Are you in the Washington, DC area and interested in learning how to play taiko? Starting February 2010, you can do just that!
I will be teaching a beginner's class at the Capitol Hill Arts Worskhop:
Beginning Taiko (course #: S1AW5) :
The Art of Ancient Japanese Drumming
Wednesdays 6:45-8:45 pm
8 weeks, 2/10-4/1
2 blocks from Eastern Market Metro stop!
Registration begins November 30! Call 202-547-6839 for more information and to register. You can access the full course catalogue for the Adult Spring Classes here.
I hope to see you there!
A place for useful tips, drills, and information about taiko.
Monday, November 30, 2009
My Drum Pad
So, a while back I promised a video of my new drum pad. Long awaited, but hopefully useful, here it is:
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Heritage Works Taiko Workshops
Last week I had the opportunity to work with an amazing non-profit in Detroit, Michigan. Located in the state with the highest unemployment rate (15%) in the United States, Heritage Works provides opportunities for youth to learn about other cultures through performing arts. I was invited to provide a series of workshops for the group through an artist residency.
I just wanted to share a few photos and videos from the time I had with them. The kids were so focused, we learned a whole version of Matsuri Taiko, plus choreography! Nice work, Heritage Works kids!
Heritage Works shows me their stuff:
Practicing taiko:
Putting it all together:
A few photos:
Find more photos like this on Heritage Works
I just wanted to share a few photos and videos from the time I had with them. The kids were so focused, we learned a whole version of Matsuri Taiko, plus choreography! Nice work, Heritage Works kids!
Heritage Works shows me their stuff:
Practicing taiko:
Putting it all together:
A few photos:
Find more photos like this on Heritage Works
Saturday, November 21, 2009
O Yasumi
Hi there from Michigan!
There's no drill this week because I'm busy with other exciting taiko-related things, which I promise to write about soon! But, I just wanted to give you a simple, relaxing, activity for your ATT day off.
One of my favorite things to do on a crisp, Fall day is take a walk and enjoy the foliage. While my mind wanders with the breeze of the trees, my feet find a steady rhythm. This is a great opportunity to practice taiko.
So, go outside today, invigorate your senses with the fresh air and skat your favorite taiko song to the base beat of your step.
I'll be back with stories from this week and a new drill, next week. Have an enjoyable weekend!
There's no drill this week because I'm busy with other exciting taiko-related things, which I promise to write about soon! But, I just wanted to give you a simple, relaxing, activity for your ATT day off.
One of my favorite things to do on a crisp, Fall day is take a walk and enjoy the foliage. While my mind wanders with the breeze of the trees, my feet find a steady rhythm. This is a great opportunity to practice taiko.
So, go outside today, invigorate your senses with the fresh air and skat your favorite taiko song to the base beat of your step.
I'll be back with stories from this week and a new drill, next week. Have an enjoyable weekend!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Taiko Drill 58, Bachi as a Metronome Extension
It's pouring! Wish the sunshine would come out--that always sparks my creativity.
I've been working with last week's drill and added a section to it. If you're practicing with a metronome, try using different different rhythms to play along with as an added challenge. I noticed that if I was playing on eighth notes every day and switched to quarter notes, my tempo wasn't quite as steady as I had thought.
Focus: Timing, Rhythm
Watch For:
1. Anticipate the double stroke to switch the leading hand. If you're getting off-tempo here, slow down the speed, or practice just one hand for now.
I have found that, for me, the best way to improve my inner metronome is to play a repetitive pattern over and over again with an actual metronome. While last week's drill is great for this, I thought I'd add one more line (and if you know me, you've probably guessed what it is already!).
Here we go:
Line 1: don X8 (with one hand. this is the downbeat)
Line 2: do ko X8 (alternating hands)
Line 3: repeat Line 1
Line 4: don tsu ku X4 (RRL or LLR, depending on your starting hand)
You decide which hand to start with and when to switch. I try to reach 60% left hand lead and 40% right hand lead. If you're not used to starting with your left hand at all, then aim for twice as much practice for that side than the right.
Here's the video:
Next week I will be in Michigan working with an amazing non-profit youth performing group called Heritage Works. So, no drill next Friday, but I'll try to get some more NATC '09 stuff I've yet to post in between now and then.
Extension:
It was easy enough to add another line to this drill. In fact, you can add any 8-ct. line to change things up. Experiment to create your own version. The goal is something that is simple enough for you that you can consistently play on tempo. You should feel comfortable enough playing the line so that your mind and ears are free to really notice the moments when you stray ahead of or behind the metronome.
I've been working with last week's drill and added a section to it. If you're practicing with a metronome, try using different different rhythms to play along with as an added challenge. I noticed that if I was playing on eighth notes every day and switched to quarter notes, my tempo wasn't quite as steady as I had thought.
Focus: Timing, Rhythm
Watch For:
1. Anticipate the double stroke to switch the leading hand. If you're getting off-tempo here, slow down the speed, or practice just one hand for now.
I have found that, for me, the best way to improve my inner metronome is to play a repetitive pattern over and over again with an actual metronome. While last week's drill is great for this, I thought I'd add one more line (and if you know me, you've probably guessed what it is already!).
Here we go:
Line 1: don X8 (with one hand. this is the downbeat)
Line 2: do ko X8 (alternating hands)
Line 3: repeat Line 1
Line 4: don tsu ku X4 (RRL or LLR, depending on your starting hand)
You decide which hand to start with and when to switch. I try to reach 60% left hand lead and 40% right hand lead. If you're not used to starting with your left hand at all, then aim for twice as much practice for that side than the right.
Here's the video:
Next week I will be in Michigan working with an amazing non-profit youth performing group called Heritage Works. So, no drill next Friday, but I'll try to get some more NATC '09 stuff I've yet to post in between now and then.
Extension:
It was easy enough to add another line to this drill. In fact, you can add any 8-ct. line to change things up. Experiment to create your own version. The goal is something that is simple enough for you that you can consistently play on tempo. You should feel comfortable enough playing the line so that your mind and ears are free to really notice the moments when you stray ahead of or behind the metronome.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Taiko Drill Part 57, Bachi as a Metronome
Welcome back! Let's keep going with the timing theme...
Focus: Timing, Rhythm
Watch For:
1. Is the bachi (or arm) that's keeping the downbeat moving around, or steadily in one place?
2. Pay attention to volume--both hands should sound equal!
Here's the pattern:
don (X8 with one hand)
doko (X8 alternating hands)
You can choose to switch the base hand each time, or just practice with one. In the video, you'll see me alternate by finishing the pattern with a double stroke.
Focus: Timing, Rhythm
Watch For:
1. Is the bachi (or arm) that's keeping the downbeat moving around, or steadily in one place?
2. Pay attention to volume--both hands should sound equal!
Here's the pattern:
don (X8 with one hand)
doko (X8 alternating hands)
You can choose to switch the base hand each time, or just practice with one. In the video, you'll see me alternate by finishing the pattern with a double stroke.
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