In the 21st century, it is rare to witness the evolution of a classic instrument. Most of the instruments which are used to play music were conceptualized and perfected in the bygone millennia. There is however one popular Irish exception. The Bodhran. The bodhrán is a Celtic- Irish frame drum that surged in popularity as recently as the 1960s.  The bodhrán breaks the rules as it is one of the few which are still evolving with many makers and players alike constantly trying new combinations and techniques to improve the Bodhran.  

Origin 

The origin of the bodhrán is a topic for many raging debates. The origin story of this instrument is filled with theories as there is no rigid information i.e. date of creation available and the fact that many see this drum’s musical uprise a fairly recent phenomenon. 

One of the more interesting theories about the Bodhran’s origin- proposed by Irish Music magazine editor Ronan Nolan- is that it is a poor man’s instrument. The bodhrán carries a similarity to the tambourine. This argument does make sense, as the simple construction of the bodhrán and required materials like wood and goat skin and possibly farm machine parts would be easy-to-find items in a farm. 

Another scarce bit of information about the bodhrán would be some ancient pictures dating back to the 19th century. There are ancient canvas paintings by Dan Maclise depicting an Irish frame drum being played at a party. 

The word “Bodhran” itself originates from the word “bodhar” which means dull or numb. Earliest documented use of this word dates back to a 15th century medical transcript where the sound of a bloated belly was described as the sound of a drum. Information in old encyclopedias also show this word was in use before 1827.

Whilst no set date or year or even century can be provided regarding the Bodhran’s creation, various evidence does show its existence throughout history.

Playing the Bodhran

Despite the innocent looks of this frame drum, and the simple ‘tipper’ used to play it, playing the bodhrán requires impeccable coordination. Not only does the player need to learn how to balance the drum on their thighs, the complex wrist movements and the hand-eye coordination required for playing can take many months to perfect. Also, for higher ‘classes’ of playing, and to play different tunes, the player needs to learn to use their other hand- situated behind the drum skin, inside the frame- in particular ways.

Popularity and first use

The earliest uses of the bodhrán as an instrument are mentioned in Irish folklore. These were regarding pagan rituals, meaning the bodhrán could have been in use even before the 18th century. Accurate dates are still unavailable, but the mention of usage in pagan rituals is a strong reason to believe the bodhrán was in use in the 18th and possibly prior centuries. 

The Bodhran’s largest upsurge in popularity came in the 1950s and 1960s alongside the revival of traditional Irish music. But as aforementioned, the bodhrán existed for long before its musical prominence. So, what was it used for previously?

One unique use of the bodhrán was as a ceremonial war drum. The bodhrán was played in order to raise the temper of men before they fought battles. The idea here being, the higher levels of brute excitement would help the men overcome their enemies. 

One more traditional ritualistic use of the bodhrán would be in the ‘Wren tradition’. Before its modern stardom, the bodhrán was made famous by The Wren – a group of men who entertained the local public by going to their houses and playing the bodhrán in exchange for food etc. on St. Stephen’s Day.  Legends around this culture suggest that the bodhrán could have been in use as far back as the 8th century. 

The first legend says that St. Stephen upon being betrayed by a chattering wren- the bird- was stoned to death by his enemies. Since then the wren would get stoned down like St. Stephen.

The second legend says that sometime during the Viking raids of 6th to 10th century, a band of Irish soldiers were compromised by a wren that was feasting on some food left on top of a bodhrán while they attempted an assault on a Viking camp at night. If these legends are remotely accurate, and the Wren has been celebrated since these events, the bodhrán could have been in use since the 8th century. 

Switching gears from early use to recent popularity, and the bodhrán has never been more popular. Growing adjacent to the revival of Irish traditional music, the bodhrán had the biggest assist in form of Seán Ó Riada- the most influential figure in the revival of Irish music. During his time in the 60s, Riada would be seen wielding a bodhrán center stage which helped grow the bodhran’s reputation. 

Further increase in popularity was caused by significant players like Peadar Mercier, Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh and John Joe Kelly who also developed new styles and improved the bodhran’s tonal quality and sound to bring it on par with modern standards.

