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. 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.

-New- Taiko hodgepodge class

with Craig Johnson

Wednesdays 7 - 8:30pm, starting January 7

This new ongoing class will shift topics regularly, from Enso repertoire, open source pieces, and drills, as well as instructions on use and care for the drums and equipment we use often. Initial 4-6 week focus will be one of the most famous taiko songs, Yodan Uchi by Oedo Sukeroku Taiko.

This is a special opportunity as Enso Daiko is one of the few groups given permission to teach this piece.

LAST MINUTE HOLIDAY GIFT!

STILL LOOKING FOR THAT PERFECT IDEA FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS EVERYTHING? WHY NOT GIFT THEM AN EXPERIENCE?!

Taiko Intro Workshop with Chiaki O’Brien!

January 11 @2:30 - 4:30pm

Tickets: $50

2 NEW classes with Emily Harada!

1) Uchikomi /Renda 6 week sessions

Jan 6 - Feb 10, 2026 @7 - 8pm

Also known as renda, these classes are meant to either wake or tire the body to a point of meditation through repetitive hitting and practice to become aware of those around you. Although you may get to a point of fatigue, form and a relaxed body is emphasized.

From January into February, the focus is naname (or slant drum). Check back for March-April’s focus!

RESTRICTIONS: This series is not meant to teach how to play naname, but feedback will be given by the instructor.  Therefore, it is suggested that participants have either completed TAM’s Basic session, OMIYAGE with Emily, or are familiar with the basics of naname.

Not familiar with naname? Check back in March! Or sign up for one of TAM’s other classes!

Limit: 20

2) Hachijo Daiko Hour

Tuesdays, January 6 to Feb 10, 2026 @ 8 - 9pm

From Hachijo Island, this hour is meant to learn about where Hachijo daiko comes from, and practice solo-ing, while learning about the rhythms. Hachijo daiko is a form of yoko uchi, where the taiko is placed on its side with 2 people playing on each. 1 person will rotate by coming up to solo, while everyone else gathers and enjoy each other’s company. Emily is excited to share her experience with Yosareikai and other Hachijo daiko teachers from Greater Tokyo, and techniques from Shogo Yoshi. 

Due to Emily’s schedule, there will be scattered one off workshops, but the hour will return in March. 

Restriction: None! Anyone is invited. Limit: 12

Tickets: $12

-new- Power Drumming class

with Megan Chao Smith

12:30 - 2pm

Saturdays series 1/10 - 6/13/2026 (no class 1/17)

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.

You will receive drills, technique, and practice to play with your entire body. Learn UTSU HACHIJO song to prepare for possible special student performance in June. Focus on Yataibayashi style, and also engage in regular shime-daiko drills, for sticking, speed, and precision training with metronome, all brought to students from my own training with professional Japanese taiko group, SHIDARA.

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

- new class- Mid-day Improv/ Solo/ Creative Hour (once a month)

with Emily Harada

Noon - 1pm, Wednesdays 1/21, 2/25, 3/11, 4/8

A new class! Wanted drum time to practice solo-ing? This hour is meant to provide a safe, welcoming, non-judgemental space to improvise and jam. It’s not a performance, it’s a chance to be free! Each session will begin with a long warm up to get our bodies moving, and then cycling through each improvisation. Drop in when you want. The theme for January and February is Naname!

RESTRICTIONS: For January and February, you must have some taiko experience. Uncertain if you qualify? Email us!

 New to taiko? Check back for March, or check out our other classes.

Class LIMIT: 12

~new dates~ Parent Child class with Emily Harada

5:30-6:30 pm

This once a month class will focus on the basics of taiko, memorization, and how to play together. Drop in to any or all classes!

AGE RESTRICTIONS: Turning 7 yo in 2026 - 10 years old; (Kids older than 10 are welcomed to join, but content may be slow for them).

LIMIT: 6 pairs/groups

Ticket: $40 for one pair

January 21 February 25, March 18 April 29

NEW TAWOO taiko 2-hours with Emily Harada

Sundays @6 - 8pm 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

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

Tickets: $30 ticket

~New february 2026 dates coming soon!

Utsu Hachijo and Yataibayashi class

with Megan Chao Smith

DATES: February 2026 TBD

TIME: TBD

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

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 2026 Workshops:

B. Taiko Intro Series - 6 weeks

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

with Chaiki O’Brien

NEXT SERIES: January 20 to Feb 24, 2026

Tuesdays 5:30 - 7:00pm CT

ONGOING STUDIO CLASS DESCRIPTIONS

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

___________________________________________

TAIKO ENERGY – BASICS

Sunday 12:30PM - 2:00PM - Restarting Jan 11
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.

(on hold) TAIKO ENERGY - BASICS

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 - INTERMEDIATE updateD

Saturdays 11AM - 12:30 PM Restarting Jan 10

Teacher: Vanessa East

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.

TAIKO ENERGY – ADVANCED. updated

Sunday 6:30PM - 8:00PM. Update: Jan 4 & 25, then weekly Feb 1 and on

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 hodgepodge ~NEW class~

Wednesdays 7 - 8:30pm Weekly starting January 7, 2026 and on

Teacher: Craig Johnson

This new ongoing class will shift topics regularly, from Enso repertoire, open source pieces, and drills, as well as instructions on use and care for the drums and equipment we use often. Initial 4-6 week focus will be one of the most famous taiko songs, Yodan Uchi by Oedo Sukeroku Taiko.

This is a special opportunity as Enso Daiko is one of the few groups given permission to teach this piece.