Bodhrán Basics: Oscillating Jig building

Skills, KnowledgeDain ForsytheMarch 5, 2021bodhran skills, bodhran, bodhrán, Irish music, Jig, Jig pattern, Irish drumComment

As Irish rhythm accompanists, how can we cultivate relationships with accomplished melody players?

So - that leaves us dependent. Yeah. I said it - we’re dependent on finding a melody player or players to accompany . . .

Experience, KnowledgeDain ForsytheApril 30, 2020accompaniment, meloldists, melody, relationshipsComment

Bodhrán Song Accompaniment

Regardless of your chosen approach, once you’ve found and selected your song, you’ll need to really learn it well

Dain ForsytheMarch 14, 2020Comment

Mutual Musical Support for the Season

“Looking out into a crowd from the stage and seeing fellow musicians has always swelled my heart. Raised pints and sing-along leads from other musicians always supports and sends joyful energy to those on the stage.”

ExperienceDain ForsytheMarch 7, 2020Birmingham, Alabama, community, Musicians, Hang, PuntersComment

Tuck Them In for a Day of Rest?

Rest? Yeah. Sometimes taking a break for a day or two can be greatly beneficial for a number of reasons.

Experience, SkillsDain ForsytheFebruary 29, 2020Practicing, RestingComment

Learning Resources: Na Píobairí Uilleann

Even if you’re not a player of the pipes, using the society’s on-line resources can assist one’s depth of understanding of the music . . .

KnowledgeDain ForsytheFebruary 22, 2020Uilleann Pipes, Pipes, Irish Music EducationComment

Hearing and Supporting the Rhythm of Irish Traditional Music

Learning types of Irish traditional rhythms can be easier if one thinks in small phrases, rather than ‘beats’. This phrasing is what we’re after. We’re after making folks want to dance.

Knowledge, SkillsDain ForsytheFebruary 14, 2020Irish CDs, Irish rhythm, ListeningComment

Skill 5: Tune Rhythm Identification

Identifying a tune as a March, Reel, Jig, or other type solely by ear within two to three phrases is another developmental skill bodhrán players need to develop.

Skills, KnowledgeDain ForsytheFebruary 8, 2020Tune Types, Rhythm Identification, Tune rhythm, Reels, Jigs, Hornpipes, Slip Jigs, Marches, Agogic, Mnemonics, rhythmic accuracy, Irish pulse, drive & lift, rhythm skillsComment

Skill 4: Volume Control

Master your ability to control your volume and you'll find new sounds, new timbre, and new friends.

Skills, KnowledgeDain ForsytheFebruary 1, 2020Volume, Control, Ensembles, DynamicsComment

Ventures in Listening: skipping the dots, #1

Learning to learn by ear seems daunting to so many of us music readers. However, every few months, as my brain and body continue to adjust to the process, I have mind blowing moments.

Dain ForsytheJanuary 26, 2020Comment

Skill 3: Time Keeping

Keeping consistent accurate time is essential. This is a learned skill. Using a metronome often can train your brain and muscles to keep excellent time. Here’s how.