The bodhrán has had a winding and interesting history. From seemingly having no evidence of existence to popping up at random points in time, this framed drum has now earned its place as a traditional Irish musical equipment. And ever since it shed its ‘for ritual use’ cloak and became a musical instrument in the 50s, the bodhrán has gotten immensely better with players and makers still thriving to improve it, and compose better music with it.  

The flute is the oldest instrument that’s still widely used today. Records show that it’s been used by our ancestors from around 43,000 years ago – and this reveals how much our ancestors also loved to entertain themselves with music. 

The question that is often asked is this: how to decide if flute is the right instrument for you? 

In this article, I’ll discuss the determinative factors that will help you in ultimately making your decision. I’ve also added a list of advantages that you’ll enjoy when you’re playing the flute.  

How to Decide if Flute is the Right Instrument For You?

Factors to Consider

I completely understand the dilemma that budding musicians feel when they’re planning to start taking lessons. Whether it’s the flute or any other musical instrument, you always want to make sure that you’re investing your resources into the perfect instrument. 

After all, you’ll end up buying an instrument, paying for lessons, and spending hours of practice time – so you might as well spend it on something you know you’ll love. 

To help you in making that decision, here are some of the factors that you have to consider to know if flute is right instrument for you. 

Interest

When it comes to playing any musical instrument, the very first thing that you have to consider is how interested you are in playing it. 

This interest or passion may stem from different reasons. Maybe you want to learn more about this age-old instrument and imagine the kind of music that captivated our forefathers. Or perhaps you simply love the sound of the playful tones produced by the flute.

In some instances, it may not be the flute itself that caught your interest – but the flute may be a part of something that interests you. For example, maybe you dream of performing in an orchestra someday or just join an Irish traditional music session, but all the other instruments seem too intimidating. 

Some professional flutists even recall that they simply wanted to join their school’s band when they were young, and the flute seemed like the easiest instrument to learn to play. 

This goes to show that your interest in the flute may stem from another dream of yours. Use that dream to ignite the flame of passion for playing the flute – and once you develop this passion, there’s no turning back. 

Discipline

Another quality you must have is discipline. Although learning to play the flute only requires around 30 to 45 minutes of your time per day, being able to strictly follow your schedule requires discipline. 

The flute isn’t as demanding as other instruments, so you may have to fight the urge to procrastinate with your lessons. You must be able to have a decent amount of self-discipline to keep you focused on your goal.

But on the bright side, this might be your opportunity to develop your self-discipline

Center Stage

If you love being under the spotlight, then there’s no doubt that the flute is the right instrument for you. 

The flute is one of the most resonant instruments out there. Because of this musical quality, it often takes the center stage – right in front of clarinets and horns. And because it requires flutists to stand straight while playing it, they’re bound to stand out in a sea of violins and violas. 

For this reason, most band or orchestra managers prefer people who love the spotlight on them. These are the people who can play the flute comfortably even with the immense pressure bestowed on them. 

But this doesn’t mean that only extroverts make the best flutists. Bear in mind that the flute is an instrument that you can play from wherever because of its compact size. With that said, anyone can play the flute to help them relax and unwind after an exhausting day – and not just in front of a crowd. 

But in any case, being able to play the flute can improve your self-confidence, and this helps you to take the center stage in all aspects of your life. 

Advantages

Fortunately, the flute is one of the simplest instruments that you can learn to play. This makes it a great beginner instrument for young kids who have shown an inclination for music. 

To keep you interested in the flute, here are some of the advantages that you might want to consider. 

Health

First of all, the flute helps you improve your health. Bear in mind that flute is played by breathing air into its opening. Because of this, flutists are inclined to develop proper breathing techniques that ultimately strengthens the lungs. And not to mention, this also strengthens your core muscles by giving your diaphragm a nice workout. 

Additionally, playing the flute requires you to stand up straight. This helps you keep your back straight while making sure that your eyes, hand, and mouth are working with each other harmoniously. As a result, you’re not only improving your posture – you’re also improving your body coordination. 

Portability

Another thing I love about the flute is how portable it is. Being a relatively small musical instrument, flute bags and cases are also on the petite side, and can even fit inside bigger backpacks and travel bags. This means that you can take it with you anywhere without having to pay extra seats or storage fees. 

