Taiko Classes and Workshops
New students are invited to start with a Taiko 101 workshop. Afterward or simultaneously, students can enroll in the Beginning Taiko class. Select students will be encouraged to enroll in an intermediate or advanced class which concentrates on form, timing, ensemble playing, soloing and improvisation.
If you have previous taiko experience or any questions, please contact us at classes@portlandtaiko.org so we can determine the best class for you. We hope to drum with you soon!
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Taiko 101 Workshops
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- Saturday October 14 from 1:00-3:00 pm
- Saturday October 14 from 3:30-5:30 pm
>>> Registration opens Saturday Sept. 30th at 3:30 pm. Register on Eventbrite.
Beginning Taiko – Taught by Tiffany Tamaribuchi
WHEN
Monday evenings 6:00 pm – 7:20 pm
September 25 – December 11, 2023
COST & REGISTRATION
Must pre-register on Eventbrite at least one hour before class begins
Tuition: $25 per class* + Eventbrite fees
*Purchase nine drop in classes, get the 10th free. After registering for nine classes, email classes@portlandtaiko.org to get a one-time use code for a free class.
DESCRIPTION & PREREQUISITES
This beginning-level class is open to anyone who has taken a Portland Taiko 101 workshop. Students will practice basic taiko skills such as technique, stance and rhythm by continuing to work on Renshu. This class will be taught by Artistic Director Tiffany Tamaribuchi. In the event Tiffany is unavailable, a Portland Taiko performer will fill in.
Intermediate/Advanced Taiko Skills and Drills – Taught by Tiffany Tamaribuchi
WHEN
Monday evenings 7:40 pm – 9:00 pm
September 25 – December 11, 2023
COST & REGISTRATION
Must pre-register on Eventbrite at least one hour before class begins
Tuition: $25 per class* + Eventbrite fees
*Purchase nine drop in classes, get the 10th free. After registering for nine classes, email classes@portlandtaiko.org to get a one-time use code for a free class.
PREREQUISITES
This class is open to students who have taken a Portland Taiko 101 workshop, 10 beginning-level drop-in classes and an invitation from a Portland Taiko instructor. If you are not a current Portland Taiko student and have previous taiko experience, please contact us at classes@portlandtaiko.org before registering.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
Through a variety of drills and exercises, students will learn key skills to improve as taiko players. This class will focus on the fundamentals, allowing students to play with greater ease, control, speed, and power. It will also explore different ways of learning taiko, helping students find the techniques that work best for them. This class will be approachable to students with a basic understanding of playing taiko, but will provide a challenge for beginners and experienced players alike!
This class will be taught by Artistic Director Tiffany Tamaribuchi. In the event Tiffany is unavailable, a Portland Taiko performer will fill in.
Intermediate Taiko: Repertoire – Taught by Dan Chin & Tiffany Tamaribuchi
WHEN
Unlike the drop-in classes above, this is an 8-week class
Wednesday evenings 6:00 pm – 7:20 pm
September 27 – November 15, 2023
COST
Tuition: $170 + Eventbrite fees
PREREQUISITES
This class is open to students who have taken a Portland Taiko 101 workshop, 10 beginning-level drop-in classes and an invitation from a Portland Taiko instructor. If you are not a current Portland Taiko student and have previous taiko experience, please contact us at classes@portlandtaiko.org before registering.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
During this intermediate-level class, students will learn Portland Taiko’s core repertoire pieces Midare Matsuri and HA!
The fall session will focus on HA! Students will learn all parts, including: chudaiko, odaiko, shimedaiko and hand-held percussion instruments. In addition to learning the repertoire, students will also learn beginning skills for group performance. This class will be taught by Portland Taiko performer Dan Chin and new artistic director Tiffany Tamaribuchi.
Advanced Taiko – Taught by Donovan Carrillo & Tiffany Tamaribuchi
WHEN
Unlike the Monday night drop-in classes, this is an 8-week class
Wednesday evenings 7:40 pm – 9:00 pm
September 27 – November 15, 2023
COST
Tuition: $170 + Eventbrite fees
PREREQUISITES
This class is open to students who have been invited to enroll by a Portland Taiko instructor. If you are not a current Portland Taiko student and have previous taiko experience, please contact us at classes@portlandtaiko.org before registering.
CLASS DESCRIPTION
This advanced class (formerly Beyond Basics) will dive deeper into performance skills and Portland Taiko’s repertoire. This class will be taught by Portland Taiko performer Donovan Carrillo and new artistic director Tiffany Tamaribuchi. The curriculum will be a collection of new drills led by Tiffany and pieces from Portland Taiko’s school assembly program.
>>> Important Info for All Classes and Workshops
- All workshops and classes are held in person at the Oregon Buddhist Temple (3720 SE 34th Avenue) unless otherwise specified.
- Scholarships available on a limited basis. Please email classes@portlandtaiko.org for details.
- Sorry, we are unable to provide refunds for workshops or classes.
For questions, please contact us at classes@portlandtaiko.org or (503) 288-2456.
Safety Protocols for In-Person Workshops and Classes
- Vaccinations are required for all participants, masks are optional.
- Please stay home if you are not feeling well or if you have had a recent close exposure to COVID-19.
- If you’ve been ill recently, please test negative on a rapid antigen test before returning.
For in-person classes, Portland Taiko will limit enrollment to ensure safe distancing, open windows on two opposite walls, and run three large-room air purifiers. Vaccinations are required for all participants, but masks are optional. Portland Taiko performers, staff and board members are all vaccinated. Hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes will be available during each class.