Dear Michelle, I got fascinated by the bodhran over the past two weeks. And yesterday I visited Brendan White to get one of his bodhrans. Stayed there the whole afternoon, playing, listening and drinking coffee :-). Now it's up to me to practice, practice, practice. Your videos are exactly what I was looking for!! Your videos are very inspiring. Thank you very much.
I bought a bodhran some fifteen years ago starting of with a Steaphan Hannigan tape that got me in the right direction. And now, I'm really glad I found your tutorials. They inspire me to take my drum up again! Thanks a million
Michelle - this is the best! Found your series a month or so ago and it's inspired me to bring my beautiful bodhran down off the shelf and learn to play. I've purchased 2 other series of lessons over the past 2 years and put the drum away in failure and frustration. I've really enjoyed being successful with your lessons - what a joy! Love the way you break everything down and I do really like the repitition in this lesson. Thanks for everything you do!
I started learning 3 hours ago and after figuring out how to hold the Bodhran (it's my dad's and it's huge) I started to learn this jig. I can play it up to 100 prety consistantly. Thanks for posting the video. It has been a huge help.
Hi Michelle. I bought a Bodhran in Ireland a few years ago determined to learn how to play it. However, I had no one to give me instructions and soon got frustrated and stopped. A few days ago, I went to a Celtic Woman Concert and my interest was renewed. I found your videos on RUclips and found the frustration was quickly eroding away and I was playing and sustaining rhythms on the Bodhran. Thanks so much. You explain and demonstrate clearly the various beats making it easy to learn. Go raibh maith agat (Thank you).
A big "Danke schön!" from Germany. I bought my bodhran a few weeks ago. Your jig lesson was my third attempt to play. Thanks to this video I feel I am an important step further.
Hi from Cornwall, Michelle. Been playing for about 18months, on and off, and I picked up the basics quite quickly, but your videos have really moved me along; I love their comprehensiveness and the repetition, but mainly, you make it so much fun! So thank you so much! Kev
thank you so much for putting your time and energy into making these videos. I played basic bodhran in school but gave it up. I've had a bodhran hanging on my wall unused for almost 15 years. thanks to you I've begun to breathe (beat) new life into it. again, I'm now able to easily play this beat at 130bpm... A BIG THANK YOU :-)
Fantastic!! you have found the perfect method of teaching basic bodhran, we, me 60 and two kids 11 and 13 have made amazing progress in a week and had a great time doing it. Thank you so much. Terry, Shannon and Kieren.xx
I'm a Maritimer from PEI. My brother is a drummer and of course also talented. Your videos are so clear, what a great idea and NICHE. No wonder people are responding to your vids so well, you're talent and clarity really come thru! Steve (from the Sue and Steve Show)
Hi! I'm a spanish girl and, without knowledge of English i understand your videos. In Spain is very difficult to find bodhran classes. thanks to you I'm getting to learn.
Thank you for all the help. I got my bodhrun 3 days ago and on my first go at this vid i was able to get to 100 with out a mess up. I have been desperately searching youtube to find a person giving lessons and you are the best. I live in west texas where there isnt much culture variation so you are a life line in my drumming life. Thanks once again.
I'm a Scottish musician (keyboard, accordion, piano, and a couple of other little things on the side) and I've fancied getting a bodhran for a while, but never done it. You've convinced me I need one! I'm planning to get one then check back on this channel to get to grips with it! Thanks! :)
wow!! I just started 2 weeks ago on a cheap borrowed drum. After chasing down a number of tutorials, yours helped the most. I just joined a celtic band with a friend. They lost their drummer, and are aware I know nothing. Today I actually managed more than taptaptaptapscrapetapscrape! Thanks.
i had taught myself how to play bodhran, and i've been playing for almost a year now, but after seeing this video i realized my technique was terrible, so i've been having to relearn it correctly and these videos have helped a lot, and i'm proud to say i made it to 130 my first time through :D
tried handling the bodhran with my left first, and got to 110. switched to right, and i was able to get to 130 first time playing bodhran, just got it for father's day. thank you.
I just bought the most beautiful bodhran and can hardly wait to get going. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this video and will return, with my bodhran, to give it a try.
Your lessons are helping me so very much; so thank you for posting them! I'm in a pop/rock band with my sisters, but we've all been trying to get back to our Irish roots (our mother is Irish, from Country Cork) by picking up trad Irish instruments. I play the tin whistle, but always wanted to play the bodhran (my great aunt learned in school in Ireland). So, thanks again for your wonderful posts; they've helped me immensely!
