Bodhran Lessons
The Bodhran is a fundamental instrument of Irish traditional music. Used to accent and embellish tunes naturally rhythmic grooves, as well as connect people to its music more directly, learning bodhran requires no prior musical knowledge to pick it up!
Although learning bodhran can be relatively straightforward, mastering some hand movements may prove more complex than anticipated. With assistance from great bodhran teachers, however, these challenges can be overcome and pitch and timbre of your instrument mastered more smoothly.
Irish Fest School of Music
The Milwaukee Irish Fest has become a global festival celebrating Irish music, dance and culture. Along with top-class musical performances, festivalgoers can enjoy many other activities that immerse them in Irish culture like language instruction and dancing classes as well as year-round events and classes.
Irish Fest has collaborated with various area organizations to offer educational presentations and workshops at this year’s festival. You can take a jig class at Drake School of Irish Dance or try your hand at speaking the Irish language; playwrights and authors such as Carlene O’Connor will also be at Literary Corner signing copies of her Irish Village Series books.
Rory Modlinski on flute and fiddle and Ryan McFarland on banjo, bodhran, vocals, combine to offer an energetic mix of traditional, modern, Celtic music that keeps audiences riveted during each live show. These award-winning duo has developed an enthusiastic following because of their powerful performances.
Tin Whistle Lessons
If you are interested in learning the tin whistle, there are various options available to you. From local teachers to books or videos – personal tuition offers the best results as mistakes will be corrected before becoming bad habits; lessons can even be tailored specifically to meet your needs!
Video-based tin whistle lessons have recently emerged online, providing excellent instruction for those without local teachers. Most courses focus on teaching tunes phrase by phrase at an individual learner’s pace while some may also offer ornamentation to take your playing to the next level.
Many tin whistle learning materials focus on Irish music, which makes sense as this instrument excels in that genre. But to get acquainted with your instrument’s overall sound and develop an ear for music – something which is critical in Irish music – starting by learning tunes from other genres is highly recommended to give yourself a full experience of its soundscape and develop your ear as you learn Irish tunes will also help immensely!
Bodhran Magic
Bodhran Magic offers something for all types of drummers – both experienced and beginning alike. Their studio offers lessons with experienced instructors who will teach the fundamentals of playing this Irish drum as well as its main rhythms: reels and jigs.
The bodhran is an incredible instrument. When played properly, it can produce an array of sounds ranging from sharp urgent taps to melodious ringing beats – this ability being made possible thanks to being able to dampen its sound using one hand on its back side.
Daniel Lyons knew he’d found his place when he entered Malachy Kearns’ bodhran workshop run by Malachy Kearns, an accomplished maker who studied under Peadar Mercier of the Chieftains. Malachy produces approximately 30,000 bodhrans annually and his instruments have been featured in multiple musical productions like Riverdance.
Bodhran Academy
The bodhran is a circular frame with a stretched-over skin made of sheepskin or goatskin that produces various notes depending on its use. A percussionist typically supports it between his/her knees while their other hand may either hold onto the edge or press against its underside to alter sound production by the instrument.
Skilled bodhran players can harness this instrument’s potential to express an array of emotions ranging from sobs and laughter, all the way through to martial percussion and call to arms. According to Mike O’Regan of IRTRAD-L, it should not attempt to drive the beat like a rock drummer but instead “ornament and complement it”.
The ICCNE Academy offers ten-week courses beginning each September, and their Open House provides an ideal opportunity for newcomers and experienced instructors alike to become acquainted with them and their offerings.
