arrived today: this new adventure really starts. I´ve watched a few lessons around you tube: yours are the best I think. I hope to be reeling (no doubt slowly) by next week!
Many many thanks to you Ruairi. I have an 18" bodhran but I have only just retired so I am going to spend some time learning to play. I have been playing classical piano for over 60 years somy timing won't bea problem, just my suppleness in the wrist.
It is people like you that give everybody else the push needed to learn an instrument like this because there isn't a teacher for instruments like this on every street corner, is there? How could anyone learn if it wasn't for people like you that gives up their time for everyone. I can't thank you enough for what you do.
May thanks.
Delighted to be of service! Glad the tutorials are helping people out, and thanks for the kind words.
Ten minutes in, brilliant, saving it to come back to. Planning to buy a bodhran for myself soon, and I’m going to end up teaching myself. Thanks for the excellent beginner video!
Thx Ruairi, definitely my course for the coming week and months.
Thank you so much!!!
Congratulations. I really like your work. I am writing to you from Spain. Thank you.
I really appreciate these video lessons, they're really helpful, you break it down brilliant with a great teaching style, thankyou.
Just got a Bodhran for my birthday, (my husband is the musician in our house) knowing that I love drums he got this for me so I could play with him and his latest obsession, the banjo. Not exactly Celtic, I know, but I’m determined to learn how to play my beautiful drum anyway and we’ll see what happens. I looked at a lot of teachers on Utube but your videos seem to be the most beginner friendly, and I love your enthusiasm , your genuine and friendly personality and you natural teaching abilities. Love how you take ever😊thing step by step but still give us a taste of things to come or what to aspire to. It’s so much fun to work towards a goal, not just drone on …just one question…if I may? Trying to put together a practice schedule as a beginner. How long should I practice each step and what is a good beat sequence for the metronome? Thanks for any help!!
Wonderful tutorial, Ruari! Clear and easy to follow. You had me playing along by the end. I'm looking forward to learning more. Thank you so much.
Fantastic! Glad it was helpful
Thank you so much for this tutorial! you explained everything in a very clear, fun and dynamic way, I was playing along after a few goes. I play tin whistle and piano, but I've wanted to learn the Bodhrán for years. I was lucky enough to receive one for Christmas so I can't wait to learn how to play it. Thank you so much!
Ok! Let's go from France! During the confinement... c'est parti mon kiki !
Merci Chloé!!! Delighted to hear the videos have made it to France :)
This is a great lesson, very understandable and covering every little step. Your cheerful and positive attitude surely make you a great teacher, I can only envy the attendants of your face to face students:)!
Thanks so much Petr for your kind words. Fingers crossed we can get back to face to face teaching in 2021.. happy practicing and take care- Ruairi
Singing with the local (Melbourne OZ), I'm looking forward to learning to play bodhran with your excellent videos so I'm not just sitting there while the clever musicians do their melodies! Love your teaching style and patient explanations
Hi Ruairi,
Thanks for your excellent videos. We bought a bodhran nearly 29 years ago on our honeymoon in Ireland. It split some years back, so just recently I bought a skin and reskinned it (that was fun! :-) ). My wife then said, 'you'd better learn to play it now'. So here I am, having a go. I play guitar and know the only way to learn is practice, practice, practice.
Malc (Margate, England)
Fantastic stuff Malc! Delighted to read this! I have a stack of tutorials here on TH-cam which hopefully help you on your journey with this wonderful instrument. Practice, little and often, and don't forget to enjoy the journey too :)
Ruairi
Had my first look at one of these last night, no idea how to play it! Great vid, I'll certainly remember this!
Nicely done and most appreciated. Just bought our first Bodhran and will follow you to learn from .Not all are good teachers ......you are one of the best. It's an art, thank you.