Im such a neophyte it isn't even funny. Little to no musical training and now in my 6th decade, I bought a frame drum so I could just goof around with it. I quickly discovered that it isn't all that different from a bodhran so I tried one of the most basic lessons I could find. To my surprise the technique felt as natural as breathing to me! Not long after, I found your videos, Michelle. I am progressing through them at my own pace, but I do get to practice almost every day during down periods on my job. Today, after several days of practicing this rhythm, I was able to keep up on all but the last two speeds! (I gave those a try, but I think my arm was a little fatigued). I'm also following your Hornpipe video. You have no idea how much these lessons mean to me. I find such peace and satisfaction in "goofing around" with this drum and being able to actually learn real techniques is such fun! You are a terrific teacher. I like the amount of repetition you put in....it seems just right; enough to get the hang of what you teach but not enough to get boring. We are attending a Highland Games event this year and I cant wait to see some live bodhran players, study their techniques and maybe chat with them. Also, am hoping next year to get a proper bodhran and maybe become a member of your Platinum Class of 2018, Thanks for helping to keep my brain cells young!!!
Extremely helpful! I have just picked up the bodhran after trying the pipes and mandolin and have had mine for about a month and all your videos are very helpful and informative. thank you so much for all your hard work!
Perhaps it was my other tipper - but playing was a bit of a chore - bought a new one, tuned in, and got 120...130 started to lose me once it was filled in. This is BY FAR the best tutorial I've fou
I can't believe how quickly I'm improving with your simple and excellent instruction! Thank you! I was struggling to go from 80-100 weeks ago, and now I'm scraping along with loose grip and holding my breath (!) at 130! I'm sure that soon 130 will start feeling easier! Ann
I've been really playing for a couple of weeks now, and this is by far, the best tutorial I've found! 120 beats on my first playing, the 130 started to lose me when it was filled in - but I'm determined - I'll get it yet!
Hi Michelle It is remarkable just how helpful it is to play along with your video. I've had a bodhran, for a couple of months already, but haven’t previously made enough effort to overcome my initial difficulties. I reached the 130 quite easily today. For the first time, I have reached the conclusion that I will eventually get to play this instrument well. Thank you! I’m getting hooked, and can’t wait to explore your material much further. Paul
Michelle, I appreciated your clear teaching. As a beginner, new cannot have too much repetition. The more advanced can always scrub to the faster speeds! Thanks so much for your help!
I love these tutorials Michelle. I have never really had rhythme until I watched your videos here and started playing the Bohdran for an upcoming Irish Studies program at the University I am attending. They have been key to my learning and understanding of this unique drum and I am just loving it! After one week I have the tempo down for up to 100 beats per minute just by using your tutorials! I one day will be a Master at the Bodhran too! Thanks a ton!
I know this video is like a thousand years old but I just wanted to say I've been watching your videos in order and these two have so far been the most useful to me as a very beginner. I love the repetition, I prefer to have something to follow during my regular practice, so thank you!
I just got a bodhran for my birthday and these videos are excellent! The repetition and the gradual building of the beats is a great way to create and establish muscle memory. Thank you so much for making these great tools available!
Made sense... made my neighbours ( here in the UK they're happier with that spelling ), so freaking happy that the noise has gone down ...that's for sure. Used to own one... it was massive... like 2 feet radius, and whatever I tried was so feckin' loud it was never going to be a favourite. Now I've got a 15" number and it's easier to control the volume. I'll be trying to keep up with your valuable lessons.
Michele, I can't thank you enough for sharing so much of you knowledge! I've been a fan for a year or so, and my bodhran playing has become so very much better...I might go as far as saying it's GOOD! I jammed last night for the first time with a group of very excellent fiddle, banjo, mandolin and guitar players and was rewarded with high praise...and from these pros, it was a great thing to hear! Thanks again for all you do!
I am loving these vids! They are really helping me with my Bodhran. So many who give 'Lessons' are really just 'watch me while I play' videos. You give lessons to all levels of experience without talking down to us beginners. Am already playing along to one of my favorite bands CD and having such a grand time! I love my Bodhran and the more I am learning by these lessons, the more fun I am having. Cannot wait for my trip to Scotland and Ireland next year and hoping to get to play with locals.
Hey there Michelle, iv been Doodling away on my Bodhran for over a year now, but it's just been down up, down up etc and I've still had fun, but now I've come across ur tuition video's it is now added much more dynamic rhythm to my so called doodling, so id just like to thank you for taking the time for posting these video's to help me and all the other Bodhran trainees take our playing to the next level. Your a great teacher and a wonderful Bodhran player too, hope I can sleep now with out hearing down ups in my dreamz. Lol :-) I look forward to going thru all ur videos in the near future. Ur doing a great job so carry on there. Word up "Mick" from the West Coast of Ireland :-)
Just started to play, got up to 90 and lost it. Will try again tomorrow and let you know. Super helpful videos, the repetition is great as well as the progression. Thank you so much, I'm really enjoying myself!
