• Interested in learning and playing taiko?

    Two ways to try taiko

    Basics of Taiko: The Art of Japanese Traditional Drumming 

    One-session public workshops offered every month for you to try out playing taiko. Learn more and signup for this workshop on EventBrite.

     

    Try our weekly beginner classes

    Jump right into our monthly beginner cycle. Newcomer classes are offered the first Wednesday and first Sunday of each month. Read below about weekly classes, pricing and what to expect, then fill out the form below. Online sign-up is always required. Sorry, no walk-ins allowed.

  • Yes I'm interested!

    Keep an eye out for our email response :-)

    If you don't see an email, check your spam or go ahead and email us at info@etaiko.org

  • Beginners

    Newcomers start each month!

    Beginner class is a 4-month curriculum teaching multiple styles and songs. After completing the course, you can join our performances and additional class times are available. Classes are at Pacific Renaissance Plaza in Oakland [map]. Beginners start on the first Wednesday and/or Sunday of each month. Classes are two hours long, 7-9pm Wednesday evenings and 4-6pm Sunday afternoons. Note: classes are held year-round every week, and cancellations will always be clearly announced. You can attend Wednesday, Sunday, or both. Use the form above or email us directly at info@etaiko.org to express your interest. NOTE: we cannot accept walk-ins.

    Members

    Expanded class offerings

    All classes are at our dojo at Pacific Renaissance Plaza in Oakland. Use our Slack channels to stay connected.

    Kids classes

    Open to 8 and up

    Kids classes (age 8 and above) are 9-9:50 AM on Saturdays. Use the form above or email us directly at info@etaiko.org to inquire and register your child. Our dojo began in 1998 as a project to teach taiko to kids in the East Bay, and we are thrilled to continue this quarter-century tradition.

  • Class Fees

    Cash and check only. Classes are two hours long (kids: 50 minutes).

    10 class and 5 class cards expire after three months of inactivity.

    10 classes $140

    kids $90, seniors $110

     

    Compared to single class price, that's a $4 discount per class off for adults, $9 discount for kids, $7 for seniors.

    5 classes $80

    kids $50, seniors $60

     

    Compared to single class price, that's $2 discount for adults, $8 discount for kids, $6 for seniors.

    All you can taiko $120

    unlimited monthly pass to all classes (seniors $100)

    $18 single class

    A great value. Class fees cover expenses.

    Financial assistance available

  • What to expect

    Be prepared for active fun

    Class schedule

    New students may attend Wednesday and/or Sunday class. Once you've attended a first beginner class, we'll share info on additional class opportunities. The more often you attend, the faster you'll learn and the more fun you'll have! Beginners play alongside more experienced students and teachers - it's a supportive group activity.

    What to wear

    As of October 2022, masks are still required. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing. All jewelry (rings, watches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces etc.) should be removed before class. This is an active class - dress for martial arts.

    Getting there

    Arrive on-time to register and get instructions. Payment is cash or check only.

     

    Pacific Renaissance Plaza: 388 9th St. The dojo entrance is on the ground floor, in the northeast corner of the courtyard, to the right of the library. Convenient to BART, and parking in the basement. [map] Look for Emeryville Taiko sign inside or outside the lobby to guide you to the classroom. As of latest updates, parking is $3 in evenings and $7 on Saturday.

    Class structure

    Most of our classes have the same structure:

    • Students arrive and sign in
    • Drums are setup
    • Warmup exercises
    • Drills and group instruction by sensei
    • Breakout sessions
    • Group reconvenes for mini-performance
    • Drums put away
    • Line up for closing

    Etiquette

    Once we begin warmups, class is in "dojo mode". We'll teach you our dojo etiquette that makes class effective and still fun. For instance:

    • Once class starts, use your eyes and ears to follow along, listen to instructions
    • Drums are handled with care. Don't touch the drumhead with your hands

    Taiko is taught in the tradition of martial arts. The essence of Taiko is not only looked upon as the skillful playing of percussion instruments, but as the discipline of mind and body in the spirit of complete respect and unity among the drummers. Taiko players are more than just fellow drummers. They are sisters and brothers. We are family. We help each other.

    How to learn and practice

    Sensei and assistant teachers will tell you what to practice. Give us your email again when you signup at class so we can invite you to our Slack channels to receive study materials, reminders and announcements.

  • Connect With Us

    Find out more, get involved, book us for your event!

  • Donate

    Donations support our mission to bring the joy of taiko to more people and events in our communities. All donations are tax deductible.

Emeryville Taiko © 2022 a 501(c)(3) non-profit

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