HI Nicolle! I have a background in drumming, and have loved Irish/Scottish/Celtic folk music for many years. Naturally, the bodhran really speaks to me, especially with a Scotch/Irish background. So, at the ripe old age of 54, I've taken up playing it. As others have mentioned, your instructional videos are fantastic, and a great help to all of us who have chosen to attempt to play this wonderful instrument. Your enthusiasm is infectious, and you are a very kind and patient teacher. I've found some music in my own library that I am going to attempt to play along with, and I very much appreciate the material you have provided here. Any other suggestions on your part for music to play along to would be a great help. Thank you so much for the time and effort you've put forth to make playing the bodhran a reality for us who desire to play it. Slainte!
I see what youre saying, like the first tune had a sort of Allman Bros. "In Memory of Elizibeth Reed" feel to it where you matched the pipes accents in the breakdown or in the second tune where you started to heavily accent the 'and' of the 1 and a lighter accent on the 3 other up beats before bringing it all down and steady during the breakdown before bringing it all up again for the last verse to set up the outro.
Hi Nicolle! What a wonderful inspiration you have been for me learning the Bodhran! Thank you very very much for all your wisdom and lessons! I appreciate you embodying the love of playing this instrument, you help me smile when I get frustrated on my triplets! Hope to one day play as good as you! Sending love from Switzerland!
The first basic lesson to learn is "Grow a Thick Skin" meaning when you show up for a session/jam be prepared for all the other musicians to roll their eyes with an "oh crap, a bodhran player!" looks on their faces. So, you better know your chops!
