Taiko Classes
Taiko classes for GLTC Members!
Great Lakes Taiko Center (GLTC) offers a variety of online and in-person Taiko learning experiences. No musical experience is necessary to start enjoying this unique and fun art form from your first time in a class or workshop with us.
While there are no fees per class, GLTC Membership is required to participate in our weekly Taiko classes. Members may enroll in GLTC classes at any time, and the beginning of the month is generally a good time to join any class.
online aCTIVITIES & RESOURCES: Staying Connected @GLTC-Online
Our ONLINE LEARNING options provide students with live session learning experiences as well as online access to class recordings and class materials for review and study on your own time or with others.
in-person classes: play together @southeast michigan
Our IN-PERSON CLASSES are held indoors in Ann Arbor and Wixom, MI, and led by members of the GLTC Taiko Arts performance collective. All levels of experience are welcome to join our class sessions. Students have the option to join remotely as needed and to access class recordings as well as online resources for independent and group review and exploration. Drums and safety supplies (KN95 masks and earplugs) are provided for participants, and bachi sticks are available to borrow or purchase from GLTC.
Fall 2024 class listing
T3/BBK Festival Music in Novi-Wixom
Class Dates: View on GLTC Class Calendar
Saturdays (except ‘break’ Weeks of “Ma”)
10/12, 10/19, 10/26 (no class on 11/2)
11/9, 11/16, 11/23 (no class on 11/30)
12/7, 12/14, 12/21 (Winter 2025 class begins 1/11/2025)
*GLTC Winter Holiday Taiko Party 2024 on SUN 12/22 (optional recital opportunity)
Class Time: 3:00 to 5:00pm ET
Class Location: Unit B2-Studio N in the Center for Performance Arts & Learning (Cen4PAL) at 28243 Beck Rd B2, Wixom, MI 48393
Sensei/Teachers (and group affiliations): GLTC Taiko Arts Collective members Kyoko Johnson, Noriko Maidens, Rieko Muroi-Bowman, Akiyo Fisher (Godaiko Drummers, Murasaki Shikibu ensemble, MI Shishimai Kai) and Olga Ehrlich (Mountain River Taiko founder, MI Shishimai Kai)
Class Description: This class for T3 (Tanoshii Taiko Tai/fun drum team) and BBK (Bondaiko/drum, Bonodori/dance, Kane/atarigane handheld percussion) will focus on building taiko playing skills in a fun and cooperative team setting.
Students will continue to learn and practice basic Nagado and Shime daiko skills, form, playing with spirit, taiko etiquette, communication, and instrument care.
We will learn a kumidaiko/group taiko song called Dream, composed by Yamada Mizue, one of the GLTC’s original teachers from Japan. We will also focus on reviewing Ohayashi, traditional Japanese folk songs, and festival songs such as Mountain River Matsuri, Mushiokuri, and Arama.
For the Fall session, focus will be on drum technique as we prepare to play songs at the upcoming GLTC Winter Holiday Taiko Party in December. All players are welcome, regardless of level of taiko experience and the end of year recital opportunity is an optional activity.
What to Bring to Class:
-Bachi (taiko drumsticks) if you have them.
-Indoor shoes or non-slip socks
-Water bottle
-Your SMILE! ☺
Let’s have fun together!
A2 Taiko Play in Ann Arbor
Class Dates: View on GLTC Class Calendar
Sundays (except ‘break’ Weeks of “Ma”)
x10/13, 10/20, 10/27, +added class on 11/3
11/10, 11/17, 11/24 (no class on 12/1)
12/8, 12/15, 12/22* (classes resume after Winter Holiday break on 1/12/2025)
*GLTC Winter Holiday Taiko Party 2024 on SUN 12/22 (optional recital opportunity)
Class Time: 3:00 to 4:30pm ET
Class Location: Assembly Hall
Rudolf Steiner High School (RSHS)
2230 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Teachers: Larry An & Eileen S. Ho (Raion Taiko members, GLTC co-directors, and life partners) teaching Taiko in Ann Arbor (A2) since 2018.
Class Description: Practice FUNdamental rhythms, find our GROOVE in sound and movement, and learn to PLAY songs from our GLTC Collective and kaDON.com repertoire as we embody the energy and spirit of Taiko together. This Fall we will return to our study of the song WORLDWIDE MATSURI by Shoji Kameda to share in the generosity of Taiko with all our returning and new A2 Taiko Players.
[Note: Joining A2 Taiko Play via Zoom online and session recordings are available upon request.]
*Students will have the opportunity to perform class material during our last class time of the year at the GLTC Winter Holiday Taiko Party on SUN 12/22.
Community Rec & Ed
Intro to Taiko Drumming Workshops! Watch and try Taiko with us in an Adult Enrichment class offered through Ann Arbor Rec & Ed this Fall 2024.
Fall 2024 DATES: September 29th, October 27th, or November 24th
TIME: Sunday 2:30-4:30pm ET
LOCATION: Rudolf Steiner HS (Assembly Hall), 2230 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
DESCRIPTION: Drum and dream with us in a fun 2-hour workshop experience that will introduce participants (ages 13-adult) to the powerful artistry and generous spirit of Japanese Taiko Drumming through demonstrations and hands-on activities from our Midwest Taiko arts collective…
Get TaikoFit with cardio drumming! Instructor Cindi Carter in Lake Orion (MI) leads her popular fitness class offered through Lake Orion Parks on Thursdays (6:30-7:30pm) at the Orion Center.