Bodhran Lesson 1 - How To Hold And The Basic Stroke

[@Susanjaneharrisonartist]

Your teaching style is excellent. The breakdown, the reminders, the emphasis on positioning and the hand movements. Highest quality teaching I've found online and giving me hope that in fact one can learn enough online to get started! Thank you!

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Susan-Jane, thanks for this amazing comment! You can pick up enough online to get you going and then perfect the technique online as well by playing along with our Irish music backing tracks and VR sessions. All this is available our website www.oaim.ie

[@Susanjaneharrisonartist]

Online Academy of Irish Music yes I’ve subscribed and all you say is true! How nice when advertising matches value offered.

[@ryanpetty8843]

“Where I come from, we call it a stick. Because that’s what it is.” -Most Irish thing ever said

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

FACT!

[@michaelscott356]

Bang on!

[@noahsilver2403]

Ryan Petty, totally epic comment!

[@ciaranobrien8709]

Yup lol

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Yes you do. Here's a little more in depth advice from Brian on OAIM's forum - "One way to know if the skin is just too tight is to try wetting it with a couple of spoonfuls of water, spread evenly around the skin and allowed to soak in. Nothing will happen for about a minute and then the skin will get soft and lower in tone. You might need to do this every time you play for the first year or so. You'll gradually get the hang of how much water to use and how long to wait." Peace

[@Dlange23]

I finally got a drum after wanting one for 17 years! Thank you so much for your lessons. I feel I am getting the hang of it fairly quickly because of your clear teaching style.

[@zacharyfraser9135]

Instantly after watching this my bohdrán feels so much better! Who knew proper technique would actually help hahaha. Thanks a lot!

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

HA !!

[@ciaranobrien8709]

Just found this, very helpful, my grandad made bodhrans and gifted me one before passing, he played it and the fiddle like no one else, effortless and with such a flow, i know its an old vid but bravo

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Thanks Ciaran ! Have you got the bodhran out of it's case recently?

[@rhyshirah]

Thank you so much for this! I just brought a bodhran and I was really stiff at playing it but one watch of your video and I've improved dramatically. You're a natural teacher and made it so easy!

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Glad you liked it. Start following the course on OAIM here - www.oaim.ie/bodhran/bodhran-basics/

[@Crosswyred8000]

Mr Flemming, you’re hypnotic. Wow!

[@boolefoole]

Just starting out with bodhran. I have checked out several starting videos on KZbin and have found yours to be the best instruction so far. From the basics of how to properly hold the drum, left hand placement, to the motion of the stick and explanation of the basic rhythm, your style works for me. Thanks!

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Glad you liked it, thanks for letting us know!!

[@nuthajason]

great tutorial - as a professional African and kit drumming teacher I know that I am seeing a good teacher here. Thanks fot this video.

[@ashlisisk]

You completely rule. This is so wonderfully helpful.

[@wadmanlikesbeer1]

This guy is a good teacher.

[@07Merline]

Hi. thank you rfor your lesson. from Venezuela. I was visiting The beautiful Ireland in 2008 and I fall in love with everything! . .

[@xBrii333x]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the great lesson. My grandma begged me to learn to play a few songs on the bodhran in six days and I was panicking. I feel much more confident in my ability to at least play a simple beat for the songs she asked, now.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Glad you got a lot out of it and hope the performance goes well then maybe you'll get into playing more!

[@xBrii333x]

@@onlineacademyofirishmusic I hope so, too, thanks! I am enjoying it now that I've got the hang of it. I might go buy my own after I have to return my grandma's to her and keep playing.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Brianna, Did you keep the music going?

[@xBrii333x]

@@onlineacademyofirishmusic I did! I'm practicing a couple nights a week right now (not ideal, I should be doing it every night). I love it!

[@EnzoSilva]

what a great pace for a lesson!!!! thank you!!!

[@giantred]

I was looking for a hand drum to use in place of a Siberian style shaman's drum because that does not relate to my cultural background. Hearing of a bodhran my interest was immediately piqued, this video has sold me on the idea :) Thank you.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

giantred That's great! The bodhrán certainly is a versatile drum and I imagine it would be perfect for that type of drumming. Let us know if you need further guidance. Good luck!!

[@cowboyathlete]

I am slowly but surely learning how to play the bodhran. Your video was extremely helpful.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Pat, Speed up your learning by following our Bodhrán Basics course on OAIM - www.oaim.ie/bodhran/bodhran-basics/

[@DYNABIKE1]

Very well done. Great simple easy to follow instructions - - - -Thanks !!

