The Bodhran is one of the most iconic instruments used in Irish Traditional Music, with origins, construction techniques and playing methods that vary dramatically.

Third-generation bodhran maker Michael McCarthy suggested that “bodhran” means “skin tray.” Bodhar, which translates as dull sound, describes exactly what this drum produces; by changing hand styles during playing sessions the player can modulate pitch modulation.

Origins

Music can help express feelings we may struggle to put into words. Ireland is famous for its musical heritage, with two iconic instruments being the bodhran drum and tin whistle.

The origins of the bodhran remain shrouded in mystery, though its etymology remains up for discussion and some researchers speculate it may have developed from tambourines found across southern continental Europe.

This bodhran, constructed of flexible wood hoops that forms a shallow cylinder shape, features one end covered with white leather (perhaps sheep skin) fastened with nails for further decoration. Acquired by the NMI in 1942.

Construction

A bodhran is a frame drum featuring an extendable goatskin (or sometimes synthetic or other animal skin) stretched over it. Its round wooden hoop frame often includes crossed wood bars to stabilize it.

A drum may be played either with one’s bare hand or using a stick known as a beater, tipper, or cipin. When used with the latter tool, both ends can be struck to adjust pitch.

Natural bodhran drumskins may become loose due to changes in weather and require gentle heat in order to retighten. Any exposure to blowtorches, open fires or hair dryers or any other source of high temperatures should be avoided in order to preserve the integrity of these natural instruments.

Sounds

Bodhrans are small frame drums, usually 14″ to 18″, with one goatskin head that are played using a double-ended stick known as a tipper. A skilled player can tap their bodhran to produce anything from sharp urgent beats to melodious ringing beats; creating sounds which express an array of emotions.

Critical examination of the bodhran is vital in order to question some of its received wisdom, given that its form and use has undergone dramatic transformation more rapidly than any other Irish instrument in recent decades.

Techniques

A bodhran player can manipulate the tone and sound of their drum by applying pressure to its underside, creating different moods from urgent taps to melodious ringing beats.

Traditional circus performers used their hands, but today a stick known as a cipin is preferred. To maximize comfort for prolonged playback sessions and increase weight withstand-ability.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, master bodhran players such as Sean O Riada, Peadar Mercier of The Chieftains, Christy Moore from Planxty and De Dannan’s Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh developed new techniques and styles of playing the bodhran; turning a simple farm implement into an elegant musical instrument.

Styles

As bodhran playing has grown increasingly popular, techniques from other ethnic drumming traditions have been adopted and combined with those found within Irish drumming traditions, leading to many different bodhran styles and creating numerous new idioms.

Snapp-Apple Night, which depicts a house party on Halloween where a bodhran plays an integral part, may be one of the earliest depictions of an early twentieth-century bodhran in an image.

One innovative technique of playing the bodhran is with a brush stick, which uses two soft drum brushes connected at either end of a long stick for use as beaters for producing beautiful soft sounding beats.

Recordings

Increased interest in Irish traditional music during the 1960s and 1970s resulted in numerous internationally released LP recordings, making the bodhran even more widely recognized. Furthermore, players such as Sean O Riada of Boys of the Lough Robin Morton; Planxty Christy Moore; Johnny McDonagh from De Dannan have developed advanced playing techniques.

This integrated instruction book and audio download teaches beginning bodhran players how to hold the drum and stick, as well as basic accompaniment patterns for reels and jigs, playing along with other musicians, and includes suggestions on playing together as a group. A must-have for anyone hoping to master this essential Irish instrument! Also included on the audio are traditional Irish dance tunes recorded at different tempos – an invaluable learning experience!

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