A well put together, professional product, this DVD will answer your questions about the bodhrán and give the instruction to allow you to learn to play. I found John’s instruction to be straight forward, easy to understand and extremely comprehensive. All in all this is one of the best and most complete instructional DVDs I’ve ever seen.

Jack Baker – Irish American News Chicago (and Rampant Lion Celtic Traders)

 

Fantastic video! Very informative. Well done, John.

Michael Vignoles – Ireland Woodcrafts, Galway, Ireland (maker of the John McBride model bodhrán)

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​John McBride was kind enough to send me an advanced copy of his DVD tutorial to review. I have to say that I enjoyed it and found his advice and tutorage very sound. I recommend it for those of you that are more visually oriented. While I realize that we're somewhat competitors in the same area, I can honestly say that if you were to buy John's DVD and my tutorial CD, you'd have a pretty complete set of references for success.

Mark Stone – The Bodhrán (instructional CD)

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​Recently, I had the pleasure of viewing John McBride’s Beginner Bodhrán Instruction video, “Instruction from the Ground Up.”  The video definitely lives up to its title, taking  a new bodhrán player from how to hold the drum and the tipper (the drum stick) all the way up through the structure of Irish Traditional Music as well as rhythms for the foundations of Irish music, such as the reel, the polka, the jig, and the slip jig.  The visuals are clear, and McBride takes the time to accurately guide the new player every step of the way.  The instructional portion of the video clocks in at around 40 minutes, and there is an additional half hour of bonus material, which includes a section on the different types of bodhráns and tippers, a bit of bodhrán history and, most importantly in my opinion, a section on seisiún etiquette.  That section is what, for me at least, sets this video apart from other instructional videos I’ve seen.  McBride not only shows you HOW to play, but WHEN (and when not) to play.  Anyone using (and following the principles of) this video will be a welcome addition to Irish Seisiúns.

Kevin Palm

 

 John McBride has garnered multiple awards and instructed bodhrán workshops at prestigious Irish/Celtic music festivals.  Additionally, he performed seven years with the Firestarters and now with Two2Many. On Beginner Bodhrán Instruction Video (Kerry Style), John McBride has created a resource aimed at total beginners covering basics such as holding the tipper and drum, strokes, Irish music structure, reels, jigs, and slip jigs and variations. Additional sections cover a brief introduction the bodhrán history, session etiquette, and bodhrán and tipper types. This is a great introduction to basics, and the onscreen graphics flash important commentary in written form that stress important points during the lessons. Within the first 5 minutes, I learned something essential about tipper grip I was not aware of. Although thoroughly enjoyable, my sole criticism is that the entire running time is just over one hour. John McBride’s teaching is at a slow and detailed pace perfect for beginners who are new to the instrument. I wholeheartedly recommend this DVD for bodhrán beginners and Irish music enthusiasts.

N. Scott Robinson - Frame Drum News, North American Frame Drum Association.

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I have watched your DVD a bunch of times and I think this is the best one I have watched yet. It is basic to start, which I think is great… lots of explaining and demonstrating.  It is slow enough for the viewer to understand what is supposed to happen and how it should sound. The segment about playing in sessions is also very good, as someday I’m hoping to get good enough to join in on one. Overall I rate this DVD a ten for a person looking for the basics and more. I have sure learned a lot from it.

Patrick Accetta