CLASS LOCATION

TAM STUDIO
655 Fairview Ave N, Saint Paul, MN 55104
(inside Fairview Business Center)

If the main doors are locked, please type “taiko” into the directory.

From the main doors, walk down the hallway to the right of the stairs.
Take your first left and the studio is right there.

For class, please:
- Bring water
- Bring indoor shoes or be prepared to play barefoot
- Wear loose clothing
- Remove jewelry and refrain from using fragrances
- Masks are currently optional

Check the Calendar for class schedules. Please note all classes subject to change. If you’re unsure which class to take, please email Craig at cjohnson@taikoartsmidwest.org or info@taikoartsmidwest.org

Please note all classes subject to change.
PLEASE REGISTER TO BE NOTIFIED FOR LAST MINUTE CHANGES
DUE TO WEATHER OR LOW ENROLLMENT.

INTRODUCTORY CLASSES & WORKSHOPS

Come drum with us - no experience necessary!  (Ages 13+)
Join in the fun! Learn basic taiko form (kata), rhythms, and history.

We offer two options for beginner students:

A. TAIKO INTRO WORKSHOP

This Two-Hour Workshop gives a taste or "crash course" of the taiko experience.
Tuition: $50 ticket

Upcoming workshops with Chiaki O’Brien:

B. TAIKO INTRO SERIES - 6 WEEKS

This series gives a more in-depth taiko experience.
Tuition: $200

with Chiaki O’Brien

Limit: 12

Tuesdays 5:30 - 7pm

Next series: nov 17 - Dec 22

ONGOING STUDIO CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

If you’re unsure which class to take, please email Craig at cjohnson@taikoartsmidwest.org or info@taikoartsmidwest.org

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TICKETED CLASSES

TAWOO taiko 2-hours with Emily Harada

You saw them in June, now’s your chance to try starting October 5 (Sun)! Learn the fundamentals of Tokyo's TAWOO Dojo and GOCOO created by Kaoly Asano. Workshops will introduce a one of a kind full body and spiritual style of playing.

You will learn the encore piece from this year’s tour, JAMBO, and a chance to perform at the student recital. Please note, this does involve neck, spine, and leg movement. We will work on JAMBO this year, and focus on a different song in 2026.

What is Tawoo? Tawoo is a path or road of taiko. It was Kaoly's wish to provide a place for paths where you can discover, experience, develop energy, and find others on their own paths.

Read more about TAWOO HERE or watch HERE

Recommended to attend all classes with possibility of performing at the student recital. Drop-ins are welcomed.

Tickets: $30 ticket

ONGOING STUDIO CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

If you’re unsure which class to take, please email Craig at cjohnson@taikoartsmidwest.org or info@taikoartsmidwest.org

See Class calendar in Punchpass to buy punchcards:

PUNCH CARD CLASSES

TAIKO ENERGY BASICS

Sundays 12:30pm - 2:00pm
Teacher: Chiaki O'Brien
Level: Beginner - Intermediate

REQUIREMENTS:
A) Full completion of our Taiko Intro 6-week Series,
B) Recent taiko experience, or
C) Instructor’s discretion: Email info@taikoartsmidwest.org to inquire

This class will focus taiko basics and will be taught at a slower pace. Perfect for those who recently completed the Taiko Intro Series or for those who want to slow down and focus on the basic.

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TAIKO ENERGY INTERMEDIATE

Saturdays 11am - 12:30pm

**UPDATE: Oct 17 class CANCELLED

Teacher: Vanessa East

REQUIREMENTS:
A) Regular attendance of our Taiko Energy Basics classes,
B) 1+ years previous taiko experience, or
C) Instructor’s discretion: Email info@taikoartsmidwest.org to inquire

This class focuses on expanding and refining students' vocabulary of taiko rhythms, movements, and styles. Perfect for those with one or more years of taiko experience who are looking to level up their technique and repertoire.
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TAIKO ENERGY ADVANCED

Sundays 6:30pm - 8:00pm

**UPDATE: Oct 11 class will be from 2:30 - 4pm

Teacher: Craig Johnson

REQUIREMENTS:
A) Regular attendance of our Taiko Energy Intermediate classes,
B) 3+ years previous taiko experience, or
C) Instructor’s discretion: Email info@taikoartsmidwest.org to inquire

This class is currently covering Shoji Kameda’s Omiyage, as well as drills to increase bachi control and timing accuracy.

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taiko hodgepodge

UPDATE: This class is on hiatus indefinitely.

Please email info@taikoartsmidwest.org ATTN: Hodgepodge if you have questions.

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Power Drumming class

Saturdays 12:30 - 2pm

Saturday series starting Oct 3, 2026 on- rolling enrollment

Teacher: Megan Chao Smith, email questions to mcsmith@taikoartsmidwest.org

Get ready for power drumming! Combine this class with your hard work to develop high level skills, approach, and practice habits to grow into a strong and powerful performer.

Learn Power Drumming songs and technique. Build stamina with odaiko, yataibayashi style, Utsu Hachijo songs. Focus on performing at December 2026 student recital!

Requirements:

• Must have taken a taiko class with TAM before, and bring own bachi, or order new bachi at the start of the series.

• Must learn music on own time after introductory instruction time, and receipt of the musical score. 

• Be willing to learn and practice Japanese etiquette.

• Be willing and interested to play with your whole body and unleash power in new ways!

• Regular attendance required

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Power Drumming Conditioning & Drills

Saturdays 2:30 - 3:30pm

Sat, Oct 3, 2026 - ongoing

Teacher: Megan Chao Smith; email questions to mcsmith@taikoartsmidwest.org

Additional Power Drumming and Conditioning class - drills and kata repetition. Get stronger and wiser with your taiko body!

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See Class calendar in Punchpass to buy punchcards: