The Bodhran Drum
The Bodhran is a circle-shaped frame drum that gained great renown during the folk music revival in the 1960s.
Irish traditional music has long incorporated this instrument, typically played either with one hand or using a tipper (or cipin). Since its introduction, traditional Irish music has relied heavily on it.
Bodhrans played an essential part in celebrating La an Dreoilin or Day of the Wren, an Irish mumming custom celebrated annually on December 26th.
Origin
The bodhran, or circular frame drum, first gained popularity during the folk music revival of the 1960s. A versatile instrument with numerous playing techniques, its popularity continues to rise and now used widely from informal gatherings to theaters and concert halls alike.
The origin of the bodhran remains obscure, although some theories speculate it was likely modified from a North African tambourine known as bendir. Additionally, some contend it may have been used as an ancient pagan drum long before Christianity had even come into being.
The Bodhran is a traditional Irish instrument and was initially played by Wren Boys who would travel house-to-house performing music and dancing. Nowadays it is used as an accompaniment to Irish traditional music with master players such as Robin Morton of The Boys of the Lough and Peadar Mercier from The Chieftains creating new playing techniques with it.
Function
Skilled players of the bodhran can produce an array of sounds ranging from sharp urgent taps to melodious ringing beats. Its distinctive design enables this versatility, as performers use one hand as a “tipper” while using their other to play.
Muzikkon offers an expansive selection of Bodhrans for sale to meet any level of musician. Our Bodhran for Beginners course will teach the basics of playing Irish reels and jigs on this ancient drum!
Styles of play
Modern Irish drum players have developed a dynamic playing style to explore its full range of musical possibilities. Seamus O’Kane’s invention of an internal tone ring greatly aids this development; by eliminating damp conditions on its skin and providing the player unrestricted access to changing the tone, dampness becomes no longer a threat and access is opened up for altering tonal variation of his/her drum.
Today’s drumming players tend to employ a stick called a cipin for playing their drum. This allows them to mark highs while their other hand dampens open sides of drum to provide an array of sounds from bassy basses all the way through to high pitches – this technique is known as Kerry (or double-ended) style of playing; alternatively a newer style called top end uses only one end of cipin stick.
Techniques
As drumming became a prominent musical instrument during the folk revival in the 1960s, its use expanded significantly into multiple styles; from accompanying reels and jigs to intricate patterns and “fills”.
Traditional Bodhran performances involved beating the goatskin drum with one’s hand; nowadays it’s more often played using a stick known as a cipin, tipper, or beater. As playing styles have changed to accommodate more melodic approaches and wider varieties of sounds.
The Bodhran is not an easy instrument to learn; it takes dedication, practice, and good technique. While an ideal introduction rhythmic instrument, its complexity should only be attempted by those with proper abilities and lessons from a professional tutor can ensure you develop proper techniques.
Equipment
Bodhran players traditionally used their hands to play the drum; nowadays it’s usually struck with a stick known as a beater, tipper or cipin. An open side of the drum is dampened using a skin hand so as to allow alterations of pitch and tone from player.
The Bodhran was first made popular during the folk music revival of the 1960s and is now an essential instrument in concert halls and theatres around the world. Bodhrans are complex Irish musical instruments with sophisticated playing styles.
Waltons Bodhrans are handcrafted by experienced makers, complete with wooden beaters, carrying boxes, and instruction booklets. This 18″ bodhran is perfect for beginners to advanced drummers; featuring a durable goatskin head that has been expertly painted with the Celtic Trinity symbol for easy playing and tuning.