My right hand is slightly weaker due to a problem from how I was born. I could not do a good job on drums of any kind because of this imbalance. The bodhran has freed me up to be as good as I dare to be when I hold the tipper in my left hand...to fit in without compromise or explanation. Anything that helps me as much as your lessons is a real godsend and I'm so glad you posted these.
Hi there! I just purchased my very first bodhran. Handmade in Australia with a kangaroo skin. I knew I would find some good lessons on RUclips, and I was lucky enough to find you on my first night. I will definitely be back for more. I like the repetitions as it gives me time to really feel comfortable with the rhythm. Keep it coming. I have a lot to learn. Thanks. jmag57
I have never played the bodhran before and your lessons are very helpful. The gradual progression is excellent for a beginner and repetition is key to getting things to stick to my brain. please continue to post new combinations.
Your tuition reminds me of the You Tube by Miss Kelli Dance Tap Dance Tuesday *un cut!!! when she does the Rhythm Turn. Miss Kelli reinforces that if you can say it, you can do it. Both Michelle Stewart and Miss Kelli are amazing teachers!!!
Great lesson and structure. I'm a percussionist, and taking Bohdran more seriously to get a solid foundation of the classic rhythms and techniques. So, this is perfect - thank you.
Thanks for keeping me posted on your progress. You guys are doing REALLY well in a very short period of time. See how easy it is to learn something new when it's fun. I think bodhran students make incredible progress like this because practicing is such a blast and before you know it it's 4 hours later. Addictive isn't it? Definitely releases those "feel good" chemicals.
I have been signed up for a few months and at first, I didn't think I could EVER master the Mother of All Jigs-and certainly not at 130bpm. I made a decision to try my best to be a good player instead of a hack one, and I practice like with great passion. I went to a cowboy gathering and a friend of mine had written a fiddle tune (Steel Bonnets by Will Ballantyne-it's on RUclips) and after hearing the song once, I played the Mother of All Jigs with him on stage.
Repeat away. I don't even have my bodhran yet, and this is really helping me. I am traditionally a drummer, but I also play hand percussion (bongo's, bongo cajon, palito and cajon). I will definitely be revisiting all of your videos once my bodhran arrives next week... I am quite excited! :)
Hey cheers for the lessons they are brilliantly executed and so helpfull when beginning the bodhran. Iv been practicising with the last two days and im at 120. Keep them coming
Hi Michelle real thanks for showing how to play the bodhran, i started 3weeks ago and bought a waltons second hand 20 inch bodhran.The sound of this instrument is incredible beautiful and It is amazing how much progress you can make with your classes, advice and demonstrations it is really helpfull.Once i hope to play or jam with other musicmakers. Thanks again!! Erik/Holland.
Thank you Michelle! I'm a complete beginner with some musical and rhythmic background - I got up to 130 bpmafter a couple of practice sessions and started to really enjoy it. Perfect pacing for me. PS love to Perth - my Nanna lived in Abernethy and I miss the beautiful place.
I don't know how to play the bodhran but as a vocalist for a trad band I am needing to fill in some percussion on the jigs and reels and am doing it on the cajon. Rhythm is obviously rhythm no matter the instrument so it's great to hear a good jig rhythm explained slowly and carefully with all the repetition. Thanks! And if I ever DO decide to pick up the bodhran I know where to start!
Really, Really liked the video. Play a lot of jigs with my group-The Potecasi Creek String Band. Ordered my first Bodhran yesterday, can't wait to surprise the gang! Seems to be a very important instrument in Irish music. Thanx!!!!!
Great to play along with you - brings disciplien to practice. And it's good to do "clean" stuff to hammer home the basics - even for us so called experts!
Amazing, I have been practising with a big black marker as a tipper, and my bare hand as a Bodhran, repetition is great, it really focuses your practice.
Thanks for your videos. Your approach is great. What would be appreciated even more, is towards the end of each lesson having a tune to play along with...
your wicked! :D i love you and your lessons! been teaching myself to play from nothing just with your videos and im really enjoying myself thanks so much! had a blast doing the 130 with ya!
This is a great lesson - thanks for all the quality posts. Format is perfect for me as a new player, especially the increasing speeds - it's amazes me to find I am playing at 120bpm!
Yes, Bob. I find guitarists and fiddlers pick up the bodhran very quickly. Thanks so much for your feedback. I find teaching to be very rewarding and all these comments just make me want to record more videos to help fellow bodhran players.
