Tin Whistle & Bodhran Workshops

Want to learn how to play some
Celtic instruments?

I have been giving workshops at festivals for a few years now and am a firm believer that people should be able to walk away afterwards being able to play something.
I am tired of “workshops” where the audience doesn’t get to join in and have fun as they learn.

My workshops are geared towards the beginner and those who are trying to improve, although they can be adapted for the more experienced player. They are “hands-on” workshops and people will be encouraged to participate. Please feel free to bring along instruments.

Patonga Folk Festival 2001 picture courtesy of Marilyn Russell

Bodhran Workshop

Topics covered include: -

How to hold the drum and beater.
How to prepare the bodhran for playing.
How to play the 2 basic rhythms in Celtic tunes i.e. Jigs and Reels.
How to go on from this starting block.
Extra rhythms and styles as time allows or depending on the skill of the audience.

St Albans Folk Festival 2000 picture courtesy of Barry Galbraith

Tin Whistle Workshop

Topics covered include: -

A few types of whistles.
Basic fingering.
Some basic tunes.
Some simple ornamentation techniques.
More advanced ornamentation as time allows, or depending on the skill of the audience

St Albans Folk Festival 2002 picture courtesy of Marilyn Russell

CD of Slow Sets for Beginners / Practice available - $25

the secure server is set up for US $'s CD + postage & packaging = $18 (US)

click for more details & CD reviews

contact Alison

its a zero!!

About the CD

Often for people starting out playing the bodhran, conventional CDs of session tunes and Irish music are simply too fast to practice with. This CD is designed to be a step towards playing the faster tunes. It includes instruction on playing the various rhythms (reels, jigs, hornpipes, polkas, slip jigs, marches and waltzes), and I have played the tunes slower than usual to make it easier to play along with.

A short review of the CD by John McKnowall (bodhran maker in Kyogle NSW)

I have now listened to your CD three times (the third with drum in hand) I must say I am impressed, the concept has often been bandied about but has until now not been done and you have done it in grand style, "eggs and bacon and sausages" indeed!

This great product would also help learner melody players, your choice of tunes is perfect and the conundrum of Irish music is laid bare for anyone .

Congratulations for lifting an aural tradition into a new dimension.

For Upcoming Workshops

please check out

Alison's Gig Guide (includes performances)

Festivals where I have run workshops include:-

St Albans Folk Festival - 1999 - 2007
Autumn at the Highland Manor - Parramatta - 2006-2008
St Patricks Day Parade / Celebrations - 2005, 2006 2006
Coastfest - Gosford - 2005
Illawarra folk Festival (Jamberoo) - 2003, 2004
Fleadh Ceol at the Mean Fiddler - 2003, 2004
Parc Menai Celtic Festival - 2003, 2004
Australian Celtic Festival - Glen Innes - 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Celtic Festival Teralba - 2002 / 2003
Uranquinty Folk Festival - 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
Umina Beach Folk Festival - 2003, 2004