Hi

Well, my first bodhran was a Malachy Kearns one... Since then I have had one commissioned by a fella who makes them -

I don't know if the videos are any good - I was taught at a music group (part of the chomhaltas Irish Music assosciations) I was shown the basics and all the rest I have learnt from listening to cds etc. And knowing two great bodhran players helps. If you can befriend the like - it is very valuable and 30 minutes with them would beat any video.

My tip for playing... (I teach kids) would be to hold the tipper lightly - like you would a pen resting it on your middle finger. The wrist action I would liken to flicking water off the tips of your fingers.

Don't worry about getting hits with the top part of your tipper - just concentrate on one end first the rest will come later as you practise.

Try to play along with a jig first in a plain running beat.

I agree with the advice posted earlier... don't bother with the touristy bodhrans with the pretty paintingson... You can pick up a good starter bodhran for around £50 - £60 a good price to pay.

Go to sessions (but don't play) and listen to other bodhran players - get chatting to them and you might get helps. We are a friendly lot...

Good tip - don't leave your bodhran in car boots (like dogs they melt) and don't expose to temp extremes.

A good bodhran player knows the tunes! So get to know as many tunes as you can. I like to try to replicate the tune with my bodhran playing. I am used to people in sessions I attend asking me what tune that is - and the key - etc. I usually know. Helps if you play other instruments too.

Most of all have a go - don't be afraid to seek advice and find lessons if you can. Hell I would give you lessons if I was nearby...

Good luck enjoy and have fun

Regards

Ella

Look out for a bodhran that has a nice skin tone - the ones with a nice skin marking (patches) can usually have a nice tone to them. Try to get a fairly thick one (though that may cost more) and twice a year or so give it a treat with a little clear dubbin rubbed in to moisturise and keep the drum nice.

Ta taaa