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Bodhrán Workshop with Niall Preston

  • Irish Institute of Music & Song Church Street Balbriggan, D, Ireland (map)

Niall Preston began his bodhrán journey at just 9 years old, quickly excelling in competitions and securing four world titles alongside underage and senior All-Ireland Fleadh championships. As a qualified adjudicator for Comhaltas, he has been invited to judge the prestigious All-Ireland Fleadh on multiple occasions. Now based in Dublin, Niall has become a successful teacher, having trained numerous All-Ireland and World bodhrán champions.

In 2012, he completed his undergraduate degree in music at the Dublin Institute of Technology, where he specialized in composition under Dr. Jane O’Leary and Dr. David Flynn. His performance skills were honed under the guidance of percussion masters Tommy Hayes of Stockton’s Wing and Noel Eccles from Riverdance. A year later, Niall earned a master's degree in Ethnomusicology from the University of Limerick, with a focus on "The Function and Developmental Process of Groove in Irish Traditional Music."

Niall has toured extensively, performing across the United States, Australia, Azerbaijan, China, Egypt, France, Germany, Morocco, and Tunisia with renowned productions such as Celtic Legends and the Irish Harp Orchestra. He also performs regularly at Belvedere Irish Nights in Dublin. His collaborations include performances with iconic musicians like Mairtín O’Connor and Dónal Lunny. Niall has also had the honor of performing for Queen Elizabeth II during her 2011 state visit to Ireland and on numerous occasions for former President Mary McAleese.

Currently, Niall is part of the Irish Institute of Music and Song, where he is involved in the Irish Music Access Programme, "Pathway to the Well."

Earlier Event: November 10
Harp Workshop with Alisha McMahon
Later Event: November 10
Fiddle Workshop with Lucia McPartlin