Testimonials from previous courses:

For me, the most fascinating, enjoyable and informative four days of 2010 was spent in the company of Mog as he took a raw novice to woodworking and drumming through the complex process of making my own Bodhran Drum from scratch,

The result is an instrument I love to play because I know its every stage of creation, because I chose how it would look and feel and because I lavished time and effort on bringing it to life.

Mog is not only a superb and creative drummer, he is also a quietly patient and methodical teacher, and the course is excellent value for the fee with everything that is included in the four days. Set in a rural retreat, it is both restful and intriguing.

An added buzz for me was being able to fashion my own tipper on a pole lathe under Green Woodworker Stuart’s gentle guidance.

If you have ever wondered what it would be like to make and then play your own Bodhran drum, wonder no longer. I can highly recommend Mog’s Drum making course to you. You will be truly delighted!

Terry Molloy (actor – voice of Davros in Dr Who and Mike Tucker in The Archers)

I attended Mog’s Drum Making Workshop in autumn 2010 and would highly recommend it. I had a wonderful time. It was rich in learning; satisfying; rewarding, enormous fun and socially delightful. The place is a serene escape into gorgeous woodland, and I ended up with a beautiful Drum and beater!

Mog is highly talented craftsman and gifted teacher. He is methodical; organized; explains each stage very clearly, and has a knack for gently inspiring confidence in each person on the course whatever their ability, or experience with wood working and power tools (in my case very little – others quite proficient. This didn’t seem to matter a bit) He is also very careful about health and safety around tools and working practice. Mog gives each student a lot of personal attention so that at each stage he is sure everyone’s drum is of a high standard before commencing the next stage.

The course is very well organized. Dovetailing the drum making we also made a beater on a pole lathe with Stuart. This gave us experience with different wood working skills and tools and was also great fun. Thus everyone had things to work on while Mog and Stuart gave one-to-one attention to each student in turn. We worked satisfyingly hard all day, and then in the evening we relaxed sharing food and enjoying each other’s company around a fire.

The quality of the teaching; the skills acquired; the quality of the equipment, materials and actual drum, beater and case each of us took away with us; the care and attention to detail in all aspects of the course including camping arrangements and catering facilities; the lovely time we spent together in delightful surroundings – all contribute to make this course not only extremely good value for money, but also a most wonderful weekend I will never forget.

Anne Watts.