I've been running occasional bodhran workshops (by invitation so I assume some people at least like my playing)for around 15 years and have taught people ranging from those who genuinely want to learn to play the bodhran as an instrument to those who want something to do for an hour or two as they can no longer keep up with dance workshops. I always emphasise the need to play sensitively and if you can't hear the instrument next to you you are probably playing too loud.

What really annoys me is musicians (ones who can play a 'proper' instrument) who insist on bring along a bodhran to 'accompany'tunes and songs they don't know. They then proceed to bash the hell out of the skin and completely spoil someone else's turn. To an extent this also applies to cajons which seem to be creeping into sessions in considerable numbers. Like the bodhran it is a great instument in the right hands but can be ruined by over-enthusiasm. If there seems to be a lot of loud percussion I now make a point of putting my drum down so that people don't think its me!!

In response to one of the above I am the partner of a proper musician who encouraged me when I decided to learn to play the bodhran many years ago. If I was no good at it he certainly wouldn't let me play in his band- and I certainly wouldn't have been complemented on my playing in sessions in Ireland!