Classes

No matter your age, no matter your experience level, our classes will help you unlock your creative side. The fun, connection, and personal empowerment of learning to drum are waiting for you!

 

For Adults

Note, you do NOT have to register online and pay in advance. If you’d like to avoid the processing fees, please fill out this form to reserve your spot and pay us via cash or check in person.

Crash Course: 4 weeks, 4 taiko songs

Saturdays
April 13-May 4

First class is always a no obligation free trial

(but please fill out this form so we know how many drums to bring)

4-5:30 PM

held at

Starting Arts
525 Parrott St.
San Jose, CA 95112
Map

Ages: 15+
Experience: at least one previous taiko class OR instructor permission
Equipment: All equipment will be provided for class. Participants welcome to bring their own bachi (sticks), but this is not required.
Fee: $100

A crash course indeed! Participants will review the 4 songs presented in our last two community taiko sessions AND will be introduced to one new piece. We will cover a lot of material in this session, and individual practice outside of class may be necessary.

Open Studio Drop In

Saturdays
April 13-May 4
(note time change on April 20)

April 13, 27, and May 4: 10-10:45 AM

April 20: 12:30-1:15 PM

held at

Starting Arts
525 Parrott St.
San Jose, CA 95112
Map

Ages: 15+
Experience: at least one previous taiko class OR instructor permission
Equipment: All equipment will be provided.
Fee: $10 per session

Former and current SBBI students can drop in for open practice time on the drums. Teachers will be present, but no structured instruction will take place. Rather, students can practice songs and drills of their choice on the drums and request help in specific challenge areas.

Community Taiko

Next session in late summer 2019. Check back for more info!

Rally Drumming

(coming soon)

Ages: 15+
Experience: Any drumming experience (including Community Taiko)
Equipment: Lightweight mobile percussion and sticks provided for class. Participants welcome to bring small percussion such as  djembe, okedo, caixa, and clave.

Throughout human history, drums have been used to gather, rally, and inspire groups of people to action. Take part in this workshop to learn how you can use lightweight drums and hand percussion to amplify the impact of rallies, marches, and other social actions.

For Kids

Note, you do NOT have to register online and pay in advance. If you’d like to avoid the processing fees, please fill out this form to reserve your spot and pay us on the first day.

Itty Bitty Taiko
ages 4-5

Saturdays
April 13-May 4
(note time change on April 20)

April 13, 27, and May 4: 9:30-10 AM

April 20: 12-12:30 PM

held at

Starting Arts
525 Parrott St.
San Jose, CA 95112
Map

Ages: 4-5
Experience: none required
Equipment: All equipment will be provided.
Fee: $80

This class will introduce your 4 or 5-year-old to Japanese ensemble drumming and important music fundamentals like playing on a steady beat and following a conductor, all of which is great prep for music, dance, reading, and math. Some activities will be open for parent participation.

 

Questions on classes? Send us an email!

Big Kid Taiko
ages 6-8

Saturdays
April 13-May 4
(note time change on April 20)

April 13, 27, and May 4: 10:45-11:30 AM

April 20: 1:15-2 PM

held at

Starting Arts
525 Parrott St.
San Jose, CA 95112
Map

Ages: 6-8
Experience: none required
Equipment: All equipment will be provided.
Fee: $80

Preparing your 6-8 year-old for more advanced taiko classes, we’ll introduce taiko basics like kuchishoka, following a jiuchi, and playing in unison.

  • - Kristin and Rome were selected as clinicians for California State Music Educators Conference (CASMEC) 2021 . They'll present "Music Through Rhythm" on February 19.
  • - Kristin and Rome will be speaking at Sonoma State University's chapter of National Association for Music Education (NAfME) on March 4.
  • - Rome will be working with 5th grade students at Washington Elementary for a virtual taiko residency in Spring, 2021.
  • - Rome will be working with 2nd grade students in Vallejo for a virtual taiko residency in Spring, 2021.
  • - About 20 South Bay Beat Institute players, friends, and students in online classes worked over winter 2020-2021 and performed virtually for Asano Taiko U.S. and Friends Concert 2021.
  • - Rome will be teaching Taiko Pedagogy in the Smithsonian Folkways World Music Pedagogy Certification at West Virginia University in Summer, 2020 (postponed to 2022 due to COVID).
  • - Rome worked with four elementary schools, teaching taiko and Orff method, through the Montalvo Arts Center, for the 2019 school year.
  • - Rome and Kristin were selected as Artists for Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC) 2019 for the session Rome led: "Taiko for Western Percussionists".