I'm a complete beginner, but find your tutorials great so thank you Michelle. At the moment the most I can reach is 90 beats comfortably, maybe 100 if I'm lucky. But I'm really enjoying it. Sandi O'Regan, hopefully by the time you come to Ireland I'll be more experienced and we can go for trad sessions around Dublin if that's on your itinerary.
Still waiting for my drum. CAnt wait to learn and yours will be the first video I practice with. I love the repetition element. Thank you for sharing it.
picked up the bodhran years ago to play with friends for a St. Patty's party and learned with a little help from Hannigan vid but, mostly from trying to keep up with the guys we became a real band but gave it up for many years now my interest has returned and been scouring the net for more in-depth info. So very glad to have found your vids. You break things down so clearly. Also like how you hold the tipper i playd straight wrist which shocks my thumb and hurts Maybe a vid on stick holding?
Great videos. Just hanging in there at 120 but lost it at 130. All I need is a few more hours practise! Highly recommend these videos for anyone starting off.
Hi Michelle, thanks so much for all the effort you have put in your videos, i haven't gotten my drum yet but i am practicing on a table top (i took the legs off) and an Album cover, lol......bought 4 different tippers today and will try them all out to find a comfortable one. it seems practice is the key! again many thanks
Hi! Just started to learn and I really appreciate your videos. In a few weeks, I'll try to let you know how I'm progressing! (I really need to build up some chops!)
What a wonderful idea. I am trying to learn this instrument and the two lessons that was put up has been very useful. i am not very fast yet and my hand behind the drum ached so had to stop, but i will continue to practice. Please do put more up and maybe differnt rythums if there are more.
As a very new beginner I really appreciate the slow start and building up speed. Thanks! I managed 120 bpm relatively comfortably but dropped out at 130!! Wrist ache, haha! But a great feeling!!
Nice job! I need to keep the rudiments close to mind because I have a tendency to branch out on my own and lose the original rhythms. Thanks for the reminder!
Thank you, this is perfect! I have a few rhythms that I play to random tunes with, mostly faster stuff, but I need more variety in tempo. This is really helpful for that, thanks!
Love yor videos. Especially the repetitions with indrejsen speed. For now mu favorit is this one and the hornpipes rythm A. I alment mange both on the sekund highest tempo. also I startet abort one Monty ago. Some times I praktik rythm sometimes just fall in on a music video. Love that I suddenly catch myself in one of the practised rythms. Thank you so much for your time, effort and a progress that is easy to follow.
I don't play the Bodhran, but stumbled onto this video out of curiousity..NICE :D I think it is helpful, I am learning the fiddle and just to hear the different speeds is good. Someday I will be able to fiddle faster :D
enjoying your videos! and the repetition is very helpful. Without that, sometimes the video can end and I'm left trying to remember what I had just been doing :) repetition reinforces the lesson, it's all good
Loved it, seen other videos, but this one actually gave me something to start with I've just been whacking away before :-) The tempo at 130 was ok, tho I did feel my arm getting tired after a while, and I think I held the tipper too loosely, cause the hand kept sliding towards to drum Thanks for posting this video, I will surely catch your other ones as well :)
Dear Michelle,
I got fascinated by the bodhran over the past two weeks. And yesterday I visited Brendan White to get one of his bodhrans. Stayed there the whole afternoon, playing, listening and drinking coffee :-). Now it's up to me to practice, practice, practice.
Your videos are exactly what I was looking for!! Your videos are very inspiring.
Thank you very much.
I bought a bodhran some fifteen years ago starting of with a Steaphan Hannigan tape that got me in the right direction. And now, I'm really glad I found your tutorials. They inspire me to take my drum up again! Thanks a million
Michelle - this is the best! Found your series a month or so ago and it's inspired me to bring my beautiful bodhran down off the shelf and learn to play. I've purchased 2 other series of lessons over the past 2 years and put the drum away in failure and frustration. I've really enjoyed being successful with your lessons - what a joy! Love the way you break everything down and I do really like the repitition in this lesson. Thanks for everything you do!
I started learning 3 hours ago and after figuring out how to hold the Bodhran (it's my dad's and it's huge) I started to learn this jig. I can play it up to 100 prety consistantly. Thanks for posting the video. It has been a huge help.
Hi Michelle. I bought a Bodhran in Ireland a few years ago determined to learn how to play it. However, I had no one to give me instructions and soon got frustrated and stopped. A few days ago, I went to a Celtic Woman Concert and my interest was renewed. I found your videos on RUclips and found the frustration was quickly eroding away and I was playing and sustaining rhythms on the Bodhran. Thanks so much. You explain and demonstrate clearly the various beats making it easy to learn. Go raibh maith agat (Thank you).
A big "Danke schön!" from Germany. I bought my bodhran a few weeks ago. Your jig lesson was my third attempt to play. Thanks to this video I feel I am an important step further.
