Information
History
Makoto
Taiko, originally Shumei America Taiko Group, began in 1999 under the leadership
of Steven Tokunaga. Steven had undergone six months of intensive taiko training
in Japan before founding Shumei America Taiko almost a decade later. Makoto Taiko continues to expand in number
and performs at an ever-expanding list of venues throughout the U.S. including most recently, the Cathedral of the Lady of Angels in downtown Los Angeles and Level 3 in Hollywood. In 2009, Makoto Taiko celebrated its 10th Anniversary with a big concert in August featuring collaborations with a number of accomplished guest artists including Grand Taiko Master Seiichi Tanaka.
Makoto Taiko
is based in Pasadena, CA and performs under the instruction of Koji Nakamura, former leader of the
Shumei Taiko Ensemble, and 2007 Grammy(R) Award-winner as a part of Paul Winter's collaborative album, "Crestone".
Practice
Makoto
Taiko has four practices a week for beginners, intermediate and advanced
players. The beginner
and intermediate practices are for people who are interested in learning the basics of taiko
drumming and are open to all ages and experiences. These classes focus on learning simple
compositions, refining movement, cultivating discipline, and technique. Saturday intensive practices
are generally designated for regular performing members and progress at a faster pace than other classes with a greater focus on incorporating
spirituality, creating solos, practicing more complex pieces, and perfecting techniques.
Anyone is welcome to stop by
and observe a practice. If you are interested in one of our classes, please contact us.
**Tryouts: We open classes to new students several times a year. Our next tryout period is April 7 & 8, from 7-8pm, $5 per session. Please RSVP for either day using our contact form!
Class Schedule
Please check the Events Schedule before attending as classes may be canceled depending on performance dates.
Beginner Classes:
Monday (5:30-7:00pm, 7:00pm-8:30pm); Tuesday (5:30-7:00pm, 7:00pm -8:30pm)
Intermediate Class:
Saturday (5:30pm - 7:30pm)
Saturday Intensive:
Saturday
(1:00pm - 5:00pm)
Performances
We
are available to perform on most days with sufficient notice ahead of
time. Most performances should have at least two week's notice in advance. Only members who
are available for the specific time and day will perform.
Weekday performances are less likely to have as many available drummers as weeknight
and weekend performances. If you are interested in booking and/or performance fees, please
contact us with information about the location, length of time, etc.
Location
We have moved to a new location!
1465 Lincoln Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91103
Phone:
626 584 8841
Fax: 626 584 8846
Email: info@makototaiko.org (or go to the contact page)
