I have a single skin Bodhran. The only way I can dampen the resonation (short stroke) is by putting my hand against the back. Am I supposed to keep my hand against the back at all times and use these strokes to control the volume?
@susanshelit Doesn't matter if you have a single or double skin Bodhrán. Stroke dynamics do work. When you put your hand flat against the back of the skin you get a "mute". To get a tone or controlled resonance, you press against the skin with a small area of your hand. The less area touches the skin, the less likely you're to mute your sound. If you have problems with stroke dynamics, it's entirely possible that your skin is too tight (although I'm just speculating here).
you make such a great videos! I've been given a bodhran as a gift along with a book/CD to help me learn, - although it warned against playing too loud, it gave very little clue as to how to bring down the volume. You are thoughtful about what students need to know, breaking techniques down into clear elements. I've found this video so useful and also the one that shows how to vary the pitch with the LH positions shown. Cant wait to watch the next one!
Michelle, you are by far the best teacher of the bodhran on YouTube. As a retired teacher of three decades, I appreciate your ability to start simple, at the beginning, & then slowly build on our prior knowledge, show us carefully, and repeat over and over. Excellent teaching! Do you mind if I ask you to show us how to play some of these various rhythms & dynamics with jigs or reels in the background? It would really help to learn to play along with the music. Again, thanks. You're amazing!!
thanks Michelle. I have had my bodhran for over year. I could make noise with it but did not understand how to make the different tempos. I loved the way you explained this. I am getting a beautiful new Bodhran for Christmas! I am working through your tutorials - thanks so much!
What a treat to discover your video lessons. I picked up a drum at the Pipers College at Summerside PEI. My husband thought it would be an ornament. I am loving the fact that I can learn at my own pace at home. Won't he be surprised. Thanks so much for generously sharing your skill.
Love Love love your videos, I might learn the bodhran after all! Anyway of seeing what it looks like when you play these strokes sideways. I can't tell where on the drum I'm supposed to be hitting. If I'm supposed to pull the strokes away or in towards. Thanks in advance.
I have a single skin Bodhran. The only way I can dampen the resonation (short stroke) is by putting my hand against the back. Am I supposed to keep my hand against the back at all times and use these strokes to control the volume?
susanshelit 1 year ago
@susanshelit Doesn't matter if you have a single or double skin Bodhrán. Stroke dynamics do work. When you put your hand flat against the back of the skin you get a "mute". To get a tone or controlled resonance, you press against the skin with a small area of your hand. The less area touches the skin, the less likely you're to mute your sound. If you have problems with stroke dynamics, it's entirely possible that your skin is too tight (although I'm just speculating here).
zsyrinx 8 months ago
you make such a great videos! I've been given a bodhran as a gift along with a book/CD to help me learn, - although it warned against playing too loud, it gave very little clue as to how to bring down the volume. You are thoughtful about what students need to know, breaking techniques down into clear elements. I've found this video so useful and also the one that shows how to vary the pitch with the LH positions shown. Cant wait to watch the next one!
Angelasflicks 1 year ago
Very helpful...love all your videos!! Thanks so much for sharing your talent...you are awesome!!
IrishBodhranNovice 1 year ago
lots of great info in there, I'm an intermediate/advanced player but always seeking to go back to "beginner mind", thanks very much for this!
gregoryburrows 1 year ago
What size of Bod should I Buy? Beginner-
matinee310 2 years ago
Michelle, you are by far the best teacher of the bodhran on YouTube. As a retired teacher of three decades, I appreciate your ability to start simple, at the beginning, & then slowly build on our prior knowledge, show us carefully, and repeat over and over. Excellent teaching! Do you mind if I ask you to show us how to play some of these various rhythms & dynamics with jigs or reels in the background? It would really help to learn to play along with the music. Again, thanks. You're amazing!!
Jazzwyn 2 years ago
thanks Michelle. I have had my bodhran for over year. I could make noise with it but did not understand how to make the different tempos. I loved the way you explained this. I am getting a beautiful new Bodhran for Christmas! I am working through your tutorials - thanks so much!
cherirhein 2 years ago
What a treat to discover your video lessons. I picked up a drum at the Pipers College at Summerside PEI. My husband thought it would be an ornament. I am loving the fact that I can learn at my own pace at home. Won't he be surprised. Thanks so much for generously sharing your skill.
erlybev 2 years ago
Love Love love your videos, I might learn the bodhran after all! Anyway of seeing what it looks like when you play these strokes sideways. I can't tell where on the drum I'm supposed to be hitting. If I'm supposed to pull the strokes away or in towards. Thanks in advance.
keliculas 2 years ago
thankyou!!!!
tamsinemily 3 years ago
Great video, Michelle!! My 4 yo daughter and I enjoyed your lesson. She was really into it!!
annemariesegaric 3 years ago
Thanks for the great tips Mickey! I'll be eagerly waiting for more!
ianjenny99 3 years ago
nicely done Michelle!
-kip
nchune 3 years ago