Hi from Cornwall, Michelle. Been playing for about 18months, on and off, and I picked up the basics quite quickly, but your videos have really moved me along; I love their comprehensiveness and the repetition, but mainly, you make it so much fun! So thank you so much!
Kev
thank you so much for putting your time and energy into making these videos. I played basic bodhran in school but gave it up. I've had a bodhran hanging on my wall unused for almost 15 years. thanks to you I've begun to breathe (beat) new life into it. again, I'm now able to easily play this beat at 130bpm... A BIG THANK YOU :-)
Fantastic!! you have found the perfect method of teaching basic bodhran, we, me 60 and two kids 11 and 13 have made amazing progress in a week and had a great time doing it. Thank you so much. Terry, Shannon and Kieren.xx
I'm a Maritimer from PEI. My brother is a drummer and of course also talented. Your videos are so clear, what a great idea and NICHE. No wonder people are responding to your vids so well, you're talent and clarity really come thru! Steve (from the Sue and Steve Show)
Hi! I'm a spanish girl and, without knowledge of English i understand your videos. In Spain is very difficult to find bodhran classes. thanks to you I'm getting to learn.
Thank you for all the help. I got my bodhrun 3 days ago and on my first go at this vid i was able to get to 100 with out a mess up. I have been desperately searching youtube to find a person giving lessons and you are the best. I live in west texas where there isnt much culture variation so you are a life line in my drumming life. Thanks once again.
I'm a Scottish musician (keyboard, accordion, piano, and a couple of other little things on the side) and I've fancied getting a bodhran for a while, but never done it. You've convinced me I need one! I'm planning to get one then check back on this channel to get to grips with it! Thanks! :)
wow!! I just started 2 weeks ago on a cheap borrowed drum. After chasing down a number of tutorials, yours helped the most. I just joined a celtic band with a friend. They lost their drummer, and are aware I know nothing. Today I actually managed more than taptaptaptapscrapetapscrape! Thanks.
i had taught myself how to play bodhran, and i've been playing for almost a year now, but after seeing this video i realized my technique was terrible, so i've been having to relearn it correctly and these videos have helped a lot, and i'm proud to say i made it to 130 my first time through :D
tried handling the bodhran with my left first, and got to 110. switched to right, and i was able to get to 130 first time playing bodhran, just got it for father's day. thank you.
I just bought the most beautiful bodhran and can hardly wait to get going. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this video and will return, with my bodhran, to give it a try.
started playing the Bodhran in NH a month ago. I come back to the video quite often and find it easy to listen to.
Your lessons are helping me so very much; so thank you for posting them! I'm in a pop/rock band with my sisters, but we've all been trying to get back to our Irish roots (our mother is Irish, from Country Cork) by picking up trad Irish instruments. I play the tin whistle, but always wanted to play the bodhran (my great aunt learned in school in Ireland). So, thanks again for your wonderful posts; they've helped me immensely!
Im such a neophyte it isn't even funny. Little to no musical training and now in my 6th decade, I bought a frame drum so I could just goof around with it. I quickly discovered that it isn't all that different from a bodhran so I tried one of the most basic lessons I could find. To my surprise the technique felt as natural as breathing to me! Not long after, I found your videos, Michelle. I am progressing through them at my own pace, but I do get to practice almost every day during down periods on my job. Today, after several days of practicing this rhythm, I was able to keep up on all but the last two speeds! (I gave those a try, but I think my arm was a little fatigued).
I'm also following your Hornpipe video.
You have no idea how much these lessons mean to me. I find such peace and satisfaction in "goofing around" with this drum and being able to actually learn real techniques is such fun! You are a terrific teacher. I like the amount of repetition you put in....it seems just right; enough to get the hang of what you teach but not enough to get boring.
We are attending a Highland Games event this year and I cant wait to see some live bodhran players, study their techniques and maybe chat with them. Also, am hoping next year to get a proper bodhran and maybe become a member of your Platinum Class of 2018,
Thanks for helping to keep my brain cells young!!!
Extremely helpful!
I have just picked up the bodhran after trying the pipes and mandolin and have had mine for about a month and all your videos are very helpful and informative. thank you so much for all your hard work!
Perhaps it was my other tipper - but playing was a bit of a chore - bought a new one, tuned in, and got 120...130 started to lose me once it was filled in. This is BY FAR the best tutorial I've fou
I can't believe how quickly I'm improving with your simple and excellent instruction! Thank you! I was struggling to go from 80-100 weeks ago, and now I'm scraping along with loose grip and holding my breath (!) at 130! I'm sure that soon 130 will start feeling easier! Ann
I've been really playing for a couple of weeks now, and this is by far, the best tutorial I've found! 120 beats on my first playing, the 130 started to lose me when it was filled in - but I'm determined - I'll get it yet!
