Group Course for Beginners
Comments from Students
Teacher
Schedule & Fee
Enrolment
The bodhrán, a wood and goatskin drum beaten with a wooden stick, is the heartbeat of traditional Irish music. Designed for absolute beginners, this course begins with a brief demonstration of the instrument and what it can do. Students then learn various stick techniques and how to get different sounds from the drum itself.
The main rhythms of Irish music – reels and jigs – are covered, and classes move on to polkas, hornpipes, slip jigs, etc. When students have mastered playing ‘straight’ in these metres, they can take on contemporary playing styles which may integrate influences from rock, funk, Latin rhythms, etc. and are encouraged to find a style of their own. While a lot of ground is covered each week and notes given for homework, classes are nonetheless conducted in an informal, student-friendly style. Students can also ask for advice on choosing bodhráns and sticks and accompanying particular songs and tunes.
Participating students will need to have a bodhrán and beater to bring to class and to practice with at home. If you do not already have an instrument for this course, please note that Waltons music shops offer suitable instruments, some of which are available on payment plans, for students at the New School. Go to Recommended Instruments for more information.
Introducing Bodhrán is one of our group courses for beginners. Private, partner, group and one-off 'intensive' bodhrán lessons are also available for students at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Go to Departments & Faculty - Drums & Percussion for more information. We also offer special one- and two-hour bodhrán Intensive Lessons for tourists and visitors to Dublin.
Comments from Students
'Fantastic course – really helped me to gain confidence in playing.'
– L. Larkin
'Great teacher, full of knowledge, who made the classes fun and incorporated extra teaching tools to go above and beyond.'
– T. Stephenson
'I found the course great, as I had never played before and was not at all familiar with the instrument. We were eased into playing comfortably.'
– D. Flynn
'Great teacher!
– C. Fagan
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Kevin O'Hare, Teacher
Kevin lives in Dublin, where he has been involved with traditional Irish music for over 22 years. In that time he has played with many well-known artists throughout Ireland and Europe. His main instruments are bodhrán, DADGAD guitar, standard guitar and mandolin; recently he has started fiddle, bass and banjo. In his travels Kevin has picked up various styles of playing the bodhrán, which range from the common Kerry style (holding the tipper mid-way), the rarely seen Limerick style (holding the tipper towards the top of the stick), knuckles (playing with the hand) and the ‘upside down method’ seen in Co. Clare (as the name suggests, holding the tipper at the bottom). This flexible approach allows students to explore and learn in the style with which they feel most comfortable. Kevin has taught at the New School since 2007.
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2013-2014 First Term Schedule & Fee
To be confirmed.
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Enrolment
Enrolment for this course requires a completed enrolment form and full payment of tuition fees. (Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a 2013-2014 General Enrolment Form.) Places are available on a first-come, first-served basis, based on the date of enrolment. Early enrolment is recommended, as places are limited to eight.
Purchasing this course as a gift? Go to Enrolment & Booking Form Downloads for a Gift Certificate Booking Form.
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