Taiko Experience!!

<<Jesse's Taiko Experience Report!!>>

Wakon Taiko School in Ryogoku, run by sensei Yukihiro Miyauchi is a great place to visit for both travelers wanting an unique Japanese experience and those who are serious about getting top quality taiko lessons! Sensei Miyauchi is a renown instructor, who can boast of teaching the likes of hiphop band; the Black Eyed Peas! Not only that but he studied acting in University, which lends to a very entertaining and upbeat class!

When we arrived to the class we were greeted by the classmates and Sensei Miyauchi with warm words. We immediately were thrust in to the program, right after being split up into a less experienced group so that we could have the opportunity to observe the more talented class and get some pointers, not to mention, were really able to appreciate the technique and skill of those who have been under the tutelage for Sensei Miyauchi for a longer period of time. And for a 1.5 hour long class, you really get a great workout! Be prepared with some comfortable clothing as well as one or two water bottles to stay hydrated! In your first lesson you will learn basic poses, how to strike the drum as well as some very basic beats that any person with little to no music or rythmatic experience can handle and still enjoy!

Taiko drumming aside, were were also shown some of the other traditional Japanese instruments that might be used alongside the Taiko drums and were even given a chance to try them all out individually. And finally, before we left, Sensei Miyauchi brought out a special treat and showed us a traditional lion dancing costume! It was really interesting and were all given the opportunity to try it on ourselves! Overall it is a great experience that comes highly recommended!

If you would like to have this experience, you can reserve through Wadaiko Experience!!

Taiko Experienced!!

<<Greg's Taiko Experience Report!!>>

Our experience at the Taiko drumming class was both exciting and educational! Upon arriving, we were organized into two groups: one for beginners and the other for the more experienced amongst us. It gave us newbies a chance to drum without any pressure and for the pros to show us how it was really done. You could tell that some of the people there had been doing it for years. Their precise timing and ability to nail complex rhythms and patterns was something impressive to witness in person.

When it was our turn, our sensei, Yukihiro Miyauchi, provided clear intructions for us to follow. The enthusiasim and passion that he has for drumming is contagious. With his help and patient guidance we were able to quickly learn some of the basic techniques of Taiko drumming. As we progressed and learnt more difficult phrases, the pros joined in and the true power of the drums could be felt! As the class drummed in unison, the rhythm vibrated up through your bones and resonated throughout your body! It was truely an exhilerating experience! 

If you would like to have this experience, you can reserve through Wadaiko Experience!!

Taiko Experience Report!

<<Yasmin's Taiko Experience Report>>

 

 I and two of my friends tried taiko for the first time. As we entered the studio I looked around and saw other class members practicing. I was so impressed by their rhythm and ability. Having never played any form of drums before I wondered how hard it could be.

It turned out there was quite a lot to it and I wasn’t going to be a pro off the bat.

The instructor was a lovely, friendly guy that offered instructions in English. We first observed the other class members and afterwards we were shown how to play some of their sequences step by step. There were in fact many different kinds of drum playing styles. 

The taiko drum itself is something quite interesting to see. A large wooden barrel with cow skin stretched over its surface. The drum sticks used to play, bachi, were long and thick and far more resilient than your would imagine! The amount of force applied to each strike on the taiko isn’t anything minor. Those bachi sticks are invisible.

Though I’d thought it would be quite easy to play, it was actually a little difficult. In order to create the different beats, you had to use controlled strength to hit the drums in the right spot. My arms and hands were a bit sore by the end of the 90 minute session. I was surprised in learning how little upper arm strength I in fact had. The next morning my arms still reminded me that they were more jelly than muscle.

However! It was most definitely a high energy, absorbing and fun instrument to play. The instructor taught in a way that was easy to follow and I honestly had a blast. As someone with zero musical talent or experience I found myself hooked on the drumming sequences. There was something really satisfying about the beat and the process of becoming more fluid in rhythm with the other class members. 

I can see this easily becoming an obsession. It’s a cool traditional Japanese instrument that offers you a good workout. What more could you want but fun and fitness all in one?

If you would like to have this experience, you can reserve through Wadaiko Experience!!

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