Brian Casey grew up in a family of percussionists in central Massachusetts. He and his younger

brother were taught by their father how to play a drum kit at an early age and he played with

various bands through university. Always a fan of Irish music and a frequent traveler to Ireland,

Brian first took up the Bodhran six years ago, getting an initial grounding in technique at the

Irish Arts Center in Manhattan, and following on with private lessons and workshops with

experienced players, including Anna Colliton, Cormac Byrne, Junior Davey, and Eamon Murray.

He is a regular “xture in the New York City trad music scene, and has played in concert with

several prominent musicians, including Noel Hill and Martin O’Neill. Brian teaches Bodhran in

the NYC and upstate NY areas, and also plays concertina.

COURSE TITLE: ADVANCED BEGINNER / BASIC BODHRAN COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Course will expand the student’s range of rhythms and techniques to accompany Irish music, including:

* Alternate jig & reel rhythms for variation within a tune or set

* Rhythms beyond jigs & reels (hornpipes, slides, slip jigs, polkas)

* Use of tone in combination with rhythm patterns

* Use of triplets and rolls in rhythm patterns

* Accents, syncopation and backbeats

* Review of session etiquette

PREREQUISITE: Ability to play basic jig and reel rhythms