Aimée Farrell Courtney’
Aimée Farrell Courtney’s dynamic playing ranges from her renowned sensitive style of accompaniment to electrifying rhythmic solos and duets. Since her win at The World Bodhrán Championship, she has gone on to perform with Irish folk luminaries such as Dónal Lunny, Andy Irvine and Liam O’Flynn, tour with bands such as Danú, CARA and Emma Langford, performing in venues such as The 3 Arena (Dublin) and The Royal Albert Hall (London). She is now on the road to discover the possibilities of the bodhrán in other music collaborating with the National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, RTÉ Concert Orchestra, Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and The Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts to name but a few.
Aimée’s love of music is evident in her teaching. In 2012, she devised a music education programme for primary school level and more recently founded TradDRUM, a global bodhrán community providing positive experiences in music through education and events. She has acted as tutor and lecturer in Maynooth University, Royal Irish Academy of Music, Champlain College, World Academy of Irish Music and Dance University of Limerick and Newcastle University (U.K.).
Aimée holds a Bachelor of Music degree specialising in Irish Traditional Music and a Master in Music specialising in Performance from TUDublin Conservatory of Music and Drama. Graduating with First Class Honours, Aimée was also awarded the Leo Rowsome Gold Medal for Outstanding Traditional Performance and the Michael McNamara Gold Medal for Outstanding Overall Performance. She is also a trained Sound Therapist currently working in therapeutic settings across Ireland.
Website: http://www.aimeefarrellcourtney.com/
Jim Higgins
Jim hails from Renmore in Galway. Born into a musical family, he went on to study music in University College Cork under Micheal O Suilleabhain amongst others. While in Cork, Jim caught ‘the bodhran bug’, playing alongside players such as Mel Mercier, Colm Murphy and Frank Torpey.
He went on to play drums with fellow Galwegians ‘The Sawdoctors’ following a four year stint with ‘The Riverdance Show’ which took him around the world.
He is an honorary member of the Donegal based traditional group ‘Altan’ having recorded and toured extensively with them for the last fifteen years from the Hollywood Bowl to the Sydney Opera House.
He has recorded and performed with such luminaries as Paul Brady, Christy Moore, Liam O’Flynn, Donal Lunny, Bill Whelan, Martin O’Connor and Lunasa.
Eamon Murray
Eamon has performed alongside many distinguished artists including Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin and Liam O’Maonlai and was highly commended in the 2004 Northern Ireland Young Musician of the Year competition.
He is a founding member of Irish band Beoga, whose collaboration with Ed Sheeran made them world famous. A well sought after recording session musician he also has developed his own signature line bodhrán with Christian Hedwitschak.
Kieran Leonard
Post Covid, in 2023, Kieran joined the grammy winning group ‘Clannad’ for their Farewell tour finishing in the sold out 3Arena Dublin. Other dates forthcoming with Clannad in 2024 include a headline show in the Royal Albert Hall in October of this year.
Educated at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music & Dance, London, Kieran is still very active on the both the Irish & UK orchestral scene as a percussionist, timpanist and drummer working regularly with English National Opera and the Philharmonia Orchestra. Other orchestral engagements include the Ulster Orchestra (Guest Principal Timpani & Percussion + Drum Kit), RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra (Guest Principal Timpani), RTÉ Concert Orchestra (Percussion & Drum Kit) and the Royal Northern Sinfonia.
Website: https://www.kleonardmusic.com/
Andy Kruspe
Huntsville-based bodhrán player Andy Kruspe has performed and recorded with several muscians and bands throughout the Southeastern United States. His playing has supported bands in several genres, including Irish Traditional, Celtic, Old Time, and Contra Dance Bands. Andy is also active as a teacher, having presented workshops at several universities, clinics, and festivals. In addition to his love of performance, Andy is also passionate about the academic side of this uniqely Irish instrument. He co-presented a session on the bodhrán at the 2013 Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), has taught many workshops and clinics at several universities and colleges, and has published a comprehensive method, The Bodhrán Primer. He finished his second book, Playing the Tune (a method of techniques for accompanying Irish traditional tunes), in summer of 2015 and his third book (First Steps) aimed at beginners in 2017. Andrew holds Master of Music and Bachelor of Music degree.
Website: http://www.andykruspebodhran.com
Niamh Fennell
Katelyn Corrigan
My name is Katelyn Corrigan. I am from County Offaly. I have played bodhrán since I was very young and often crossed over the Slieve Bloom mountains into Laois to attend lessons with Colm Phelan for many years. It is an honour to now teach alongside Colm and the rest of the Craiceann crew! I have been fortunate to play bodhrán in many countries, but perhaps my favourite place to play has been Inis Óirr, where I have spent two summers working in Tigh Ned’s. I pulled pints during the day and met new musicians every evening and have a huge grá for the people here and the island.
Paul McClure
Paul McClure is a 2x All Ireland Bodhran champion, originally from Buncrana, Co. Donegal, but now based in Galway.
A full time music teacher and musician, Paul has become one of the most sought after Bodhran teachers in the country, with 1000+ students under his belt to date, as well as dozens of workshops and master classes at festivals both home and abroad.
As a musician, he has toured around Europe and played such festivals as Lorient festival interceltique, Festival de Ortiguera, and Electric Picnic as highlights.
An in demand recording session player, Paul has recorded with many artists on several albums spanning numerous genres, from Traditional Irish music to contemporary folk all the way to electronic music.
He has recently developed his new online Patreon Page where he delivers in depth Bodhran tutorials, catering for all abilities, helping those who may not have access to a teacher to be able to learn and expand their knowledge and expertise in Bodhran playing.
Patreon – bit.ly/3UUU2BS