Budget

And finally, flutes are more affordable than other musical instruments. 

Although flutes used by professionals can go as high as 5,000 euros, beginners can start practicing on decent flutes that only cost around 100 euros. As you gain mastery of this instrument, you can upgrade to more expensive flutes. 

Conclusion

The flute is an inexpensive instrument that’s easy to learn. With its unassuming exterior, it’s understandable that a lot of people are drawn to learning how to play this instrument. But the real question is this: is the flute the right instrument for you?

Fortunately, the flute does not require a lot from its players. First of all, it requires you to have an interest or passion for learning how to play the flute. Second, you must have the discipline to motivate yourself to keep practicing. And finally, you must love being in the spotlight. 

These factors guarantee that you’ll truly enjoy playing this simple instrument. If you have all these, then there is no doubt that the flute is the right instrument for you.

There’s no doubt that the piano produces the most beautiful sounds. Although the piano is often associated with classical music, it is versatile enough to accompany most of today’s modern tunes. 

Compared to other instruments, the piano is one of the easiest instruments to learn how to play. Neither does it require other accessories, so both your hands are focused on doing the same thing. This is why the piano is the recommended instrument for most beginners. 

But buying a piano and taking piano lessons will require an investment, you might be wondering if the piano is the right instrument for you. 

In this article, I’ll discuss the things to look for when deciding to learn the piano. I hope this will help you in making your decision and prepare you for what’s ahead in case you choose to take piano lessons. 

Passion

First of all, you have to have a passion for three things: the passion for the piano, passion for learning, and passion for music. 

Passion for the Piano

You need to have a passion for the piano to keep yourself focused on the goal. This is the passion that drew you closer to this particular instrument. 

This may be due to your curiosity as to how each key produces the sound – or how the volume increases depending on the intensity of you pressing each key. Alternatively, you may be passionate about the instrument because you are fascinated with classical music and how intense and emotional they are. 

You develop your interest in a certain instrument for different reasons. Whatever the reason may be, only you can determine if you truly desire to know more about the piano. 

Passion for Learning

The passion for learning, on the other hand, is a general desire to develop a new skill. In most instances, this is what a lot of beginners have. This is the passion that drives you to attend piano lessons regularly. When you have a passion for learning at the beginning, the passion for piano and music usually follows. 

Passion for Music

And finally, the passion for music will allow you to connect with the instrument on a deeper level. You are aware that the piano is a versatile instrument, and you know that it can help you unleash your creative side. With this passion for music, you develop a sensitive ear that helps you control the movement of your fingers to produce the sound you want.

But if you only have one of these three passions, don’t be disheartened. These three are closely intertwined, so if you have just one at the beginning, you’re bound to develop the other two as you move along with your lessons. 

Time Management

Learning to play the piano requires a lot of your time. Aside from practicing for a few hours per day, you also have to attend piano lessons each week. Knowing this, you must be able to squeeze this inside your current schedule. 

You have to have good time management skills to pull this off. Otherwise, you may be tempted to skip practice, and this will just leave you at the same level for a long time. 

Alternatively, you may be taking in too much that you can handle. This may lead to burnout, and that could do more damage to you than good. 

Discipline

You must understand that learning to play the piano requires a lot of discipline. 

As I’ve previously mentioned, eventually you need to practice a few hours per day to be familiar with each note. Practicing also helps improve the dexterity of your fingers, and this helps you to play more complicated melodies. 

These practice sessions usually take place at home, and without the prying eyes of your piano instructor. This means that you need a decent amount of self-discipline to motivate yourself to keep practicing. 

Budget

One factor that often discourages a lot of aspiring pianists is their budget. There’s no denying that owning a piano and paying for piano lessons can be quite costly.

On average, the price of an acoustic piano ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 euros, while high-end pianos and grand pianos can go as high as 20,000 euros. To add to that, you have to pay your instructor his hourly rate whenever you attend lessons.

Looking at these figures, I understand why a lot of aspiring pianists are easily disheartened. Fortunately, modern technology has given us more affordable alternatives. 

