Our fun way to drum up new experiences

WHAT IS IT?

Bodhran Explorers, drumming workshops for the Irish bodhran – a circular hand-held drum that forms the backbone of traditional Irish music – which meet regularly at the London Irish Centre, Camden, with one-off events nationwide.

TELL ME MORE

Classically trained percussionist and folk enthusiast Ruairí Glasheen, above right with one of his group’s members, was four when he first picked up a bodhran and was instantly hooked.

Now, as well as playing in a variety of ensembles, the Royal College of Music graduate runs weekly workshops for bodhran beginners.

Participants discover the history of the instrument and learn a range of technical skills. ‘People come to learn an instrument, but they stay for the community and the fun and the shared experience,’ says Ruairí. ‘Maybe you’ve never played before, maybe you were put off music as a child after being scolded for being too loud, or too terrible – this is about making it fun again and not worrying about making mistakes.’

The group is as energetic as it is diverse, with everyone from music students to pensioners taking part.

‘We love it,’ says Maggie Boucher, 77, who lives on her own in London. ‘There’s a lady who was a librarian for 30 years, another who’s a professional singer. But we’re all secret performers, really.’

Ruairí adds: ‘I’ve realised it’s therapeutic for some people. It’s an opportunity to disengage with some of the more challenging things we have to deal with on a day-to-day basis.’ SIGN ME UP!

Workshops are £15 to attend. Visit ruairiglasheen.net/beginnerbodhran.