Musician John Anderson, 10, of Roseville first began studying Irish music at the Center for Irish Music by studying bodhrán with his grandpa. It was a great way for the two of them to spend time together doing something new and fun. John tells us that he enjoys playing Irish music “because I really like how the music sounds” as well as being “a great way to connect with the community and my Irish heritage.” John also studies English concertina and wants to learn the Anglo concertina.

John’s recommender, his bodhrán teacher Todd Menton, tells us that John’s “grasp of the nuances of rhythm and melody is excellent and, not for nothing, he manifests a raucous spirit, frequently racing ahead of me in trying new ornaments and patterns on the bodhrán.” Todd also tells us that John has a curious and eager attitude in playing and “the ‘raucous’ part comes out in his music.”

John has enjoyed playing bodhrán at a variety of events, including collaborating with his sister Ginger (a 2018 IMDA Educational Grant recipient) for the Rince na Chroi ‘From the Stage to your Heart’ show and with his grandpa for the Celtic Junction’s Holiday Hooley. John has also competed in the Midwest Fleadh Cheoil as well as attending the Fleadh Cheoil na hEireann in Drogheda last year. John attended Scoil Eigse there studying bodhrán, which gave him the opportunity to learn different styles of bodhrán as well as learning to play spoons and bones. John had planned to complete in this year’s Midwest Fleadh, which was unfortunately cancelled.

John will use his IMDA Educational Grant for the purchase of an Anglo concertina. John tells us that he is “interested in learning the anglo concertina because it is better for playing more Irish tunes and I would like to learn how to play both types of concertina.”

The Irish Music and Dance Association is delighted to help this dedicated musician continue to expand his skills and enjoyment of the music.