www.bodhrangradetutor.com

A Grade 2 Bodhrán Tutor book and CD designed to meet the local needs of a bodhrán class in Mullaghbawn for the next 4 years has sold out worldwide across 13 countries in 3 months. Orders have come from London, New York, Nova Scotia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Kildare, Oman, France, Germany, Spain, and even one from South Korea!
The book’s authors Fergal O’Brien and René de Kat (pictured below) were overwhelmed by the response. Comments from bodhrán teachers across the world including acclaimed bodhrán author Andy Kruspe (Alabama), Seamus O’Kane and Steafán Hannigan have influenced the second edition.
In 2016 the University of West London - London College of Music - made the first ever grades available on the bodhrán. In doing so they recognised the huge development in interest and skill since Seán Ó Riada first popularised the instrument with Ceoltoirí Chualann in 1960 (a group that later evolved into the Chieftains). Nowadays there are many experts like John Joe Kelly, Eamon Murray, Gino Lupari, Colm Phelan, Kevin Conneff, Johnny Ringo McDonagh and Tommy Hayes, to name but a few.
The book was inspired by the 13 bodhrán students from the Traditional Arts Partnership who achieved distinctions in the Grades 2-8 in June last year.
Positive reviews were received from John Joe Kelly and Eamon Murray:
“More and more people want to learn through some kind of system of notation. Fergal and René’s notation is simple to pick up and ideal for this kind of learning. Mighty work from mighty men.” Eamon Murray

“I have read many tutorials over the years but found this one in particular to be really well delivered, with clear and creative instructional methods used throughout. Fergal’s long history of teaching is evident within the publication and sincerity comes off each and every page. In today’s world of bodhrán playing there are many methods of learning and I thoroughly advise you to pick up a copy of this fantastic tutorial.” John Joe Kelly

The impact of the book and grades on the Traditional Arts Partnership has been considerable with the number entering bodhrán exams in 2017 jumping to 33 from 13 last year. The second edition is now available on bodhrangradetutor.com

For further details contact Fergal O’Brien Obrien.fergal@yahoo.co.uk Tel 07980726360