Thanks for the kind words Angel 🙌
Thank you, I’ll try
Before I make my comment, can I just confirm that the profile photo IS NOT me 😂😂First of all, Ruairi, can I say that both your video and your teaching method are brilliant 👏 My wife and I love Ireland, and when we were last there before lockdown, I just had to buy a Bodhran. I have to be honest and say that I never did anything with it until a few days ago, when I made a belated New Years Resolution to pick it up and learn to plat it a little. I've looked at a few Bodhran 'tuition' videos on TH-cam, but yours stands out by far, and I think that I can stick with you on my journey. I also just wanted to say how inspired I was by the comment made by Melody McKay Burton, and the numerous replies to her comment. I, too, hope that Melody kept on with the Bodhran and has had much pleasure from playing it. Me? Well, I'm 74 this year 🤫
Wonderful! So happy to read this, keep practicing and have fun! All the very best, Ruairi
I really want to give this instrument a go. I think it might be a christmas present to myself
maybe even an early Christmas prezzie?!
@@bodhran We close on our new home in 2 weeks. I don't think an early present is in my future haha
What a great lesson! You are so patient, and you explain everything with precision. Use of metronome, building up speed, and demonstrating was wonderful. I was a band and choir director
for 35 years, but never learned specific folk instruments in college. Now that I am only
a church choir director, some of our hymns have a CELTIC Feel, and I want to learn how to embrace and add that cultural sound to our music too. Lesson 1 was awesome. Looking forward to learning more!!! Thank you!! 😀
Brillant lesson mate, very complete and straight to the point. I just ordered a Bodhrán yesterday and I cannot wait for it to arrive and start playing it. Greetings from Mexico!
Awesome Diego! Have fun!
Great start. Thanks you 😊
I just received my Bodhran and I can’t wait to start playing!
Awesome news! I hope my tutorial videos are a help :) have fun Kiara!
Ruairi, Just started learning to play the Bodhran from your videos. Excellent info and teaching style. Keep up the great work.
I've been a drummer/percussionist since I was 6. I'm now pushing 70. As a younger guy I thought about a professional career in music like my dad (and sister) but went a different direction in life and have kept drums as an avocation rather than vocation. I play most traditional percussion instruments and kick a big band on my drum kit but NEVER really learned any hand drums and although I'm of Irish ancestry wasn't even sure how to pronounce, let alone play, Bodhran. My wife is of Scottish ancestry and has been playing flute, whistle, and piano with groups through the Celtic Arts Foundation in Mt Vernon, WA USA for a couple years. She gave me a Bodhran for my birthday this year and I'm attempting to get enough chops to join in on some of the jam sessions at the CAF. In fact, I'm going to give it a try in today's live session.
I'll be taking all your available TH-cam classes and intend to find out how to take your formal on-line lesson/class series.
Cheers!
Delighted to hear it Bill! Thanks for the kind words and wishing you many happy hours with your Bodhrán.
Thanks for this, really helpful. I’ve decided to take up the Bodhran as a new hobby and I’ve signed up with the online academy, so this is a great support lesson for extra practice. I’ve got quite a large drum (I’ve had in my loft for years) and I did find when holding it that the sound seemed to ring a lot. But, from holding it under my arm and having a tighter hold it doesn’t vibrate as much. It’s also made it easier to using the tipper and get the sound I’m wanting. Because I am musical (piano and vocal), I find this helps a lot with understanding the basic foundations of music when applying to other instruments.
Excellent. Just got myself a bodhran after years of yearning! This is the best tutorial I’ve found so I’ll be sticking with you. Thanks.
Enjoy the journey! 🌟
I certainly will. But my wife might leave. Ah well.
just picked a bodhran last week and your videos help tremendously in starting this new beautiful instrument! thank you very much for your time and effort in making those vids!
Great to hear! Keep going :)
Just did my first session and already feel more familiar with it and it's starting to feel quite natural
You are one outstanding instructor! I salute you! I can't wait for my drum to arrive in the mail! May the Good God Bless you! Former Lieutenant Commander John Sullivan,USNR.
Thanks for this tutorial Ruairi! I love the sound of the bodhrán! I don't own one myself but I truly love it. Thanks so much for telling us more about how to play this lovely instrument.