Hi Michelle
It is remarkable just how helpful it is to play along with your video.
I've had a bodhran, for a couple of months already, but haven’t previously made enough effort to overcome my initial difficulties.
I reached the 130 quite easily today. For the first time, I have reached the conclusion that I will eventually get to play this instrument well. Thank you!
I’m getting hooked, and can’t wait to explore your material much further.
Paul
Michelle, I appreciated your clear teaching. As a beginner, new cannot have too much repetition. The more advanced can always scrub to the faster speeds! Thanks so much for your help!
i'm a beginner, and i really appreciate your lessons... it's clear, encouraging and i feel like i'm progressing ^^
thank you very much
I love these tutorials Michelle. I have never really had rhythme until I watched your videos here and started playing the Bohdran for an upcoming Irish Studies program at the University I am attending. They have been key to my learning and understanding of this unique drum and I am just loving it! After one week I have the tempo down for up to 100 beats per minute just by using your tutorials! I one day will be a Master at the Bodhran too! Thanks a ton!
I know this video is like a thousand years old but I just wanted to say I've been watching your videos in order and these two have so far been the most useful to me as a very beginner. I love the repetition, I prefer to have something to follow during my regular practice, so thank you!
I just got a bodhran for my birthday and these videos are excellent! The repetition and the gradual building of the beats is a great way to create and establish muscle memory. Thank you so much for making these great tools available!
Made sense... made my neighbours ( here in the UK they're happier with that spelling ), so freaking happy that the noise has gone down ...that's for sure.
Used to own one... it was massive... like 2 feet radius, and whatever I tried was so feckin' loud it was never going to be a favourite. Now I've got a 15" number and it's easier to control the volume.
I'll be trying to keep up with your valuable lessons.
Michele, I can't thank you enough for sharing so much of you knowledge! I've been a fan for a year or so, and my bodhran playing has become so very much better...I might go as far as saying it's GOOD! I jammed last night for the first time with a group of very excellent fiddle, banjo, mandolin and guitar players and was rewarded with high praise...and from these pros, it was a great thing to hear! Thanks again for all you do!
I am loving these vids! They are really helping me with my Bodhran. So many who give 'Lessons' are really just 'watch me while I play' videos. You give lessons to all levels of experience without talking down to us beginners. Am already playing along to one of my favorite bands CD and having such a grand time! I love my Bodhran and the more I am learning by these lessons, the more fun I am having. Cannot wait for my trip to Scotland and Ireland next year and hoping to get to play with locals.
Excellent teacher. Learnt so much after just two days and I've never played a bodhran before. Very clear and non-patronising.
Had a Bodhran for a few years. Just decided to learn to play it. Found this really helpful. Thanks.
Hey there Michelle, iv been Doodling away on my Bodhran for over a year now, but it's just been down up, down up etc and I've still had fun, but now I've come across ur tuition video's it is now added much more dynamic rhythm to my so called doodling, so id just like to thank you for taking the time for posting these video's to help me and all the other Bodhran trainees take our playing to the next level. Your a great teacher and a wonderful Bodhran player too, hope I can sleep now with out hearing down ups in my dreamz. Lol :-) I look forward to going thru all ur videos in the near future. Ur doing a great job so carry on there. Word up "Mick" from the West Coast of Ireland :-)
Just received my metronome in the mail yesterday...I'm VERY excited to get in some more practice time with it. Thank you so much for these lessons!
Just started to play, got up to 90 and lost it. Will try again tomorrow and let you know. Super helpful videos, the repetition is great as well as the progression. Thank you so much, I'm really enjoying myself!
My right hand is slightly weaker due to a problem from how I was born. I could not do a good job on drums of any kind because of this imbalance. The bodhran has freed me up to be as good as I dare to be when I hold the tipper in my left hand...to fit in without compromise or explanation. Anything that helps me as much as your lessons is a real godsend and I'm so glad you posted these.
Hi there! I just purchased my very first bodhran. Handmade in Australia with a kangaroo skin. I knew I would find some good lessons on RUclips, and I was lucky enough to find you on my first night. I will definitely be back for more. I like the repetitions as it gives me time to really feel comfortable with the rhythm. Keep it coming. I have a lot to learn. Thanks.
jmag57
I have never played the bodhran before and your lessons are very helpful. The gradual progression is excellent for a beginner and repetition is key to getting things to stick to my brain. please continue to post new combinations.
