Originally a traditional form of Japanese drumming, but in the 1950’s it became a performance

style that is still practiced today in Japan and around the world.

It’s marked by its dynamic playing style - with many synchronized movements reminiscent of
martial arts.

4 Principles of Taiko

Musical Technique: This is the "how to" of playing the drums. It is how hard or soft to hit or how
fast or slow to play. We learn how best to strike with our bachi (drumsticks) and where to hit the
drum. It also includes how we learn our music which may be by imitation or through oral or
written notation.

Kata: Form and stance are important to martial arts and taiko. This is where we learn how to
stand and how to move. It is important to show both strength and grace.

Attitude: As artists we learn to respect ourselves and others, to respect the drums and,
especially, the culture and history of taiko itself. We also have a respect for the things we have
not learned yet. It is keeping a "beginner's mind" and understanding that no matter how much
we know we still have much more to learn. There is always something we can improve.

Ki: "Ki" is the energy that flows through everything. We put our energy into the drums when we
build them and when we play them. Shark Taiko members from years before have also put their
ki into the drums and the group.
-we can be mindful and present in the moment we’re having, and put all that energy into this
activity to better enjoy it even more.

Session Plan

Opening intro to Taiko Drumming

How we’ll explore it in our session

- While we won’t be learning the intricate movements and techniques of Taiko drumming
(as those take many years to master) today we’ll be focusing on
- Musical technique (playing loud, soft, fast, slow)
- Attitude (listening mindfully as we play)
- Go over the “commands”
- Raise drum up, play loud
- Lower drum down, play quiet
- Listening for the leader to play fast or slow
- And the gesture for stopping
- Mention that the members will have the chance to lead the group using these
commands later in the session.
Song 1

I’ve been working on the railroad

Introduce basic beat, let everyone get comfortable with it.

Sing through the song

Song 2

Everyone starts with the basic beat, each person in the circle has the opportunity to have a
“solo”

Remind the group of the idea of respect and the attitude of listening to the person who has the
solo. Instruct the group to think of their playing as supporting that person as they play out

Song 3

It’s a long way to tipperary

Song 4

You are my Sunshine

In between verses, two (or three) people will have a solo together. Instruct them to listen to
each other and try to play together

Song 5

Clementine

Song 6

Conducting improvisation

Lead the first one, and then open the floor to other people who want to try and lead.

Song 7

Happy Wanderer