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Andy Kruspe
Andy Kruspe is a bodhrán teacher and performer based in Huntsville, Alabama. He regularly travels to teach at numerous workshops, including the Craiceann Bodhrán Summer School (Ireland), The Gaelic College (Canada), The O’Flaherty Irish Music Retreat (TX), Tune Junkie Weekend (TN), and the John C. Campbell Folk School (NC). Andy has performed with numerous artists, including The Astronauts of Albania, Black Market Haggis, Doon the Brae, Milltowne, and Mithril. He has also recorded for several regional artists, including Mean Mary and John Aston White. Andy is also active with developing instructional materials for the bodhrán. He has authored four books- The Bodhrán Primer, Playing the Tune, First Steps, and In Session + 1 (with Scottish bodhrán player Martin O’Neill). He also co-presented a session with Dr. Kyle Forsthoff at the 2013 Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC). You can find out more about Andy at his website: www.andykruspebodhran.com.

Uncommon Meters in Irish Traditional Music (and How to Use LEGO to Teach Them)

World
WorkshopLive

The most common types of tunes in Irish traditional music are reels (in cut time) and jigs (in 6/8 time). However, as this music continues to evolve, it is becoming more common to hear tunes in five or seven. This presentation aims to familiarize the audience with some of the most common “odd” meters in Irish traditional music today, and how to teach them to players who may not be familiar with standardized Western notation.

The first part of this session will be a performance of Irish traditional music with a melody player and a bodhrán player. We will begin with examples of standard Irish traditional reels and jigs, and then follow them with several “odd” tunes in five and seven. This performance will familiarize the audience with examples of these tunes prior to the body of the presentation.

The second part of this session will be a discussion of the common permutations of five and seven found in Irish traditional music today. In addition, we will discuss how to use LEGO blocks to teach these meters, rhythms, and sticking patterns to players who may not be familiar or comfortable with standard notation.

The third and final part will be a hands-on session that will allow audience members to experience learning these tunes in this manner. Drums and tippers will be provided, and participants will then use this “LEGO block” approach to learn an odd-metered Irish tune.