If you love the sound and feel of an acoustic piano but don’t have thousands of dollars to spend, you may opt to buy an upright digital piano with weighted keys instead. These keys are designed to imitate the resistance that acoustic piano keys have. As a result, you can barely feel the difference between these two keys, so it makes a great practice piano for your home.

And if you prefer the more electric sound coming from digital keyboards, a lot of decent ones are available for just a little over one hundred euros. 

Thus, you have to plan your budget to accommodate the piano you need to develop your skills.  

Instruction

Part of perfecting how to play the piano is how well your instructor teaches you. 

As a tip, talk to parents at the school gates for any recommendations in the local music school. Preferably, they must be one within your area so you don’t have to worry about travel time and expenses. 

Alternatively, some instructors take advantage of our highly-digital era and try to find ways to make piano lessons more accessible to students. 

Overall, this greatly depends on your preferences. 

Patience and Self-Love

And finally, you must understand that learning how to play the piano requires a lot of patience and self-love. 

When you’re beginning to learn how to play the piano, the most challenging part is to memorize all the keys and their corresponding notes. This is the very foundation of your piano playing skills and, depending on how fast a learner you are, it may take up much of your time. 

As a result, you must have the patience to get through this phase. Whenever you’re tempted to quit, remind yourself that this will all be worth it one day. 

Going hand-in-hand with patience is self-love. You must know that there will be times when you feel like you’re not improving at all. When this happens, don’t feel bad about it. Remind yourself that no great pianist made it to the top overnight. 

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and take a break when you have to. After all, you will be able to learn more when you’re also having fun.

If you’re planning to become a professional singer someday – or simply looking to improve your skillset – then I’m sure you have your eyes set on taking singing lessons.

Singing lessons can be a fun learning experience. You will be introduced to new singing techniques, learn ways to expand your vocal range and improve your performance in general. However, to experience this magic, you must be able to take that first step and enroll in the class.

But admittedly, the thought of attending singing lessons can be quite scary. To help you get started on your journey here are some pointers for when you are planning to go for a singing lesson.

Set Your Singing Lessons Goals

You may already have specific goals in mind before you even take singing lessons. But for this first step, you must set realistic short-term goals first which are in line with your long-term aims.

For example, if you want to become an award-winning Broadway singer in the future, then it’s best to take baby steps first that will eventually land you that dream role. You can begin by taking lessons that will improve your breathing technique and move forward with another lesson to develop your vocal range. All these lessons will add up to your portfolio and give you success in the long run.

Of course, even if your long-term goal is not as grand as being a professional stage performer, the same principles will apply. After all, this step will also help you save on vocal lesson fees since you know you’re paying for the lessons that are right for you.

Why is setting goals important, you ask? Because it helps you assess yourself before diving into any singing lesson. It helps you become more aware of your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to improve on a realistic level.

Being able to define your goals also helps your vocal teacher determine which pieces you will practice and helps them assess the progress in your training. This will guarantee that your learning pace will be in sync with their teaching style and will provide you with a more solid vocal foundation.

Manage Expectations

Having a great voice is one thing but knowing the technique to unleash your full potential is another. With this in mind, you must understand that the lessons you signed up for will train you in different stages and it would take at least a month for you to notice the improvement. Nevertheless, know that your skills will be quietly improving after just the first class.

On a similar note, you must also have expectations as to how your lessons will turn out. Ideally, singing lessons would involve teaching vocal exercises, application of techniques, constant practice and regular analysis from your teacher. Keep these activities in mind as you attend your lessons.

Consider When to Start

Many of us find the passion for singing early on, so we have been encouraged at a young age to do so. But we should also consider our readiness to start learning.

Although potential singers are advised to take lessons as early as possible, this may not always be the best choice. A child’s emotional preparedness also plays an important role when it comes to learning – otherwise they will find it difficult to absorb what they are being taught be it whether in a singing lesson in Dublin or anywhere else.

For those who have discovered their passion for singing at a later age, you don’t have to worry. Learning isn’t just made for younger students. As long as you have the willingness to study and the passion for singing, nothing should stop you from taking singing lessons at any stage of life.

Relax

Waiting for your first singing lesson can be nerve-wracking. Nevertheless, be open to your teacher about how shy or nervous you are feeling. They may have something up their sleeve to help you deal with these troubles. Eventually, you will be able to open up to your vocal coach, and this will ultimately help you reach your full potential.

