Taiko Workshops

Regular Sunday Practice Sessions

We meet every Sunday from 3:00pm to 6:00pm at the Valley Japanese Community Center in Sun Valley, CA. If you want to give it a try come on down the first session is free!

Beginner class is 3:00-4:30

Advanced class is 4:30-6:00

Dress for a workout and bring water.

The practice sessions cost $10.00 per session or $40.00 per month.

Please call in advance as we might adjust the meetup times

Call: Michael Naishtut at (323) 578-39 Thirty Two

School Programs

School programs can be developed with a short performance, demonstration and explanation of the history of the instruments and terminology. School workshops can be special intensives or ongoing in-school programs.

After School Enrichment and Mobile Workshops

Akaoni Daiko now offers an after school on going enrichment program called

GENKI DAIKO!

Genki Daiko will come to your school for a weekly one hour after school enrichment program to teach your children Taiko!

Learning taiko drumming will increase your child’s confidence as they learn to play rhythms that at first were difficult and, through

perseverance, gradually become natural!

• They will learn about focus and improve their stage presence!
• They will improve their sense of rhythm and understanding and appreciation of music!
• They will learn about Japanese and Asian culture and language!
• They will have fun!

Please contact us for more info.

Taiko For Seniors!

GENKI TAIKO FOR HEALTH, FITNESS AND FUN!

Taiko drumming is a Japanese art form that incorporates elements of music, dance and martial arts. It is a full body rhythmic workout that has been shown to boost the immune system, reduce stress, support the production of endorphins and is a fun group activity. It combines the physical act of drumming with the emotional and psychological benefits of music therapy, aligning mind, body and spirit.

Through enhanced social interaction, participants improve focus, concentration and a sense of empowerment. 

Taiko is believed to engage both sides of the brain promoting synchronization and balance while also creating an outlet for self expression.

Participants with various age related health issues, from simple physical changes to complex diagnosis such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, can enjoy and benefit from music making and the group experience.

Because of brain plasticity (the brain’s ability to develop throughout one’s entire life), rhythm making through percussion-based activities can be used to help build new connections (called neuropathways) in the brain. This helps to improve brain function and to slow the aging process of the mind. Nothing can stop the aging process, but taiko drumming is a great combination to help slow down aspects of the process. 

Participating in group percussion based activities can be a rehabilitative and restorative activity. Such activity has been shown to help slow brain dysfunctions, increase physical and social activity, and help reduce depression. The drop in depression comes from the activity of drumming on a neural and hormonal level when dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone, is released. If participants have smiles on their faces, then you have succeeded. 

Study results demonstrate that drumming is a valuable treatment for stress, fatigue, anxiety, hypertension, asthma, chronic pain, arthritis, dementia, mental illness, migraines, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, stroke, paralysis, emotional disorders, ADHD sufferer’s. TAIKO has been shown to help slow brain dysfunctions, increase physical and social activity, and help reduce depression. The drop in depression comes from the activity of drumming and singing on a neural and hormonal level when dopamine, the “feel-good” hormone, is released.

Corporate Programs

We also offer Corporate training workshops designed for team building and solidifying group cohesiveness.

Special Workshops

Then there are special workshops for specific needs.

For example, hired as entertainment for a wedding party, we secretly trained the happy couple who got up after our performance and stunned their guests with an “improvised” taiko duet! 

We trained a group of actors to add a short taiko piece to their play.

We also worked with a group of women who blew everyone away with a taiko performance as the stage finale at the Tokyo Pride parade. 

Please contact us for more info.