General Information

Welcome.

The Kaoru Watanabe Taiko Center preserves, teaches, and promotes the art of taiko (Japanese drumming), shares elements of Japanese music and culture with students, and creates community among taiko players, musicians, and others. Taiko, which literally means simply “drum” (any drum) in Japanese, is also used to refer to the use of Japanese drums, and to particular musical practices common to those drums both in Japan and elsewhere. Taiko is a dynamic, accessible, and powerful art form that has a large and growing following in the United States.

Taiko has roots both as a living folk art and in classical traditions; and the music and associated choreography has evolved to be used in many forms ranging from grassroots community celebrations to sophisticated jazz compositions. In Japan, there are many local festivals which for generation after generation have featured taiko. These can serve as a profound means for building energy, unifying groups of people, and inspiring individuals to push their own limits in creating something greater for a community. This spirit often carries across to taiko’s practice in the U.S., and embodies some of the special value in preserving and developing this art form.

The taiko center could not exist without generous support from Kenny Endo, On Ensemble, Lenora Lee, Ariel Shearman, Gerry Senise and Ryushu Taiko in lending us long term their precious taiko.

Also, special thanks to Ranjo, Miyamoto Unosuke Taiko Shoten, KODO Arts Sphere America (KASA) and The Village@Gureje.

Please come visit  - take a class or enjoy one of our community events.

Location:
We are located in Brooklyn, New York. We are postponing classes for the remainder of  Winter 2013 as we transition to a new home, but please email us in the meantime at info@taikonyc.com.