Bodhrán Master Class Saturday, 10 October 2026

Bodhrán Master Class
Saturday, 10 October 2026
9:00am to 4.30 pm
The Beeches, Isleham, Ely CB7 5RY

BOD are pleased to announce we will be hosting a Master Class with two of the best, most versatile bodhrán players in the UK.

Join Evan Carson and Gregor Black for a day of workshops on accompaniment, stage craft and playing techniques.

Have you been playing the bodhrán a while, mastered the basics, perhaps played in a few sessions or with the Morris? Are you ready to push yourself a little further, but not sure what direction to take? This is the Master Class for you.

Aimed at the bodhrán amateur who is comfortable in their basic playing skills, this day will expand your skill set and musical horizons. Please, no beginners, we will not be able to accommodate those without fundamental skills and some experience.

Price is £160.00 per person for the day, including VAT. This covers a full day of tuition with both Evan and Gregor, lunch, all day tea, coffee and nibbles, and free parking at the venue. Numbers are strictly limited to 50.

Isleham is on the Cambridgeshire / Suffolk border, between Ely and Newmarket.

The Teachers: Evan Carson and Gregor Black

Evan Carson

Evan is best known as the percussionist for Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys and Iamthemorning, but he has also performed with Seth Lakeman, Kate Rusby and Flook. He was a part of the West End and Touring productions of Come From Away and has released his own solo work under the names Ocipinski, The Mara Project and the upcoming Geordie Sci-Fantasy Adventure Moon and Folly.

Gregor Black

Haling from Scotland, Gregor is a renowned percussionist and bodhran player, most well known for his work with Harpist Eleanor Dunsdon, Glaswegian Neo Trad band Tarran and Hong Kong based Zheng virtuoso Wan Xing. He has also toured and performed with the Irish production Celtic Legends.

The Master Class

The day will be broken into two sessions in the morning, you will attend first one, then the other. The afternoon session will be run jointly by Evan and Gregor.

A mixture of bodhrans and percussion will be available on the day as both percussionists will be showcasing their unique styles, learning resources including sheet music and play along tracks and more will also be available.

Traditional Accompaniment and Technical Development with Gregor Black

Gregor will be exploring advanced ways to both lead and accompany traditional tunes through the lens of his perspective as a renowned percussionist with Harpist Eleanor Dunsdon and Hong Kong based Zheng Virtuoso Wan Xing. Participants will explore the core principles and techniques of the bodhran, from its humble origins to it’s wider global application.

Odd Time Composition and the Universal Rhythmic Vocabulary with Evan Carson

Evan will be presenting a workshop on how the bodhran represents the ideal medium to write, perform and communicate using a complex but robust universal rhythmic language. This workshop will explore theories from Eastern European dance traditions, Arabic and Mozambican music, and an unhealthy dose of Prog Rock.

Hybrid Theory, Stage Craft and Live Performance Workshop (Hosted by Both)

Evan and Gregor are well known as hybrid percussionists who both specialise in a unique blend of bodhran and drum kit. Both are also well experienced with touring productions where the bodhran is transformed by an amplified environment and the rigours of modern production.  Participants will learn how to use the bodhran as part of a wider percussion set up with limb independence exercises, hands on experience amplifying the bodhran and the stage craft involved when performing on stage with other musicians.

But Wait! There’s More! Fancy a Ceilidh?

The Master Class concludes at 4:30 in the afternoon, but we will be running a public ceilidh starting at 7:00 in the evening featuring Kathryn Johnstone and the KJ Ceilidh Band. A limited number of attendees will have the opportunity, if they wish, to play with the band for a dance. This is a great opportunity to put your new skills to the test in a live performance stage setting with plenty of support.

Or just stay on to enjoy dancing to a fantastic ceilidh band! The Beeches bar will be open for both alcoholic and soft drinks, and we will have a food truck in the evening, both accepting cash or card. Or we can recommend a few local restaurants, but do come back for the 7:00 pm start of the ceilidh. Attendees and their partners have free entrance, additional tickets for friends and family are available now on the website at an advanced price of £10.00, or £12.00 on the door.

The BOD Shop

And to ice the cake, John and Xin Blackwell will be on hand with the BOD on line shop set up live and in person all day at The Beeches. This is your chance to try out a variety of bodhráns and tippers, find the perfect drum case or buy a few inspiring CDs.