BODHRÁN EXPLORERS: IMMERSION DAY
SATURDAY 3rd October 2026 — ** Places Availible **
I’m delighted to introduce a full-day workshop as part of the Bodhrán Explorers series — designed for intermediate and advanced players who are ready to take a deeper dive into their playing.
This Immersion Day is an extended, intensive version of Bodhrán Explorers — giving us the time and space to really explore the instrument in a musical, practical, and collaborative way.
Building on the themes explored in our first two Immersion Day’s, this session will focus on another hugely important aspect of bodhrán playing:
Tone, Touch & Blend – Developing Sound Within the Ensemble
Together, we'll explore how the bodhrán can become a truly integrated part of an ensemble. Through listening, refined sound production, dynamic control and thoughtful interaction, we'll discover how subtle changes in tone, touch and texture can transform the role of the instrument and deepen its connection with the music.
Further Information for Participants:
This workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced players who already have an established bodhrán practice, with at least 6–12 months of regular playing experience, and who are comfortable with the fundamentals of the instrument.
Places are strictly limited to just 20 participants, to ensure a focused, interactive, and high-quality experience — early booking is strongly recommended.
Unfortunately, it is not suitable for complete beginners.
This is an adult-only workshop, and all participants must be 18 or over. This helps create a focused, relaxed, and supportive environment for everyone involved.
Play with Live Professional Musicians
A core part of the day is the opportunity to play alongside top-class professional musicians:
Tara Viscardi - harp
Tara McCarthy– fiddle
This is a rare chance to experience what it really feels like to accompany live music — listening, reacting, supporting, and finding your place in the sound.
The atmosphere throughout the day is supportive, exploratory, and collaborative — designed to help players step outside their comfort zone in a relaxed and musical environment.
Timetable:
10:00 – 10:30 — Welcome & Warm-Up (Ruairí)
10:30 – 11:45 — Workshop 1 (Ruairí)
11:45 – 12:00 — Break
12:00 – 13:00 — Workshop 2 (Ruairí)
13:00 – 13:45 — Lunch ( bring your own lunch/ deliveroo/ local options available)
13:45 – 14:00 — Warm-Up with Ruairí
14:00 – 15:15 — Workshop with Ruairí & Live Musicians
15:15 – 15:30 — Break
15:30 – 16:30 — Continued Workshop with Ruairí & Live Musicians
16:30 – 17:00 — Informal Performance / Play-through (with Live Musicians)
What We’ll Explore
• Producing a wider palette of tones from the bodhrán, and developing greater control over sound production
• Improving tonal variation through refined striking technique and advanced tonal hand control
• Bodhrán intonation — learning how and when to tune to the music, and when a different approach serves the ensemble better
• Using dynamics, tone and texture to create tension, release and musical shape within a tune
• Blending sensitively with harp and fiddle, matching the character and energy of the music
• Developing confidence when accompanying live musicians and playing in smaller groups
No pressure — just a supportive space to experiment, listen deeply, refine your sound, and grow in confidence as a thoughtful, expressive accompanist.
What Previous Participants Said
“I was very much looking forward to it and it exceeded my expectations. Everyone I’ve spoken to since has said the same. Ruairí kept the energy and focus alive throughout the entire day — no small feat with a large group!”
“As usual, you created a fun, safe space and I was completely in my happy place. Lots to think about, lots to work on, and such a brilliant group of people to bounce off and be inspired by.”
“It was brilliant to play with the musicians, and I really loved the way they contributed ideas and feedback throughout the day. I came away feeling energised, inspired, and excited to practise more.”
BOOK YOUR PLACE HERE:
Date: Saturday 3rd October 2026
Time: 10:00 – 17:00 (with breaks during the day)
Location: London Irish Centre, 50–52 Camden Square, London NW1 9XB
Nearest Tube: Camden Town (Northern Line – 15 min walk)
Nearest Overground: Camden Road (8 min walk)
Buses: 253, 274, 29
What to Bring
Your bodhrán
A tipper (or a few, if you have them!)
Notebook (optional)
Open ears and a willingness to try things
CANCELATION POLICY:
No refund or credit if canceled within 7 days of the event.
Any refunds on credit card payments are subject to a 5% fee to cover credit card processing of refund and return.
