AN INNOVATIVE new bodhrán tutor book designed to meet the needs of a bodhrán class in Co Armagh has sold out its first edition after attracting orders from 13 countries.
Published last November, the Grade 2 Bodhrán Tutor book and CD was inspired by the 13 bodhrán students from the Traditional Arts Partnership (Ring of Gullion) who took part in the first ever London College of Music (LCM) bodhrán exams at St Mary’s Primary, Mullaghbawn last June – all achieved distinctions across Grades 2 to 8.
Since then, orders have come in from London, New York, Nova Scotia, Belgium, Luxembourg, Oman, France, Germany, Spain and even South Korea.
A key feature of the book is its innovative notation, which software architect, web-developer and bodhrán aficianado Rene de Kat helped to develop alongside his co-author, bodhrán player and teacher Fergal O'Brien.
The pair were overwhelmed by the response to the book, now available in a revised second edition informed by feedback from bodhrán teachers across the world, including acclaimed Alabama bodhrán author Andy Kruspe, Seamus O’Kane and Steafán Hannigan.
Positive reviews were also received from 'name' players such as Flook man John Joe Kelly and Beoga bodhrán maestro Eamon Murray.
"More and more people want to learn through some kind of system of notation," the latter enthused. "Fergal and René’s notation is simple to pick up and ideal for this kind of learning. Mighty work from mighty men."
In 2016 the 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, the group that later evolved into The Chieftains.
The impact of the new 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.
:: Grade 2 Bodhrán Tutor second edition is now available on bodhrangradetutor.com For further details contact Fergal O’Brien at obrien.fergal@yahoo.co.uk
