Sonoma County Taiko Instruction

SONOMA COUNTY TAIKO CLASSES

Our classes have been established to introduce members to the art and culture that is taiko. We welcome anyone with an interest in participating. We’ll take you through the basics and accompany you through an exploration of the many aspects of taiko playing and performing. Our members have also discovered aspects of themselves that they didn’t expect. As members progress they are welcome to volunteer for performances and take advantage of our other training and practice opportunities.

Visitors always welcome to observe classes – please contact us before visiting.

Taiko Basics (Introductory Level)

Schedule
Next Taiko Basics for Saturday April 6th 11am-12pm
Limited intro indoor with roll-up doors open if weather & temperature permits.
masks are optional.
Please contact us with any questions
Dates for 2024 upcoming taiko basics classes Nov 2, Dec 7.
Schedule subject to change.
Oct 5 Taiko Basics Cancelled


SCT Health & Safety Policy
Revised June 2023 all participants with Sonoma County Taiko primary vaccination and first booster recommended. Additional Covid boosters and flu vaccination are recommended.
Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell or showing any symptoms. If you do come down with anything following attendance please notify us immediately.

Class Description
Taiko Basics covers how we prepare ourselves to play taiko. How taiko and the way we approach and learn is also addressed in the context of Japanese culture. No previous experience necessary.
Advanced reservation required.
If you would like to join SCT as a member your first month will be pro-rated to include the fee for Taiko Basics ($30).
See listing for Adult Level 1 Beginners class for more information.

*Saturday Class
Check-in: 10:45 am Class 11 am – 12 pm
Location: Sonoma County Taiko 3325 Regional Parkway Suite #11 Santa Rosa, CA 95403

Fee: $20

**ONLINE REGISTRATION SPECIAL** Register NOW for Taiko Basics and receive $5 off of your class fee. Please include preferred dates with your registration

Register & Pay here



Taiko Basics

Date of attendance



Questions? Contact Us Here


Adult level 1 A-1 (Beginning Level)

Schedule

Saturdays Ongoing: 12:45 – 1:45 pm


Class Description

Upon joining as a member this first level class will develop fundamental practice of playing and performing taiko. We will focus on the basics of taiko, basic drills, basic songs, incorporating connectedness to the nature, body, self and peers (co-players). We will be continuously search/discover/explore our center and presence, and hopefully integrate all the elements into an art-form. This is an ongoing class and group members will advance to the next level on an individual basis according to the skills and training they acquire. If you are joining immediately following Taiko Basics (TB) attendance you may choose the Prorate Mem option for your first month. 


Pay dues online
*note a $3 convenience fee is applied


Choose A Rate Category




Family Rates




Youth Taiko (Beginning Level)

Schedule
CURRENTLY SUSPENDED
Fridays Ongoing: 4:30 – 6:00 pm


Class Description Ages 12-16 : We will explore the basics of taiko and experience Japanese culture through the practice.
Membership Dues $45 monthly


Pay dues online

Regular membership

Family Rates


Children's Classes

Schedule

Date-time (TBA)


Class Description
Ages 7-12


Do you love loud, joyful drums? Taiko means big drum in Japanese. Did you know that Taiko drums can “talk?“ In our high energy class we will learn movements, songs, stories, and games that make Taiko and Japanese culture fun. Taiko drumming can increase a child’s self-esteem, respect for others, and improve listening as movement skills. Playing Taiko is also a great way to meet new friends.  Wear comfortable gym clothing, soft-soled shoes, and bring a water bottle to class. The adult bringing you to class is welcome to stay and watch.


Adult General A-G (Intermediate / Advanced)

Schedule

Saturdays Ongoing: 2:00 – 3:00 pm


Class Description

This is our main class where skills are honed and new material is introduced as well as practices related to staging and performing taiko.  


Pay dues online


Choose A Rate Category




Family Rate




Open Rehearsal (Supplemental - Beg-Adv)

Schedule
Mondays and Wednesdays: 6:30 – 8:00 pm


Class Description

Weekly rehearsal classes. In this class the members of the group prepare a performance set and practice all aspects of presenting it in public. All current members are welcome to participate or observe.


Questions?

Contact Us Here


Pop up Class

Mondays upon notification
Time: TBA

Please contact us if you are interested in more information

Classes will vary in content and instruction. The classes are offered on a rotating by notification basis.

COVID-19 safety Policy
Revised January 2023 all participants with Sonoma County Taiko must provide proof of primary vaccination. Additional boosters and flu vaccination recommended.
Proof provided may be  vaccination card or image of same, or digital proof. We will be maintaining distancing guidelines and masking protocols as well.


Current proposed offerings:

  • Harmony & Taiko Class: Instructor Miwa Smith
    • Let’s create harmony by playing taiko together. We will focus on details, sounds you create. Listen to your own sound, mind, body and spirit. Listen to one another, listen to the sound of nature, and feel the vibe together on a deeper level.
  • Odori (japanese Folk-dance): with Alexa Riner and Irma Spars
    • Learn some common folk-dances that are performed during the Summer Obon Festivals.
  • Family Taiko
    • TBA
  • Adaptive Taiko
    • TBA

Class fees are included in SCT membership or by drop-in of $20 (.98¢ fee for Paypal)

Choose A Rate Category



 

Private Group Introductory Class

You can schedule a private class for your group of 5-10 participants
1 hour introductory taiko class $20 per participant

Please contact us at least one month in advance
We can schedule the class around your group.

Bay Area Miyake

Bay Area Miyake was formed in 2018 after Sonoma County Taiko hosted a series of special workshops with the world-renowned Tsumura Sensei of Miyakejima Geino Doushi Kai across the Bay Area. (You can find more information about Miyake Taiko and Tsumura family on their website: miyaketaiko.com.) 

Bay Area Miyake is a special interest group of Sonoma County Taiko, and its members are comprised of Miyake enthusiasts from across the Bay Area who practice the Tsumura family style of Miyake.

Bay Area Miyake has performed at Sonoma Matsuri, Enmanji Buddhist Temple fundraising events, and the San Francisco Obon festival.

We hold regular practices, typically at least once a month. The practice date will be posted on the SCT website. If you are interested in practicing the Tsumura family style of Miyake, please reach out to us at info@sonomacountytaiko.org.

Family Taiko Class

Taiko is an activity that the whole family can enjoy together.  If you have children from 7-13 and would like to learn taiko together we are offering a few dates as our schedule allows.
Sunday 10/13/2024
Time:
9:45-10:45am

Sunday 12/15/2024
Time:
9:45-10:45am

Register Here

October 2024

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
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  • Rehearsal Class
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  • Taiko Classes
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  • Taiko Basics - Introduction to Taiko
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Building a community of acceptance, harmony, and respect through our love of taiko.