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Glad it was helpful! Lot's more from Brian here - www.oaim.ie/bodhran/bodhran-basics/

[@spearsthomas]

Great video, thanks! I'm a jazz player, but I've been playing with Irish musicians lately, and am just getting started with the Bodhran...

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Thomas, it's great to have people to play music with locally, enjoy bodhrán and if you have any questions let us know :)

[@Kimama8]

you're the best teacher I could find!

[@kathleencarson]

You are an amazing teacher and I am inspired. I am 52 years old!!!! Thankyou

[@gypsygirlsavannah]

Just got a Bodhran for my birthday so determined to learn to play it, great help for beginners :-)

[@oliversmith2222]

Thanks for the tutorial🥰this really helped me learn to stroke the bodhran

[@talbotvanman]

Ive played every kind of drumming from big band modern jazz dixieland military, pipe band, show including tympani but although married to a girl from Ireland at the age of 78 ive just been introduced to the Bodhran ! Thanks for this Brian hope I can achieve the same success with the Bodhran ?!

[@PaganCircle]

You're a great teacher. Thank you very much. I've watched this a few times and I'm slowly starting to get a feel for it.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Johnny, Delighted you liked it, thanks for letting us know.. Check out the rest of Brian's bodhrán course here - oaim.ie/clientarea/dashboard/viewcourse/39

[@csudab]

If you ever get the chance please reupload this with both ears :)

[@TheChickenmilker]

I am learning on a Walton as well and the water spreading on the skin is definitely the way you need to treat the skin for quite awhile. It does wonders for the tone, and yes, I have to do it before each time that I play it.

[@bodhranfleming]

Hi Deborah, glad to hear you're enjoying the lessons. My stick was made by a Breton guy called Eddy Guilloteau. I'm not sure if he does them commercially or not. Another great stick maker is Dave Harper. It's a hard thing to track down a good stick or maker. Just make sure you don't lose it when you eventually find one that suits!

[@HedleyHelmet]

Thank you Phil Collins.

[@ledhed5717]

I was thinking Vladimir Putin.

[@mydigicraftscrafts8649]

LOLOLOLOL

[@felix-mariebadeau4254]

@@ledhed5717 Phil Putin? 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@ledhed5717]

@@felix-mariebadeau4254 No, Vladimir, as in the President of Russia. HedleyHelmet thinks the bodhran player looks like Phil Collins. I think he looks like Vladimir Putin.

[@vas1612]

thank's them all!

[@pinkmagicali]

Somehow we ended up with a bodhran in our house. It wasn’t until I started Irish dance I realised what it was. Figured I’d try to learn to play it. Helps me hear the beat for my dances and gives our drum a chance to get played. Lol. I think I have a little work to do though.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi ! Remember, slow practice gets you there faster :) For optimal learning I'd suggest following Brian's structured Bodhrán Basics course - www.oaim.ie/bodhran/bodhran-basics/

[@07Merline]

You are a wonderful teacher. Thank you! God Bless.

[@daveyuke8]

Just starting out with the bodhran, this has got me off to a great start. Thank you very much.

[@kayzie96]

I'm from the Michigan area and my orchestra director got the Bodhrán I use off the internet. My school has an Irish music group thing, and I'm now the drummer :) That's probably not what you're looking for, but hopefully it helped a bit. Best of luck! :)

[@lurdescruz5474]

Great !!!! The way you explain makes it easy to understand !!!!!

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Glad to hear that! Find more lessons from Brian here - www.oaim.ie/bodhran/bodhran-basics/

[@andrekooij8756]

Great tips. Thanks from the north of the netherlands.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Andre, lot's more from Brian here - www.oaim.ie/bodhran/bodhran-basics/

[@JLeoFipple]

Yes Brain, I found this and started paying more attention to where my upswing was going and I got a much cleaner tump on the up accent and less scraping. I also sand papered with 400 grit the Cípin balls (stick) and the face of my bodhrán. I still get an odd scrape here and there but not near as many as when I started.

[@marechal133]

Excellent teaching! I just need a bodhran now...

[@bibelhuhn]

Brian, you are cuuuute! Love from Germany! 💙 💛 💜

[@drummerferro5165]

Thnak you!! You make it easy and it easily learn. It's fantastic!!

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

+Drummer Ferro Hi, Glad you like the lesson. Take Brian's structured bodhran course and progress faster - oaim.ie/course/39/bodhrn_basics

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Thanks for the feedback, & good luck with your drumming!!

[@kennatco7916]

I love my new bohdran, and thanks to you, I know how to hold the tipper now, and don't feel like such an awkward fool with it. Thanks!

