Bodhran Workshop For Beginners

This one winged it’s way in via email earlier this afternoon, but if you’re interested there’s a 2-day beginners bodhran workshop being held in Mullins Mill, Kells, the second weekend of March. It might interest some of you drummers looking to add some trad instruments to your lineup. Here’s the details…

Cost: 65 Euro per person
Dates: Saturday March 8th, Sunday March 9th
Booking: 087 2383678 (Contact Sophia)
Places: 10 (Limited)

What you’ll learn? An introduction to the Bodhran - The instrument itself and the playing technique. Initially using the hand and then the stick. Learning basic Jig and Reel rhythmic patterns.

A willingness to learn and persevere with the basic playing technique is required and a love for Irish music is encouraged and welcomed!

Jim Higgins, hosting the workshop, hails from Renmore in Galway. Born into a musical family, he went on to study music in University College Cork under Micheal O Suilleabhain amongst others. While in Cork, Jim caught ‘the bodhrán bug’, playing alongside players such as Mel Mercier, Colm Murphy, and Frank Torpey.

During this period Jim was also an active member of ‘The Stunning’ rock band playing trumpet and keyboards as well as percussion. He also went on to play drums with fellow Galwegians ‘The Sawdoctors’ following a four year stint with ‘The Riverdance Show’ which took him around the world. He is also an honorary member of the Donegal based traditional group ‘Altan’ having recorded and toured extensively with them for the last fifteen years from the Hollywood Bowl to the Sydney Opera House. He has also recorded and performed with such luminaries as Paul Brady, Christy Moore, Liam O’Flynn, Donal Lunny, Bill Whelan, Martin O’Connor and Lunasa.

Jim also specializes in ethnic percussion encompassing the djembe, the darabukkas, the dumbeq and the mbira.