Welcome

The BodhranWeekends are a workshop series of bodhran workshops for all different playing levels.  They were invented by bodhran players Guido Plüschke and Rolf Wagels about ten years ago and have been succesfull workshops twice a year ever since. Every BodhranWeekend has lessons for complete beginners, beginners, intermediate and advanced players and also a supporting programm. All weekends take place in neat and established places specialised in music workshops and seminars and include accomodation and catering.

Lessons

The lessons are appropriate for all playing levels: From complete beginners to advanced players who look for new tipps and tricks. After a short introduction of the bodhran playing techniques are the main focus of the lessons, but also playing in sessions, structures of Irish music and accompaniment patterns are part of the schedule. Music examples are used to show different rhythms in Irish music and also to show different playing styles for the bodhran.  Bodhrans are provided during the lessons for those who don't have drum (yet).

Supporting program

The weekends are not lessons only, but also include a supporting program that deals with different aspects of the drum: There is always a presentation about e.g. the history of the drum or drum making or tipper making, someimes supported by external experts like bodhran maker Christian Hedwitschak. On Saturday night there is a concert of Irish music usually followed a session where attendees can try out the new things they have learned.

Also, the BodhranWeekends give you the unique opportunity to try out, compare and buy bodhrans by different makers and lots of accessories.

Bodhrán legend Johnny 'Ringo' McDonagh:
"My connection with Germany was initiated many years ago when I toured there with DE DANNAN and ARCADY. I am impressed and delighted with how the standard of bodhrán playing has developed and improved since then. This is in no small way due to the excellent teaching of Guido and Rolf. Fair play to ye, Lads!”