Adult Beginning Classes - Winter 2016
Adult Classes
ADULT BEGINNING CLASS
Adult Beginning Classes are for adults entering our taiko program. Basic form, technique, rhythm, philosophy, and spirit are the primary elements of these introductory classes. Adults 14 years and older are encouraged to start their taiko journeys in this class. High school-age students who are starting taiko for the first time are welcome to start in this class or in our youth program, depending on their preference. Continuing students wishing to participate in a refresher course are welcome to repeat beginning classes as desired.
WHO: Adults of any age, no experience needed!
HOW MUCH: Tuition fees are $210 for the 12-class session
WHERE: Classes are held at Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple at 505 E. 3rd Street in downtown LA's Little Tokyo
WHEN: Sundays, 1/11/26-7/19/26 from 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm.
The session culminates with a performance at Higashi Honganji’s annual Obon festival taking place 7/25/26-7/26-26.
HOW: Register online at: https://forms.gle/qJR25uLLpChTPyvw8
CURRENT STATUS: Class has reached capacity as of 1/11/26.
Interested in joining any of our future classes? Complete the enrollment form to be added to our mailing list for updates and new class offerings
Adult Intermediate Classes
Adult INTERMEDIATE Classes
Current registration is open only to recurring students.
Adult Intermediate Classes are for adults who are starting to learn more complex techniques and rhythm patterns in our curriculum. Multiple form and stances, advanced music and arrangements, philosophy, and spirit are the primary elements of these classes.
Entrance to Adult Intermediate classes is determined at the discretion of class instructors and staff.
Classes take place on Mondays from 6:45 pm - 8:15 pm.
*Entrance into the Intermediate Class is at the discretion of the TAIKOPROJECT Academy Instructors.
Bombu Taiko at Rhythmic Relations 2015, photo by Kim Nakashima
Bombu Taiko
Bombu Taiko is the performing ensemble for adults who have successfully completed our Intermediate Classes and are committed to further study and are interested in public performance opportunities.
Classes take place on Mondays from 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm
*Entrance into Bombu Taiko is determined by TAIKOPROJECT Academy instructors.
Youth Classes and Programs
TAIKO FOR TOTS
Taiko for Tots is our parent and me taiko class for students ages 3-6 years old. Students and their parents/adult learn basics of taiko and musical expression through games and songs. Classes will be taught by Courtney Deguchi.
Next Session: TBD
Class is designed for one student and one adult/parent participant
TANUKI TAIKO
Tanuki Taiko is for graduates of our TAIKO FOR TOTS program. Students are ages 4-6 years old and continue developing basics through games and songs to develop their listening skills and body awareness.
Next Session: TBD
Youth Taiko students at Higashi Honganji Obon Festival 2025
YOUTH BEGINNING TAIKO CLASSES
Youth Beginning Taiko classes are for children aged 7 - 14). Basic form, technique, rhythm, philosophy, spirit, and FUN are the primary elements of these introductory classes. Classes will be taught by David Wells and Clara Mulligan.
WHO: Children ages 7-14, class capacity is 8 students.
HOW MUCH: Tuition fees are $210 for the 12-class session.
WHERE: Classes are held at Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple at 505 E. 3rd Street in downtown LA's Little Tokyo
WHEN: Sundays, 1/11/26-7/19/26 from 4:45 - 5:45 pm.
The session culminates with a performance at Higashi Honganji’s annual Obon festival taking place 7/25/26-7/26-26.
HOW: Register online at: https://forms.gle/qJR25uLLpChTPyvw8
YOUTH INTERMEDIATE TAIKO CLASSES
Current registration is open only to recurring students.
Youth Intermediate Taiko classes are for children aged 10-17. Expanding on Basic form, technique, rhythm, philosophy, spirit, and introducing exposure to performance are expanded upon in this next stage of classes. Classes will be taught by Courtney Deguchi and Audrey Tu.
Classes take place on Sundays from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm.
*Entrance into the Intermediate Class is at the discretion of the TAIKOPROJECT Academy Instructors.
Rhythmic Relations 2015, photo by Kim Nakashima
Kitsune Taiko Performing Ensemble
Current registration is open only to recurring students.
Kitsune Taiko is the performing ensemble for youth taiko students who have have shown exemplary performance in our Intermediate Classes and are committed to further in-depth study of taiko. Performing Ensemble members graduate out of KTPE when they graduate from high school and many have gone on to become performers and leaders in the collegiate taiko community all over the U.S.
Classes take place on Sundays from 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm.
*Entrance into Kitsune Taiko takes place at the beginning of the annual Fall Session and is determined by Academy instructors
Special Sessions
Group workshops with the Genki Spark (Boston, MA), Chibi Taiko (Vancouver, CA), Naruwan & SDT (San Diego, CA), and high school students (Cleveland, OH)
Group Workshops
TAIKOPROJECT has taught workshops for taiko groups all over the world, and when we are on tour, we try as much as possible to meet local groups and coordinate workshops tailored to their interests and skill level. Topics for Group Workshops include: (Basic – Introductory Drills, Naname/Slant Drum Technique, Basic Odaiko Form, Intermediate – Hip Hop Taiko, Omiyage, Sling Okedo, Narimono/Hand Percussion, Improvisation, Bachi Twirling and Manipulation, Many Sides Double-Drum Playing, Advanced – Stage Presence, Deeper Improvisation, Advanced Omiyage)
Private Lessons
Members of TAIKOPROJECT can teach private lessons in various topics for students of all levels who are looking to deepen their understanding of certain taiko styles or techniques, as well as the shinobue (bamboo flute). Rates are developed based on the frequency and duration of lessons.