Taiko Drumming Classes - Hall 1

Join us in this face to face course to explore the Japanese art of taiko drumming!

In this course we will look at the basic form to play the taiko drums upright and we will then explore a series of basic rhythms called ji-uchi, which are usually the backing rhythms over which a piece is orchestrated.

We will then learn a full original piece written by Joao Madeira called ‘Chou-Chou’ (Butterfly), played over the shichi-san ji-uchi. This piece incorporates a lot of movement!

What is Taiko?

Taiko is a traditional form of drumming originally from Japan. Taiko is an activity which can help to promote mental health, as well as physical health, as it encourages focus, coordination, mindfulness, promotes self-worth, perseverance and resilience. It encourages participants to engage in a scalable physical activity, which can range from extremely intense to gentle movement, depending on the individual’s level of fitness and ability. Taiko is more than drumming, as it combines often martial arts-inspired choreographed movement with rhythm, and it is often described as a mixture of ‘dance & drumming’. It can be practised standing or sitting to incorporate various levels of mobility and ability – so it can be adapted to be inclusive of individual needs.

Cost

This course is strictly on a pay-what-you want basis, to ensure it is accessible to all.

If you can afford it, a contribution of £7.5 per class (£30 for the 4-week block) would be appreciated. If you can only afford less or nothing at all, that’s also absolutely fine. The important thing is that you join us!

You will find two types of tickets in the ticket section – a ‘General Admission’ and a ‘Donation’ ticket – they are basically the same, depending on what you can afford.

Equipment

Drums and bachi will be provided and sanitised in line with our Covid risk assessment. If you have your own bachi, you can bring those.

Drums will be spaced 2 metres from each other.

Participants will be required to sanitise their hands upon entering the venue.

The wearing of masks will be in line with government guidelines in force at the time.

Please wear comfortable loose clothing and shoes with no heels.

Capacity

For safety reasons and due to limited equipment, the face to face course is limited to 8 participants per session.

Tutor

Joao Madeira used to be a rock drummer for local bands in Glasgow before encountering taiko in 2006. It was love at first sight and the start of a career as a professional touring taiko player performing all around the world. Some of these performances have included highly prestigious events such the BBC proms in London, Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi, Extasia Festival in Japan, in addition to dozens of other concerts in Asia, Africa and Europe.

Shoshin Taiko Dojo

Shoshin Taiko Dojo is a social enterprise dedicated to teaching taiko in an accessible manner and promoting social inclusion and positive mental health for all. As part of its mission, the dojo offers classes with an accessible pay structure to allow everyone to take part. In addition, there is then the possibility for students to progress to performing members of the Dojo, if they wish to do so.