Okey now I'v played DRUM bodhran for nearly 25 years.. And I am damn good!! I was taught at a session by an OLD IRISH MAN... he said hold the beater like a pencil.. keep your wrist loose.. the movement is as if you were shaking water off your hands.. Listen to alot of Chieftan Music.. practice, practice, practice... Drive guitar palyers crazy wherever you can..and be sure to sit next to the most stuck up fiddle player in the group..HAVE FUN