Taiko Classes
Taiko classes for GLTC Members!
Great Lakes Taiko Center (GLTC) offers a variety of online and in-person Taiko learning experiences. No musical experience is necessary to start enjoying this unique and fun art form from your first time in a class or workshop with us.
While there are no fees per class, GLTC Membership is required to participate in our weekly Taiko classes. Members may enroll in GLTC classes at any time, and the beginning of the month is generally a good time to join any class.
online aCTIVITIES & RESOURCES: Staying Connected @GLTC-Online
Our ONLINE LEARNING options provide students with live session learning experiences as well as online access to class recordings and class materials for review and study on your own time or with others.
in-person classes: play together @southeast michigan
Our IN-PERSON CLASSES are held indoors in Ann Arbor and Wixom, MI, and led by members of the GLTC Taiko Arts performance collective. All levels of experience are welcome to join our class sessions. Students have the option to join remotely as needed and to access class recordings as well as online resources for independent and group review and exploration. Drums and safety supplies (KN95 masks and earplugs) are provided for participants, and bachi sticks are available to borrow or purchase from GLTC.
Winter 2025 class listing
T3/BBK Festival Music in Novi-Wixom
Class Dates: View on GLTC Class Calendar
Saturdays (except ‘break’ Weeks of “Ma”)
1/11, 1/18 (no class on 1/4, no class 1/25)
2/1, 2/8, 2/15 (no class on 2/22)
3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22 (no class on 3/29)
*GLTC March Week of Ma (Tue 3/25 - Mon 3/31) & Spring Break Week (Tue 4/1 - Mon 4/7) with Spring classes starting Sat 4/12, 4/19 (no class on 4/26)
Class Time: 3:00 to 5:00pm ET
Class Location: Unit B2-Studio N in the Center for Performance Arts & Learning (Cen4PAL) at 28243 Beck Rd B2, Wixom, MI 48393
Sensei/Teachers (and group affiliations): GLTC Taiko Arts Collective members Kyoko Johnson, Noriko Maidens, Rieko Muroi-Bowman, Akiyo Fisher (Godaiko Drummers, Murasaki Shikibu ensemble, MI Shishimai Kai) and Olga Ehrlich (Mountain River Taiko founder, MI Shishimai Kai)
Class Description: This class for T3 (Tanoshii Taiko Tai/fun drum team) and BBK (Bondaiko/drum, Bonodori/dance, Kane/atarigane handheld percussion) will focus on building taiko playing skills in a fun and cooperative team setting.
Students will continue to learn and practice basic Nagado and Shime daiko skills, form, playing with spirit, taiko etiquette, communication, and instrument care.
We will learn a kumidaiko/group taiko song called Dream, composed by Yamada Mizue, one of the GLTC’s original teachers from Japan. We will also focus on reviewing Ohayashi, traditional Japanese folk songs, and festival songs such as Mountain River Matsuri, Mushiokuri, and Arama.
For the Winter session, focus will be on drum technique as we continue learning, practicing, and arranging songs in our class repertoire. All players are welcome, regardless of level of taiko experience.
What to Bring to Class:
-Bachi (taiko drumsticks) if you have them.
-Indoor shoes or non-slip socks
-Water bottle
-Your SMILE! ☺
Let’s have fun together!
A2 Taiko Play in Ann Arbor
Class Dates: View on GLTC Class Calendar
Sundays (except ‘break’ Weeks of “Ma”)
1/12, 1/19 (no class on 1/5)
+1/26 Intro to Taiko demo & workshop (2:30-4:30pm)
2/2, 2/9, 2/16
+2/23 Intro to Taiko demo & workshop (2:30-4:30pm)
3/1, 3/8, 3/15 (no class on 3/30)*
+3/23 Intro to Taiko demo & workshop (2:30-4:30pm)
*GLTC March Week of Ma (Tue 3/25 - Mon 3/31) & Spring Break Week (Tue 4/1 - Mon 4/7) with Spring classes starting Sun 4/13, 4/20 (no class on 4/27)
Class Time: 3:00 to 4:30pm ET
Class Location: Assembly Hall
Rudolf Steiner High School (RSHS)
2230 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Teachers: Larry An & Eileen S. Ho (Raion Taiko members, GLTC co-directors, and life partners) teaching Taiko in Ann Arbor (A2) since 2018.
Class Description: Practice FUNdamental rhythms, find our GROOVE in sound and movement, and learn to PLAY songs from our GLTC Collective and kaDON.com repertoire as we embody the energy and spirit of Taiko together. This Winter we will continue our study of the song WORLDWIDE MATSURI by Shoji Kameda to share in the generosity of Taiko with all our returning and new A2 Taiko Players.
[Note: Joining A2 Taiko Play via Zoom online and session recordings are available upon request.]
+A2 Taiko Play students have the option to join participants in our Intro to Taiko demo & workshops held on 4th Sundays 1/26, 2/23, 3/23 from 2:30-4:30pm (half hour earlier than usual class schedule).
Community Rec & Ed
Intro to Taiko Drumming Workshops! Watch and try Taiko with us in an Adult Enrichment class offered through Ann Arbor Rec & Ed this Winter/Spring 2025 on January 26th, February 23rd, March 23rd, +April 27th (SUN 2:30-4:30pm ET) at Rudolf Steiner High School in Ann Arbor.
DESCRIPTION: Drum and dream with us in a fun 2-hour workshop experience that will introduce participants (ages 13-adult) to the powerful artistry and generous spirit of Japanese Taiko Drumming through demonstrations and hands-on activities from our Midwest Taiko arts collective…
NOTE for GLTC Members: These sessions are complimentary for GLTC members who may join as part of A2 Taiko Play class (arrive at 2:30pm for Taiko demo, half hour earlier than usual class schedule).
Get TaikoFit with cardio drumming! Instructor Cindi Carter in Lake Orion (MI) leads her popular fitness class offered through Lake Orion Parks on Thursdays (6:30-7:30pm) at the Orion Center.