You can play a bodhran to most any tune with a reasonably paced rhythm - I play a mean jazz bodhran when I feel like it BUT you must take into consideration anyone else in the room.

When I was first learning I was told:-
LISTEN to the rhythm, go with it rather than across it until you are totally confident in your playing.

It's as important what you MISS OUT as put in - a constant hammering is unnecessary and unfriendly.

COUNT the number of bodhrans in a session - one is brilliant (if played quietly), two - listen to each other, three - think hard and four- forget it (at least for that tune).

DON'T try to play everything. A slow air or solo offering is ruined by a bodhran player and gets all of us a bad reputation!

If you are not sure what/when to play try thinking "would it sound good if I was just listening". You will often find the answer immediately. If you are not sure why not try playing without your stick - fingers or knuckles make a far less harsh sound, especially with your hand firmly on the back - until you are sure. There is also no crime in giving up a tune if you are not happy with your playing of it.

I've survived 30 odd years of playing like that. The best compliment I was ever given was "I don't notice when you are playing!".

Enjoy the sessions, but let everyone else too!!