Niall Preston started playing the bodhran at the age of 9. At a young age Niall focused on competitions, winning numerous world titles and the senior All-Ireland Fleadh in 2010. Niall is now a qualified adjudicator for Comhaltas, and was invited by them to adjudicate the All-Ireland fleadh in 2015. Niall, currently teaching in Dublin, is a successful teacher having taught numerous All-Ireland and World bodhran champions. Niall completed his undergraduate Degree in 2012 studying music at the Dublin Instutite of Technology where he specialised in composition under the guidance of Dr Jane O’ Leary and Dr David Flynn. Niall also studied performance in percussion under the guidance of Tommy Hayes (Stocktons Wing) and Noel Eccles (Riverdance). In 2013 Niall completed his masters degree in Ethnomusicology in the University of Limerick, with his focus of study on “The Function and Developmental Process of Groove in Irish Traditional Music”. Niall has recently being touring and performing throughout America, Australia, Azerbaijan, Egypt, France, Germany, Morocco, Tunisia with shows such as Celtic Legends and the Irish Harp Orchestra, and performs weekly with Belvadere Irish Nights in Dublin. Niall has performed with some well known artists such as Mairtin O Connor, Donol Lunny and many more. He has also performed for Queen Elizebeth II on her official state visit to Ireland in 2011, and many times for former President of Ireland Mary Mc Alese