Your tuition reminds me of the You Tube by Miss Kelli Dance Tap Dance Tuesday *un cut!!! when she does the Rhythm Turn. Miss Kelli reinforces that if you can say it, you can do it. Both Michelle Stewart and Miss Kelli are amazing teachers!!!
Great lesson and structure. I'm a percussionist, and taking Bohdran more seriously to get a solid foundation of the classic rhythms and techniques. So, this is perfect - thank you.
I love your teaching, it is easy to follow by bilding up the spead.
Never thaught I could learn it, and now I am.
Thank you.
Thanks for keeping me posted on your progress. You guys are doing REALLY well in a very short period of time. See how easy it is to learn something new when it's fun. I think bodhran students make incredible progress like this because practicing is such a blast and before you know it it's 4 hours later. Addictive isn't it? Definitely releases those "feel good" chemicals.
I have been signed up for a few months and at first, I didn't think I could EVER master the Mother of All Jigs-and certainly not at 130bpm. I made a decision to try my best to be a good player instead of a hack one, and I practice like with great passion. I went to a cowboy gathering and a friend of mine had written a fiddle tune (Steel Bonnets by Will Ballantyne-it's on RUclips) and after hearing the song once, I played the Mother of All Jigs with him on stage.
Repeat away. I don't even have my bodhran yet, and this is really helping me. I am traditionally a drummer, but I also play hand percussion (bongo's, bongo cajon, palito and cajon). I will definitely be revisiting all of your videos once my bodhran arrives next week... I am quite excited! :)
I'm only a beginner coming from playing drums and cojan. You are a very good teacher. Thanks for sharing.
Excellent -unlike many self help vids you actually show what to do right away as opposed to talking people to death. Thanks
Hey cheers for the lessons they are brilliantly executed and so helpfull when beginning the bodhran. Iv been practicising with the last two days and im at 120. Keep them coming
Really helpful! Just got my first Bodhran today. Loved the repetition at the different speeds.
Just started and I find your tutorials brilliant. It's like tap dancing I just wish that I had started years ago.
Hi Michelle real thanks for showing how to play the bodhran, i started 3weeks ago and bought a waltons second hand 20 inch bodhran.The sound of this instrument is incredible beautiful and It is amazing how much progress you can make with your classes, advice and demonstrations it is really helpfull.Once i hope to play or jam with other musicmakers. Thanks again!! Erik/Holland.
loved the repetition. I found it easy to even get up to the faster speeds. Thanks so much!
I love your lessons, thaks a lot, i started playing a ferw days ago and now I´m able to make the 130bpm beat. Thank you
You're such a great teacher Michelle, so generous of you to make this available. I;m comfortable at 130 and feeling chuffed!
Thank you Michelle! I'm a complete beginner with some musical and rhythmic background - I got up to 130 bpmafter a couple of practice sessions and started to really enjoy it. Perfect pacing for me. PS love to Perth - my Nanna lived in Abernethy and I miss the beautiful place.
incredibly good teacher - I have had my bodhran about two weeks now and I was able to keep up [though not perfectly] at 120 bpm
i'v just started doing the bodhran and you have been great to learn from just nice and simple to start with thanks
I don't know how to play the bodhran but as a vocalist for a trad band I am needing to fill in some percussion on the jigs and reels and am doing it on the cajon. Rhythm is obviously rhythm no matter the instrument so it's great to hear a good jig rhythm explained slowly and carefully with all the repetition. Thanks! And if I ever DO decide to pick up the bodhran I know where to start!
Really, Really liked the video. Play a lot of jigs with my group-The Potecasi Creek String Band. Ordered my first Bodhran yesterday, can't wait to surprise the gang! Seems to be a very important instrument in Irish music. Thanx!!!!!
Its funny im an Irish person here in Ireland getting lessons of an America :) I find your lessons very helpful thanks !
Great to play along with you - brings disciplien to practice. And it's good to do "clean" stuff to hammer home the basics - even for us so called experts!
Amazing, I have been practising with a big black marker as a tipper, and my bare hand as a Bodhran, repetition is great, it really focuses your practice.
Thanks for your videos. Your approach is great. What would be appreciated even more, is towards the end of each lesson having a tune to play along with...
I'm self taut and you have taut me well now. Than you for bein my teacher were I able to buy a lesson from you in person I would. Thank you very much.
Wow! I wish I had had access to your videos five years ago when I first got my bodhran -- then it wouldn't have been gathering dust since then!
your wicked! :D i love you and your lessons! been teaching myself to play from nothing just with your videos and im really enjoying myself thanks so much! had a blast doing the 130 with ya!
This is a great lesson - thanks for all the quality posts. Format is perfect for me as a new player, especially the increasing speeds - it's amazes me to find I am playing at 120bpm!
these videos are so good i can match pace of the jig at 130 on my first day playing :D keep them coming!