I’ve always wanted to play an instrument & loved the sound of the bodhran. I bought myself one for Christmas & pulled it out eager to play. Realizing a needed some lessons, I checked out a couple of TH-cam videos. But I’m so glad I found yours. Your instructions really helped me understand how to hold the tipper & the bodhran so I had success in drumming & actually striking beats! I’ve a long way to go, but now I’m looking forward to playing!
Lovely to read your comment Monica, and delighted to hear you got a drum for Christmas! What a great way to start the New Year! Enjoy your journey learning this wonderful instrument, and hopefully my tutorials here on TH-cam are a good help. Ruairi
Been tempted to get one of these to use in future music compositions. seems fun.
Fabulous tutorial. I've recently made a drum that is just like this. I've been drawn to playing it like this rather than banging with a big stick..im gonna try and make a reed stick and practice this. Thanks.
Wonderfull, thanks. 👌
Dude, thats awesome and I'm inspired to try one, keep up the good work 😃👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thank you so much. Your instructions are clear and straight to the point and that works great with me. Big thumb up👍
Thanks Nicole!
I purchased a Bodhran from McNeela’s 18” tunable, and it will hopefully get to me in 7-10 days or so. Until then I plan to watch your videos and learn a bit of the techniques and tips to get started. Still HIGH off attending a Celtic Woman concert and the idea of getting to learn/play the Bodhran drum that is so instrumental to Ireland and the culture, is a great feeling and journey I’m eager to jump on. Thank you for this video, and hope I can reach out for any questions. You seem to know a lot and as you mentioned are experienced from a young age. I’m 30 so hoping its not too late to get going at this point in life 😅. Cheers man.
What a great intro! I was given a bodhran for Christmas, but had no idea what to do with it. This gives me a great start and eager to learn more!
I just happened upon this video. You’re a wonderful teacher. Your instructions are easy to follow. I just subscribed. Thank you for sharing your gift and knowledge.
Awesome! Thank you!
I also have had a bodhran in my closet for some time now and am using this quarantine period to get creative and learn how to play it. I'm super excited to see how it goes! Your video is the first I've watched actually. I definitely connected with your style and will be watching more. Thank you!
Wonderful to hear that Tara- delighted the videos are a help, and happy practicing :-) take care and thanks for the lovely comment- Ruairi
So well explained, love your tutorials, just sent for my very first Bodhran, cant wait to start learning thank you
Diolch just bought my new Bodhran 16" using the hot rod tipper , found this lesson really helpful . I play the Cymru drum so I will see how I get on with your instruction. Diolch yn Fawr Iawn
hello R, its important to explain the position of the palm of your hand on the inside flat of the drum even in the beggining lessons, getting the feel of control on the snare and base if you like. thanks again for teaching this wonderful Irish instrument to the world!
Thank you so much for making this! This has been the easiest video for me to follow and I can’t wait to keep practicing!
Delighted to be a help :) take care and happy practicing ! Ruairi
BRILLIANT. Cheers
Had put my bodhran aside, but it's a perfect lockdown instrument..thanks for starting slow,and the posture emphasis
Your very welcome Carol!
Finally, someone I can learn from! I've tried sooooo many tutorials and sucked. Then followed this one and I've got it! The grip of the tipper really messed me up because I just wanted to use my finger movement and not the wrist. Thank you!
Delighted to read this and I'm happy to be of help! Keep going! This is only the beggining :)
@@bodhran I will, I honestly hate the tipper I have, it feels weird and stiff. I'm going to look for one with the strands, but not sure Ill find one here in the US. Might have to get my mum to send me one. Or buy one when I go home and visit.
no other words comming to me but brilliant cheers from France see you soon and god bless you all
Thanks for the kind words Max!
Great tutorial, thanks a million!
Glad it was helpful!
Super excited to learn the bodhran! Your tutorial is excellent. I might suggest you tell beginners that putting some tape (like athletic tape or the tape used on tennis racket handles) on the tipper. Most basic tippers are pretty slick in the hand when first using it. I found the tape made a big difference, even in just practicing the basics as you show in this beginner video. Can't wait to feel comfortable enough to move to #2!