Classes &
Workshops
Classes are currently held online and on a sliding scale that starts at $0. Any contribution above the max helps support the registration fee for others. No one is turned away for lack of funds.
You can pay using PayPal with this link, or with a credit card at the button below:
Registration is required but you can join at any time. We hope to see you soon!
Scroll to see everything, or skip to:
•SATURDAY ADULT • WEDNESDAY ADULT • KIDS• PRIVATE LESSONS/SMALL GROUP •
HAPPENING NOW!
Continuing Yokobue (click here to register)
Saturdays in September, 9:30-10am Pacific
This class is designed for players who can make a sound on yokobue and are ready for more. This session focuses on connecting and having fun while building skill in reading Japanese notation, finger agility, ornamentation, and breath control. We’ll also work on short melodies (with harmonies!) you can use for practice and performance.
Participants will need a yokobue (aka fue aka shinobue). A #8 is ideal, but any number can be used. Relatively inexpensive practice yokobue can be purchased online. Your registration confirmation email will have more information.
Sliding Scale, $0-$50. NOTAFLOF (no one turned away for lack of funds): via PayPal.
starting soon
September Tap Along Play Along Community Taiko (click here to register)
Saturdays in September, 11-11:45am Pacific
*The last Saturday in August will be a TAPA Taiko Virtual Party! Not to be missed!
Community group level taiko in a low-stakes, welcoming environment! One registration gets you in to one or all Saturdays for the month. All sessions are different, and you can join at any time! You’ll play a lot and have fun in these well-organized classes: drills, games, skill development, song rhythms, body percussion, and movement to expand your practice, keep you limber between rehearsals, or just for fun. No equipment required; use hands, wooden spoons or bachi on a towel, or any type of practice drum.
Sliding scale, $0-$50. NOTAFLOF (no one turned away for lack of funds): via PayPal.
HAPPENING NOW!
IZAKAYA GROOVE (click here to register)
Saturdays August 14 - September 18, 12-12:45pm Pacific
Join us and learn IZAKAYA GROOVE- a fun, loose, high energy song that can be played tachi-uchi or naname (slant). Great for beginning and intermediate players.
A series of 6, 45-minute virtual sessions. Saturdays, noon-12:45, from 8/14/21 to 9/18/21.
Rome wrote IZAKAYA GROOVE in 2012-13, and it has been performed by groups many times since. She's released the song under a Creative Commons license so that other players and groups can learn and perform it (cc-by-nc-nd). Written notation will be provided. Join us for active connection and fun!
Sliding scale, $0-$75. NOTAFLOF (no one turned away for lack of funds): via PayPal.
starting soon
Bachi-kinetics (click here to register)
Wednesday September 1, 8, 15, and 22, 5:30-6:15pm Pacific
Get ready to wow audiences with bachi twirls/spins! In this 4-week class we'll introduce different types of twirls/spins, both in isolation and within specific songs, drills, and phrases. Learning and perfecting bachi twirling is a great way to expand the visual impact of your playing, and it's FUN! Join us Wednesday September 1, 8, 15, and 22 - no class the last Wednesday of the month.
Sliding scale, $0-50. NOTAFLOF (no one turned away for lack of funds): via PayPal.
Taiko Zoom for Kids 4-6
Next session starts at the end of summer! Email us to get notified.
In this class we move, sing songs, play games, chant, dance, use body percussion, and develop an understanding of beat, rhythm, tempo and building blocks of notation using taiko and taiko-related instruments as our foundation. Taiko-centric music education, designed and delivered by passionate music educators with extensive experience teaching music to children of all ages, in public and private schools, using current music standards and benchmarks. No equipment required; participants can use their hands and laps, wooden spoons on a towel, or their imaginations in lieu of a drum! (Scroll to the bottom of the class list for one example.) We have so much fun in this class!
Sliding scale, NOTAFLOF (no one turned away for lack of funds): via PayPal.
Private Lessons and Small Group Sessions (ALL ONLINE)
Here’s where you schedule private lessons (one-on-one), small group lessons (up to 4), and consultations. Topics include anything from naname form to nailing down a song to note reading and music theory to shinobue to basics and drills! Together we’ll set an agenda that will help you meet your goals and grow as a player. We’ll work with you on scheduling and duration, usually half-hour to 1-hour blocks. Cost varies.
All sessions including private lessons, small group sessions, and consultations are currently conducted online.
The graphic to the left (click for a larger version) shows you how to make a simple practice drum out of 2 bath towels. If you don’t have bachi (drumsticks), you can use 2 large wooden spoons, 2 spatulas, or roll up two pieces of paper and secure them with tape!
POST-PANDEMIC
all dates TBD
Beginners Taiko
This 4-week series will introduce you to taiko basics, including form, beats, and simple rhythm patterns. Come for the drumming, stay for the fun!
held at
Purdance Studios
1530 Oakland Rd #135
San Jose, CA 95112
Map
Ages: 15+
Experience: none required
Equipment: All equipment will be provided for class. Participants welcome to bring their own bachi (sticks), but this is not required.
Fee: $100.
Community Taiko
This session will cover beginning taiko skills including stance, strike, and kuchishoka (the oral system used in taiko). Come ready to drum and have fun!
3-4:30 PM
held at
Purdance Studios
1530 Oakland Rd #135
San Jose, CA 95112
Map
Ages: 15+
Experience: none required
Equipment: All equipment will be provided for class. Participants welcome to bring their own bachi (sticks), but this is not required.
Fee: $100
Intro to Taiko Drumming Workshop
Next Date TBD
Always wanted to try taiko? Then this is the session for you! A hands-on introduction to a powerful style of drumming, you’ll walk away with a better understanding of taiko history, culture, and just how much fun it can be to play!
held at
Purdance Studios
1530 Oakland Rd #135
San Jose, CA 95112
Map
Ages: 15+
Experience: none required
Equipment: All equipment will be provided for class. Participants welcome to bring their own bachi (sticks), but this is not required.
Rally Drumming
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.
Itty Bitty Taiko
ages 4-5
Next session dates TBD. Check back for more info!
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
Next session dates TBD. Check back for more info!
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.