Mance Grady - Bodhran Teacher
History
Mance began playing drums when he was only 12 years old, starting with Classical snare drum learning the rudiments, and later to drum set, then various hand percussion before his introduction to the bodhran in 1975.
Mance credits his first drum teacher, Mr. Walter Tokarczyk (percussionist with the world reknown Boston Pops Orchestra) with instilling in him the importance of a solid foundation grounded in technique. Mance was unlike most 12 year old kids. He loved practicing so much, he would practice about 3 hours a day.
When a friend who played penny whistle and flute approached him in the mid-seventies about learning the bodhran so they could play together at an open-mike night at a local restaurant, Mance took on the challenge. At that time, there was precious little to be found out about this drum. The only resources were the bands (De Danaan, Chieftains, and the like) that were touring and passing through Boston, Providence or Newport. Mance didn't have the advantages of players today, there was no internet or bodhran tutors, he basically had to teach himself. Along the way, he made plenty of mistakes and because of this, Mance empathizes with novices who are trying to learn this instrument. His insightful teaching style and positive reinforcement of good habits has benefited many students throughout the years.
Mance has presented clinics and workshops on the bodhrán at schools, festivals, and colleges including the prestigious Berklee College of Music.
Learning to Play
Mance regularly conducts classes on bodhrán playing techniques in the Massachusetts and Rhode Island. For more information on those, or about our Hearthside Bodhrán Classes, CLICK HERE.
