Knowledge — Blog — Trad Bodhrán

TradBodhránBlog

Posts in Knowledge

Bodhrán Basics: Oscillating Jig building

Bodhrán Basics: Oscillating Jig building

Skills, KnowledgeDain ForsytheMarch 5, 2021bodhran skills, bodhran, bodhrán, Irish music, Jig, Jig pattern, Irish drumComment

As Irish rhythm accompanists, how can we cultivate relationships with accomplished melody players?

As Irish rhythm accompanists, how can we cultivate relationships with accomplished melody players?

So - that leaves us dependent. Yeah. I said it - we’re dependent on finding a melody player or players to accompany . . .

Experience, KnowledgeDain ForsytheApril 30, 2020accompaniment, meloldists, melody, relationshipsComment

Learning Resources: Na Píobairí Uilleann

Learning Resources: Na Píobairí Uilleann

Even if you’re not a player of the pipes, using the society’s on-line resources can assist one’s depth of understanding of the music . . .

KnowledgeDain ForsytheFebruary 22, 2020Uilleann Pipes, Pipes, Irish Music EducationComment

Hearing and Supporting the Rhythm of Irish Traditional Music

Hearing and Supporting the Rhythm of Irish Traditional Music

Learning types of Irish traditional rhythms can be easier if one thinks in small phrases, rather than ‘beats’. This phrasing is what we’re after. We’re after making folks want to dance.

Knowledge, SkillsDain ForsytheFebruary 14, 2020Irish CDs, Irish rhythm, ListeningComment

Skill 5: Tune Rhythm Identification

Skill 5: Tune Rhythm Identification

Identifying a tune as a March, Reel, Jig, or other type solely by ear within two to three phrases is another developmental skill bodhrán players need to develop.

Skills, KnowledgeDain ForsytheFebruary 8, 2020Tune Types, Rhythm Identification, Tune rhythm, Reels, Jigs, Hornpipes, Slip Jigs, Marches, Agogic, Mnemonics, rhythmic accuracy, Irish pulse, drive & lift, rhythm skillsComment

Skill 4: Volume Control

Skill 4: Volume Control

Master your ability to control your volume and you'll find new sounds, new timbre, and new friends.

Skills, KnowledgeDain ForsytheFebruary 1, 2020Volume, Control, Ensembles, DynamicsComment

Suggested Listening

Suggested Listening

A short list of old and new Traditional mainstay CDs.

KnowledgeDain ForsytheJanuary 17, 2020Listening, Uilleann Pipes, Irish Flute, Irish Whistle, Irish Banjo, Irish Concertina, Irish Fiddle, Irish Mandolin, Irish Accordion, Irish CDs, Listening Irish music, Randal Bays, John Williams, Billy McComiskey, Joe Burke, Johnny Óg Connolly, Johnny Og Connolly, Jackie Daly, Brendan Begley, Charley Branch, Pete Strickler, Gerry O'Connor, Pauline Conneely, John Carty, Luke Plumb, Jimmy Crowley, Marla Fibish, Séan Ryan, Sean Potts, Mary Bergin, Donncha O Briain, Noel Hill, Edel Fox, Brenda Castles, Fintan Vallely, Kieran O'Hare, John Skelton, Conal O Grada, Conal Ó Gráda, Donncha Ó Briain, Conal O'Grada, Catherine McEvoy, Matt Malloy, Eamon Cotter, Peter Romero, Natalie Padilla, Blayne Chastain, Caoimhín Ó Raghallaigh, James Kelly, Brid Harper, Brian Conway, Séamus Connolly, Seamus Connolly, Kevin Burke, Randal BaysCillian Vallely, Liam O'Flynn, Mick O'Brien, Paddy Keenan, Robbie Hannan, Willie ClancyComment

Skill 2: Tipper Grips

Skill 2: Tipper Grips

There are multiple grips one can use and still maintain muscle and tendon health. Note that all the grips presented here maintain a straight wrist.

Knowledge, SkillsDain ForsytheJanuary 15, 2020Bodhràn skills, Bodhran tipper grips, Bodhran education, Beginner bodhran, Tippers, holding the tipper, how to hold the tipper, Top end, Traditional grip, Kerry style

5 Skills Every Bodhrán Player Needs

5 Skills Every Bodhrán Player Needs

These five skills, when developed well from the beginning, will provide a strong base of development from beginner through professional level play.