As a tip, remind yourself that there’s nothing scary about singing. If anything, you should enjoy yourself during the process. Keep reminding yourself of this and you’ll realize that your worries will eventually turn into excitement.

Vocal Care

Most importantly, taking care of your voice is something that you should not take lightly. Ensure to ask your teacher to explain things to avoid that may cause your throat to run dry and also remember to keep yourself hydrated by drinking water regularly throughout the day. The main purpose of these lessons is to help you improve your singing and focusing on vocal care is an essential part of that.

And that’s it. As always, if you are looking for singing lessons Dublin, feel free to reach out to us. Use the contact us page or read more about Tempo Music School here.

There’s no better way to take your learning experience up a notch than enrolling yourself to a great music school in Dublin. Learning is a life-long process so you mustn’t rush into it. Do proper research, invest your time and energy into finding the best music school so that you can get the best music lessons. 

However, in learning an instrument there’s no quick and easy way out. You need to be passionate about music and the instrument so that you devote yourself completely to it. The best part about music is that there are endless things to learn. 

Finding the right teacher is crucial when starting your musical journey. The right music school will shape you, mold you, and motivate you to bring out the best in you. The criteria for choosing the right music school vary from place to place. However, we have come up with a common guideline following which you’ll be able to find yourself the right school to smoothen your path. 

Inquire First

Do proper research before you jump into the conclusion that this school is the one for me. Don’t be overblown by the look of the school, instead talk to some of the current students and take a note on the pros and cons of the school. 

Try to gather information regarding the programs they offer and their teaching techniques. Also, make sure the school that you opt for the specific guitar lessons that you want as there are multiple different kinds of guitar such as acoustic, electric, bass, etc. 

Location

Along with hard work and dedication, a successful music career requires peace of mind. If the location of the guitar school isn’t convenient for you then it’ll hamper the overall experience no matter how hard you try or how inspiring your mentor is. It’s important that you choose the location of the guitar school wisely so that you can put your best effort into learning the instrument. 

Cost

It’s not necessary that you spend a fortune to get quality lessons. However, music schools Dublin with professional musician’s do cost quite a hefty amount. If you’re a beginner then there’s no point spending a premium for the most renowned tutor in town. For beginners and amateurs, investing in a school which is less-known and close to home will be a wise choice. As you gather more experience and you to build up your career as a professional musician, you may opt for a more prestigious and expensive school to get the best possible lessons and mentors. 

Attend a trial class

Since you’ll be investing a lot in the classes, it’s important that you are absolutely sure that they’re worth spending on and they provide the best guidance that you need. Before you officially enroll yourself in the term, ask if it’s possible to book a single lesson as a trial class. 

Choose the right tutor

There are many great guitarists out there but not all of them have the ability and patience to teach. Most music schools in Dublin will have a biog of their tutors on their website. Have a look at your potential mentor so that you get a prior idea of their musical credentials. 

The right mentor will help you stay focused so that you improve and reach your goals eventually. Having a teacher who constantly demotivates you or questions your ability will not only divert your focus away but also make you lose interest on your musical journey. He/she will also act as a guide to pave the path towards your professional career. 

Recommendation 

If possible, have a chat with some of the current students to learn about their experience with a particular school. 

The Curriculum 

Before you get enrolled, make sure that the school offers the right type of lesson for your preferred genre or type of guitar. If you want to enhance your knowledge on acoustic guitar then make sure the music school Dublin has skilled teachers to provide lessons or acoustic guitar. Also, if you want to learn to play bass guitar or any other type then you must ensure that the school has sufficient facilities to provide lessons on your desired curriculum. 

Stay Confident 

Just getting yourself enrolled in a good music school in Dublin will not suffice. You must stay confident and believe in yourself so that you can reach your goals even if it’s sky high. Learning an instrument is not a piece of cake, therefore, you must practice and put the highest amount of effort. 

It’ll take time to acquire a new skill. Don’t be disheartened if you can’t master it as easily or simply as your fellow mates. Stay focused and dedicated, if you’re falling behind then have a discussion with your mentor so that he/she can help you to catch up.