The Bohdran began to be used in Irish tradition music since the 1960 but it has been around Irish way before the 1960.
The Bohdran plays a leading role in all traditional Irish music without it, it’s hard to accomplish the tunes.
Other country have this type of drum similar to those in north America and the middle east but what make it unique to Ireland is the technique that the Irish use, that found almost nowhere in the world.
The Bohdran have a unique playing style among other drums, it is held under the left arm (for right handed player) with the left hand against the skin it serving to damp the tone and to create variation in the tone. and the rhythm played with the right hand using a stick know as a ciper, beater or a tiper.
There is a new way of play the Bohdran it know as the, Top end style, the player use a thinner and longer stick and a deeper Bodhran and thinner skin. this technique allow the player to slowly follow the tune of the instrument and create a wide variety of tones and rhythm.
This instrument is very accessible for learning, it is often the first choice for children and adults with no previous musical skills.
Although it is essentially a folk instrument, it can be used tastefully within any genre of music. It’s subtle qualities are evident in the accompaniment of songs and small ensembles.
LE VAN THAI - final year project Phase 2 