The bodhrán is a hand-held frame drum played with a small wooden stick, or cipín.The way musicians hold and play the bodhrán varies by region and by person. Brush sticks can also be used during performance, although this is not traditional. Artists may also opt to forgo a stick and simply play with their hand and knuckles. The Ceolas Celtic Music Archive website has a directory of bodhrán teachers.
The Uilleann Pipes are similar to the better known Scottish bagpipes, but smaller in size and with a wider range of notes. The musician places the pipes under her arm and pumps her arm to send air into the pipes and produce sound. Piping is a centuries old tradition in Ireland, but was at the brink of disappearing during the tun of the century. Since the early 1900s piping has enjoyed a resurgence in Ireland, sponsored in recent years by Na Píobairí Uilleann. Seth Gallagher's website has a list of U.S. teachers.
The Irish tin whistle, or penny whistle, is a simple six-holed instrument. The whistle is among the oldest Irish instruments, dating to at least the Medieval era. It enjoyed a twentieth century revival and is regularly played in Irish music. Despite this revival, there are few U.S. teachers. Contact local cultural societies and universities for guidance. Another option is to take an online course.
The Irish fiddle is a well established traditional instrument both in Ireland and the United States, where many fiddlers emigrated during the Great Famine. Reels, hornpipes, polkas, jigs, slow airs and slip jigs can all be played with the Irish fiddle. Musicians interested in learning Irish fiddle can begin by learning violin and transferring their skills later. Otherwise, one of the best ways to learn is by sitting in on traditional music sessions. Sessions take place across the U.S. and, if invited to join, guests can hone their skills playing with the group. From there, they can make contacts with local teachers. A list of sessions is located at the Session.Org website.