Yes, Bob. I find guitarists and fiddlers pick up the bodhran very quickly. Thanks so much for your feedback. I find teaching to be very rewarding and all these comments just make me want to record more videos to help fellow bodhran players.
Thanks for your chearing, I keep practising every day and trying to do my best everytime, tanks a lot!!!
I'm a complete beginner, but find your tutorials great so thank you Michelle. At the moment the most I can reach is 90 beats comfortably, maybe 100 if I'm lucky. But I'm really enjoying it. Sandi O'Regan, hopefully by the time you come to Ireland I'll be more experienced and we can go for trad sessions around Dublin if that's on your itinerary.
Still waiting for my drum. CAnt wait to learn and yours will be the first video I practice with. I love the repetition element. Thank you for sharing it.
This is an awesome tutorial and your lessons make learning the bodhran really fun. Thanks! Go raibh maith agat!
I am just starting. this is the best video yet
Awesome! Thanks for the verbal directions and the different speeds. Excellent!
Great teaching means everything. Then it's relentless practice. Love the lessons and thank you!
picked up the bodhran years ago to play with friends for a St. Patty's party and learned with a little help from Hannigan vid but, mostly from trying to keep up with the guys we became a real band but gave it up for many years now my interest has returned and been scouring the net for more in-depth info. So very glad to have found your vids. You break things down so clearly. Also like how you hold the tipper i playd straight wrist which shocks my thumb and hurts Maybe a vid on stick holding?
Great videos. Just hanging in there at 120 but lost it at 130. All I need is a few more hours practise! Highly recommend these videos for anyone starting off.
Hello! For me it is the same. I could hang it at 120 but it is more difficult at 130! Maybe you have made progress now after several months ago?
Nice! Nice! Nice! I've learned a TON in just a short bit watching your video. Excellent teacher!
Hi Michelle, thanks so much for all the effort you have put in your videos, i haven't gotten my drum yet but i am practicing on a table top (i took the legs off) and an Album cover, lol......bought 4 different tippers today and will try them all out to find a comfortable one. it seems practice is the key! again many thanks
love the repetition. they are very good for the begginers, like myself. :)
thanks a lot!
Hi! Just started to learn and I really appreciate your videos. In a few weeks, I'll try to let you know how I'm progressing! (I really need to build up some chops!)
just started learning the bodhrán, your video really helped, go raibh míle maith agat.
What a wonderful idea. I am trying to learn this instrument and the two lessons that was put up has been very useful. i am not very fast yet and my hand behind the drum ached so had to stop, but i will continue to practice. Please do put more up and maybe differnt rythums if there are more.
Hi! Awsome video. I was having some challenges with this rhythm but now I got it. The repetition was really really good. Please keep doing this!
As a very new beginner I really appreciate the slow start and building up speed. Thanks! I managed 120 bpm relatively comfortably but dropped out at 130!! Wrist ache, haha! But a great feeling!!
So fun to watch your hand actually blur at the faster speeds!! :)) Thank you! Gotta try this soon!
Your videos are awesome ! I'm playing from Brittany in France so it's complicated to find a professor. Thanks a lot for your work
Nice job! I need to keep the rudiments close to mind because I have a tendency to branch out on my own and lose the original rhythms. Thanks for the reminder!
Thank you! very useful and very clear explanations.I' ll do it again and again.
Thank you, this is perfect! I have a few rhythms that I play to random tunes with, mostly faster stuff, but I need more variety in tempo. This is really helpful for that, thanks!
Love yor videos. Especially the repetitions with indrejsen speed. For now mu favorit is this one and the hornpipes rythm A. I alment mange both on the sekund highest tempo. also I startet abort one Monty ago. Some times I praktik rythm sometimes just fall in on a music video. Love that I suddenly catch myself in one of the practised rythms. Thank you so much for your time, effort and a progress that is easy to follow.
Just started back practicing. Love this lesson!
Hi Michelle, these video lessons are great! Thanks so much!
I don't play the Bodhran, but stumbled onto this video out of curiousity..NICE :D I think it is helpful, I am learning the fiddle and just to hear the different speeds is good. Someday I will be able to fiddle faster :D
enjoying your videos! and the repetition is very helpful. Without that, sometimes the video can end and I'm left trying to remember what I had just been doing :) repetition reinforces the lesson, it's all good
so great, repetition is fine...feel good about this rhythm...
Loved it, seen other videos, but this one actually gave me something to start with
I've just been whacking away before :-)
The tempo at 130 was ok, tho I did feel my arm getting tired after a while, and I think I held the tipper too loosely, cause the hand kept sliding towards to drum
Thanks for posting this video, I will surely catch your other ones as well :)