taiko is the Japanese word for drum. Taiko drumming goes back to the earliest Japanese communities where it was a part of daily life and rituals. Today, taiko has become a dynamic performance art form of musical drumming and choreographed movement. It’s very loud, thunderous, and yet graceful. Rooted in the heart and spirit of Japan, taiko lives today as an evolving art form that is permeating the world.

Members of Nagata Shachu are teaching group lessons from its new studio, focusing on basic skills, improvisation, composition, movement, ki-ai (spiritual voice), or technique for the beginners to advance players. We will introduce more specific style of playing such as YAGURA (taiko on an upright stand), SUWARI (sitting) and MIYAKE (sideway). No taiko experience is necessary, but participants must be at least 15 years old and capable of fairly rigorous physical activity.

Please contact Kiyoshi Nagata if you are interested in lessons or for more information.

Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto also offers from introductory to advance taiko workshops open to the general public. No previous experience is necessary. Participants learn a song based on fundamental stance, rhythms, and technique.