Watch the course preview video below...
Hi, I'm Dermie
Bodhrán player and groove-maker with over two decades of experience. From my roots at age six to collaborating with U2, Nick Mulvey, Dónal Lunny, and Hermitage Green, I’ve spent my life finding 'the pocket' in every genre. Whether playing with The Kilfenora Céilí Band or in contemporary, non-traditional settings, my mission is simple: breathe life into the beat and make the music bounce
The Vision of the Course
This course isn't about memorising patterns; it’s about finding your own rhythmic identity. I’ve always believed the bodhrán is a limitless instrument. My goal here is to take the deep, soul-stirring traditions I grew up with in County Clare and show you how to blend them with the driving, syncopated energy of the modern music I play every day. This is the space where tradition meets a more global, contemporary groove.
The Journey
We start by building a rock-solid foundation, ensuring your technique is correct from the very first stroke. From there, we move into the nuances that make the music truly feel alive. You’ll learn:
- Authentic Foundations: The internal "lift" of jigs and reels that gives Irish music its heartbeat.
- Modern Versatility: How to adapt your playing for rock, pop, and world music—incorporating backbeats and "kick-drum" tones that work outside of a traditional session.
- Visual Clarity: I use a see-through drumhead and side-camera angles so you can finally see exactly what the back hand is doing to create those melodic pitch bends.
- Signature Feel: Techniques for adding that specific, funky bounce to your playing that keeps the music moving in unexpected ways.
Unlocking the Melodic Bodhrán: Mastering Tonal Range
Unlocking the rich, melodic potential of the bodhrán has never been this accessible. Through the use of a see-through drumhead and dedicated side-camera angles, I’ll pull back the curtain on exactly how hand pressure and placement shape your sound. You won't have to guess what’s happening behind the drum—you’ll see my proven techniques in real-time, allowing you to transform your tone instantly.
The Rhythm Revolution: From Traditional Roots to Global Groove
Unlock the 'secret sauce' that makes the music move. Born from years of cross-genre collaboration, my signature style adds a bounce to your beats. I’ll teach you how to master that elusive 'lift'—giving you a fresh, unexpected sound that makes you the most sought-after player in the room.
Session-Ready Rhythm: Play Along with the Pros
Join Master Fiddler Tara Breen for dedicated playalong sessions. These controlled-speed tracks follow each new dance tune, letting you develop session-ready rhythm at a comfortable pace.