Kagemusha Taiko is passionate about getting taiko groups started in schools and communities all over the U.K and can provide resources, training, performance opportunities and support along the way. In fact, all you really need is the energy and enthusiasm to start your own taiko group – we can help with everything else.
1. Finding drums
Many groups begin playing on car tyres on the backs of chairs, or make their own drums to keep costs down. With taiko it’s not so much what drum you play as how you play it. After years of working with schools, we have developed taiko drums that are affordable, robust and easy to transport whilst looking and sounding good.
2. Getting the skills
If you really care about taiko and the massive range of learning opportunities it provides, we encourage you to invest in developing taiko expertise before you spend a fortune on drums. Kagemusha Taiko’s extensive teacher training programmes can help you acquire the skills you need for a successful taiko launch wherever you are in the country.
3. Further Teaching Resources
Everything we teach is defined within and supported by Kagemusha Taiko’s curriculum, “Teaching Taiko: Principles and Practice”– from first lessons to beginner repertoire, and supported by DVDs, it’s all ready for you to start teaching.
4. Performance Opportunities
Having a performance goal to work towards is an important part of taiko. Whilst school assemblies can be a great start, performing in the UK Taiko Festival’s National Youth Concert as part of the UK Taiko Festival provides a fantastic opportunity for teachers and groups to inspire and be inspired by other young taiko players.
Don’t just take our word for it – read “Tackling Taiko” an article on a teacher’s experience of starting his own taiko group featured in Classroom Music, autumn 2010 (link to https://www.escosubs.co.uk/rhinegold/backissue.asp?title=5)
Whatever you need, even if it’s just advice, contact us and we’ll be happy to help. It’s always great to hear about people wanting to set up their own groups; we may even be able to put you in touch with a taiko group near you.
Why not download our printer-friendly “Taiko:An Education” for a closer look at what we offer.
