CLASS LOCATION
TAM STUDIO
655 Fairview Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55104
Inside Fairview Business Center.
From main doors, enter door on the Left to a large area (the old Element Gym);
we are located inside this space. The TAM Studio door is on the Right.
You may need to type in “taiko” into the directory if the doors are locked.
Please bring water & indoor shoes for class (mask optional),
and wear loose clothing. Please refrain from using fragrances.
Check the Calendar for class schedules. If you’re unsure which class to take, please email Craig at cjohnson@taikoartsmidwest.org or info@taikoartsmidwest.org
NEW Utsu Hachijo and Yataibayashi class
with Megan Chao Smith
Every other Saturday from October 4 to November 29
(OCT 4, 18. NOV 1, 15, 29)
2:30pm -4pm
Open to all TAM students and taiko players. We will learn two songs, condition our bodies for power drumming, aim for student recital performance of yataibayashi for TAM students combined with Mighty Drumming Club in December 2025.
Three students minimum are required to attend every class to perform at student recital. Fewer than 3 students will still result in a performance at student recital, yet as adult guest artists with Mighty Drumming Club.
Also a place as a performer to refine and focus on these two forms of taiko. Students must commit to practicing and memorizing material outside class.
Video of Kodo performing Yataibayashi stage version https://youtu.be/DU6ail8qOS4?si=K3dn2c4Sn53ksYW_
Audio recording of Utsu Hachijo by Ondekoza https://youtu.be/al19p-ZpXQg?si=DivfCQ7YZMszNDhx
NEW Parent Child class with Emily Harada
UPDATE - this class has been Cancelled due to low enrollment
Check back for 2026 dates
NEW TAWOO taiko 2-hours with Emily Harada
Sundays @6 - 8pm
OCT 5, 12 NOV 9, 16, 23 JAN 2026 11, 18,
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
Instructor: Emily Harada
$30 for 2 hours. Recommended to attend all classes with possibility of performing at the student recital. Drop-ins are welcomed.
Tickets: $30 ticket
see CALENDAR to buy Oct 12 and after
TAM Students!
Please fill out our quick Student Survey- we’d love to hear from you!
Thank you to everyone who already has filled it out!
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 the beginner student:
A. Taiko Intro Workshop
This Two-Hour Workshop gives a taste or "crash course" of the taiko experience.
Tuition: $50
Upcoming Workshops:
Sat, Oct 11 @7 -9pm
with Emily Harada
Sat, Sept 20 @2:30 -4:30pm
with Chiaki O’Brien
Sat, Nov 1 @10am - Noon
with Chiaki O’Brien
Sat, Dec 13 @1-3pm
with Chiaki O’Brien
B. Taiko Intro Series - 6 weeks
This series gives a more in-depth taiko experience.
Tuition: $200
Next session: Tues, Sept 23 - Oct 28. 5:30 -7pm
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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TAIKO ENERGY - BASICS
Tuesday 5:30pm-7:00pm
UPDATE: This CLASS is currently on pause until further notice
Teacher: Craig Johnson
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Requirements: Intro to Taiko Series or recent taiko experience; teacher discretion
Ongoing class that follows the Intro Taiko Series, expanding repertoire and introducing new drills while continuing to study what was learned in the Intro Series.
TAIKO ENERGY – BASICS
Sunday 12:30PM - 2:00PM
Teacher: Chiaki O'Brien
Level: Beginner - Intermediate
Requirements: Intro to Taiko Series or recent taiko experience; teacher discretion
This class will focus taiko basics and will be taught at a slower pace. Perfect for those who recently completed the Intro Series class, or for those who want to slow down and focus on the basics.
TAIKO ENERGY – ADVANCED
Sunday 11:00AM - 12:30PM
Teacher: Craig Johnson
Requirements: Enso Daiko’s Taiko Energy Intermediate; 3+ years previous taiko experience; teacher discretion
This class is currently covering Shoji Kameda’s Omiyage, as well as drills to increase bachi control and timing accuracy.
TAIKO ENERGY - INTERMEDIATE
Sunday 9:30AM - 11:00AM
Teacher: Craig Johnson
Experience requirements: Enso Daiko’s Taiko Energy Basics; 1+ years; teacher discretion
This class is currently covering Rick Shiomi’s classic Pounding Hooves and will eventually learn another R.S favorite, Journey to Toji Temple. Kata refinement and Renshu Daiko are also highlighted.