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Fantastic news :) Keep up the practice and let us know if you have any questions.

[@bodhranfleming]

Your drum little has served you well. It's time to step up into the big league now. Don't be afraid. You can take your little drum with you and carry it around inside your big one to use for a bit of variation now and then. Come on, splash out. You're worth it!

[@MorMaethoriel]

I've just tried this lesson and I must say it's a great way to start off. Do feel that the bodhran I have at the moment is a bit too big and clumsy, will have to purchase a smaller one, think that will help me get the hang of it a bit faster. Thank you for posting this clip, am definitely going to check out your website, not just for bodhran. Been teaching myself to play tin whistle since about a month now and am getting better at it, but any lesson I can get my hands one I'll gladly take! :D

[@Snow_owl1966]

Mr. Brian, you really do help me out, just to let you know sir.

[@DavidBurnby]

Excellent beginer's tuotrial - thank you. Really accessible teaching, simple and straight forwards. Need to practice now...

[@PhilChandlerArts]

Hi, thanks for the reply. I'll try adjusting the angle... I think that's all it probably is. Sometimes I can get a nice rhythm going, and then it starts 'draggy' at points. I think it's just a matter of also just continuing to practice. Thanks for taking the time to reply. Much appreciated!

[@organic527]

Really enjoyed watching you teach.I have just got a new bodhran and this was a very helpful introductory lesson and I enjoyed the rythmn and will look at more of your video's,Many Thanks to you!!You have a lovely authenticity!!!

[@nohea44]

Just got my first Bodhran and am looking forward to playing it with our church band here on Kaua'i. Thanks for the starting help! Great video :)

[@deborahdengler8449]

Thank you Brian! I have a Bodran on the way, sooo looking forward to learning how to play. Your instructions are very clear and helpful.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Deborah, Has your bodhran arrived? Follow the step by step course on OAIM here - oaim.ie/course/39/bodhranbasics

[@Olcortaperania]

Very easy to follow ~ great instructions ~ thanks Brian

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Everyone :) Thanks for all the comments and likes - Please feel free to ask any questions about this bodhrán lesson or about Irish music in general and we'll get back to you straight away. Remember to subscribe to our channel and click the bell to get notified of our new video releases.

[@fcourtify]

Hey, that was a great first lesson! I'm looking forward to the next one....

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Fara, Great! Good luck with it all and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask here :)

[@Rapidfilms77]

You are a great teacher. Thank you!

[@BernadetteVolkmann]

Wow! Thanks! I have always wanted to learn how to play the Bodhran!

[@Ricky6854]

Yeah, he's fantastic! He thought me at Camp Abilities and hope he will again this year!

[@jonholli]

This is excellent and a great help. Many thanks for posting this tutorial.

[@fancypicker]

Naomi's loving the flute! 'tis getting plenty of use. Best wishes from across the pond!

[@GiulioGabrieli]

Well made Video! Simple to understand and very clever!

[@fancypicker]

Brian!!! Good to see you are kicking, mate! Had a blast hanging and playing at Dollywood for the Festival Of Nations. (Craig from Naomi's Fancy here) Hope you are doing well!

[@maelissollivier6815]

Thank you sooo much, I was desperate to understand how it works but thanks to you it is finally easier than I thought!!!!!!!

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Great to hear!

[@eryngalloway5834]

Thank you for such a helpful basic lesson!

[@cobra30302001]

That motion with the hand without a tipper gave me the idea that it can be adapted so persons with cerebral palsy or other like disabilities can actually play an instrument.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Good plan !

[@pollyrobinson3877]

Fantastic teaching style.

[@JM-jd7yp]

You are a very gifted teacher. I am one of those people with absolutely no rhythm but you really inspire confidence and impart knowledge. Thank you.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

+D Man Glad you liked it!

[@anlashok42]

Thanks so much for this tutorial.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

You're welcome Orlando !

[@PadraigGrimes]

This is great lesson, I'm seriously thinking of getting a Bodhran and this has inspired me.

[@stephencoxbass]

Great lesson!

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Glad you liked it! Lot's more from Brian here - www.oaim.ie/bodhran/bodhran-basics/

[@stevenmidwinter-ty7mu]

Need to get mine out of the loft AGAIN!! Thank you, great video. Feeling inspired lol.👍

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Lot's more lessons from Brian on the site here - www.oaim.ie/bodhran/bodhran-basics/

[@1russano]

Awesome instruction for a beginner :) Thank you!

[@erucolindo87]

This was really helpful - I'm seriously considering looking into the rest of the course. Thanks for uploading. :)

[@OktayCaglar]

you are the best tutor! thanks. i love your lessons. that is incredible, i can play Bodhrán :)

[@bodhranfleming]

Great to hear. You're welcome!

[@leilaazaisto2761]

Drums are really nice. 💞

[@Thunderchuckles]

Excellent teacher, many thanks. I found myself hitting triplets? by accident, very exciting but i can see its about control.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Everyone, Thanks for all the comments and likes! Please feel free to ask any questions you have about this lesson or anything related to Irish music in general. We'll get an answer to you asap :)

[@Beemerboy324]

Excellent lesson! I now know what to practice and how.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@valeriacrespo7696]

Gracias! Hoy tuve mi primer clase con un profesor, tu clase me ayudómucho para recordar! Gracias!

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

De nada!

[@chrisw2514]

Excellent lessons. Thank you!

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for the comment :)

[@lenp00]

Wonderful video, your teaching approach is excellent, cheers!

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi, Glad you liked it, thanks for letting us know !! Where are you learning bodhran? Is there any Irish session close by?

[@lenp00]

Online Academy of Irish Music I’m in Ontario, Canada. I haven’t looked into local lessons however there is a group of folks that get together once a week at a local pub. I’m certain if I inquired, there would be someone I could learn from.

[@lenp00]

Online Academy of Irish Music BTW, I wasn’t taking any formal lessons. I was learning from a CD.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Go to the session and have a chat with them, explain where you're at and your plans. People are usually friendly. Let me know how that goes.

[@jamesbondaygee]

Awesome first time trying this drum.

[@giovannidefazio8445]

With these lessons I would learn how to play my bodhran quite simply If I had one

[@wompton]

Very well done! Thank you.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

You're welcome, glad you like it !

[@max-andrewmcmillan4235]

brilliant class, thank you

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Brian has a structured course on the site - www.oaim.ie/bodhran/bodhran-basics/

[@freeartsociety]

Way to go Brian!! Glad I found This :) Catch a wave and a pint with ye some day soon x Corina.

[@ledhed5717]

Great tutorial, thank you.

[@gossamerhall]

Thank you Brian, your a good teacher. I want to get a bodhran. You make me really ready. *.*

[@beepot2764]

This was the first instrument I ever received. I was at a Irish festival when I was like 8 and my aunt bought me a small one. I still have it 20 years later lol.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Do you play it much?

[@beepot2764]

@@onlineacademyofirishmusic truthfully, I just picked it up again which is how I came across this video lol! Figured I should learn on what I have.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

@@beepot2764 Nice - Good luck with it !

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

It's on the OAIM website - link in the description :)

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Hi Bridget, This is the first lesson of a whole course that Brian has produced for bodhrán. Check out @ oaim.ie.

[@max-andrewmcmillan4235]

that was get thanks for putting that up, loved it,..

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

You're welcome Max. Did this get you started on your bodhran?

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

You're welcome.

[@leighcurrier5282]

this is so exciting for a lost druid like me. thank you brian and academy. drum with ya soon for world peace. rise up wake up druids unite celts unite. save our courageous mother gaia!!!!

[@bjpcorp]

That was a really good lesson thanks, great teacher!

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

Thanks!

[@GeoffTheOddball]

Great video! Very informative and in depth for beginners! My bodhran just came in today and it was a little difficult at some points holding it how you do in the videos because there's a cross handle on the back. A bareback bodhran seems to be the most common that I've seen...either way. Awesome video, gonna watch number 2 now! :)

[@bodhranfleming]

Thanks Geoff. I believe the cross bars in the back were originally to help the drum keep its shape. Some people incorporate the bars into their playing by using them to push against to get more leverage on the skin, but mostly they are surplus to requirements for the modern playing style. Also laminated wood has no need for the bars from a structural point of view. However, people often expect to see them in the back, so commercial makers still put them in to please the customer. You can always break them out when you get tired of them. Best of luck, Brian

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

@nicketeen1 I'm glad that you found it helpful.

[@stagerage1]

Great stuff Brian. My neighbours will be hating me. 😁 see you back home for a personal lesson soon. 👍🏽

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

@AlixYeeal No problem, enjoy!

[@nicketeen1]

Very helpful thanks a million

[@orire6793]

Please!!!! More lessons!!!! Please!!

[@lp8005]

That is good, thank you.

[@onlineacademyofirishmusic]

@micheleph1 Glad you found this useful. You can find the second lesson on our website on the free lessons page - oaim.ie