(Photo credit: Christopher Polanzi)
Youth Beginning I
This course is geared for children ages 5-12. Basic form, technique, philosophy, practice pieces and cultural customs associated with the art form will be introduced. An adult must accompany the child during all class times. Enrollment limited.
Instructor: Chizuko Endo
Youth Beginning II
Open to youth who have successfully completed two or more sessions of Level I. Basics learned in Beginning Taiko I will be reinforced and expanded upon. Movement exercises in preparation for soloing will be introduced. An adult must accompany the child during all class times. Enrollment limited.
Instructor: Elizabeth Mager
Youth Intermediate
This course is for children who have successfully completed Beginning Taiko II or those with a background in taiko. The class will cover basic form, exercises, movement, philosophy, centering, and balance. Practice pieces, bass pattern exercises, festival music and performance pieces will be introduced and developed. Enrollment limited.
Instructor: Sho’on Shibata
Youth Performance PRE-Training
Open to youth who have successfully completed INTERMEDIATE TAIKO and/or have an equivalent background in Taiko and the PASSION, INTEREST, TALENT, and POTENTIAL to become a performer. Review of basic foundations of technique and form are on-going. Emphasis is on developing the individual in preparation for the YOUTH GROUP TRAINEES group. Instructor’s permission required for enrollment. Promotion to the TRAINEES level will be determined by the instructor. Please contact us for more information.
Instructor: Brock Asato
Youth Performance TRAINING
Open to youth who have successfully completed the Youth Performance PRE-TRAINING class AND have PASSION, INTEREST, TALENT, and POTENTIAL to become a performer. Review of basic foundations of technique and form are on-going. Emphasis is on developing ensemble drumming and performance skills. Instructor’s permission required for enrollment. Please contact us for more information.
Instructor: Brock Asato
Youth Group – Performing Ensemble
This course is for youth who have successfully completed Youth Performance Training or have previous Taiko experience. Review of basic form, exercises, movement, philosophy, etc. is on-going. Class is geared to develop and polish ensemble drumming, technique, form and performance skills. Instructor’s permission required for enrollment. Please contact us for more information.
Instructor: Brock Asato
Bon Daiko (drumming for the Bon Festival)
Learn basic rhythms played in the Bon Festival (summer festival honoring one’s ancestors). Drumming plus add some fanyc new moves to your repertoire. Appropriate for youth ages 8 and older AND adults.
Pre-requisite: Successful completion of Beginning I and approval of instructor
Instructor: Michael Gonhata
Seimei
Seimei is the flagship performance piece of Nihon Taiko Dojo headed by Tosha Kiyonari. It is a five-section composition that showcases a wide range of taiko fundamentals and technical skills. It is an excellent opportunity to refine technique and build confidence for players of all levels, youth and adults. There are shimedaiko, chudaiko, and odaiko parts but the chudaiko part will be the focus. T
Pre-Requisite: Successful completion of Beginning I and approval of instructor
Instructor: Michael Gonhata
Shime Daiko (small drum)
This is an introductory course that teaches the fundamentals of shime daiko (rope-lashed or bolted small taiko). The shime daiko often keeps the base beat and holds the ensemble together, and requires finesse and good technique. Instruction will include proper grip, stance, form and simple practice pieces
Pre-Requisite: Successful completion of at least Youth Beginning I and approval by instructor
Instructor: Kenny Endo
Taiko for the Deaf Community
Interested students, contact: taikoarts@gmail.com
A Mixed Level Taiko class for Beginners-Intermediate, youth and adults, accompanied by a sign language interpreter. Class material is similar to regular classes but geared towards the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Instructor: Chizuko Endo
Interpreter: Inga Park Okuna
Teens Taiko (Hiatus)
A Beginning I Taiko class geared towards teens, aged 11 – 17 years old, with little or no experience with taiko. Form, grip, stance, rhythms and basic pieces will be learned. Taiko Teamwork in a safe and nurturing environment!
Repeating this level is recommended for developing a solid foundation.
(This class is offered based on numbers of enrollment. Spread the word!)
Instructor: TBD
Taiko Center of the Pacific 