CLASS LOCATION
TAM STUDIO
655 Fairview Ave N, St. Paul, MN 55104
Please enter the Element Gym (boxing).
We are located inside their space, head right after entering.
Please bring mask (optional), water & indoor shoes for class.
Wear loose clothing, and please refrain from using fragrances.
How to register for classes
TWO step process:
1. First register for each class you wish to attend. Below is our class calendar - click on the date & class you want to reserve your spot.
2. Then purchase a Punch Card below. (Scroll down for Membership information)
TAM TUITION RATES
Ten Class Punch Card: $200 Member/$250 Non-Member
Five Class Punch Card: $125 Member Tuition/$140 Non-Member
Master Class Workshop: $40 member/$50 Non-member/$20 observer
Single Drop In class fee $30
Taiko class punch cards are valid for 12 months and are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
Pay online or provide check payable to "TaikoArts Midwest" to your instructor.
We are now offering youth classes!
The MIGHTY DRUMMING CLUB is becoming a YOUTH LED group, with assistance and teaching by Megan Chao Smith.
For more info, go to the Youth Taiko Program page
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:
1. Two hour workshop to give you a taste or "crash course" of the taiko experience.
Tuition: $50
Upcoming Options:
Saturday, December 2, 2023 @10 - Noon pm CST
2. A six week intro taiko series, for a more in-depth experience.
Tuition: $200
No current schedule
PLEASE CHECK THE CALENDAR Or email info@taikoartsmidwest.org for details.
ONGOING STUDIO CLASS DESCRIPTIONS
(If you’re unsure which class to take, please email cjohnson@taikoartsmidwest.org or info@taikoartsmidwest.org)
Taiko energy - basics
Tuesday 5:30pm-7:00pm
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.
TaikoAlive!
Wednesday 6:00-7:30 April - July (currently paused)
Teacher: Iris Shiraishi
Level: Intermediate to Advanced (minimum one year taiko training required)
Join Iris Shiraishi in a holistic approach to learning the art of taiko that enriches the body, mind, and spirit. It is geared to students of all ages and abilities with special outreach to for older adults. TaikoAlive! can be accessed as a single workshop, class series, or residency. All formats teach taiko technique, repertoire, history, and cultural aspects designed to fit the needs of the students.
Click here to bring TaikoAlive! to your organization or facility.
Read Chris Farrell's New York Times column "Retiring" here.
Listen to Chris Farrell's podcast "Unretirement" interview with Iris here.
See TaikoAlive! in action with older adults, young adults and first-graders!
Become part of the TaikoArts Midwest family!
Your investment will build and sustain taiko in MN!
TAM Annual Membership Rate
$100 adults, $50 for students/seniors
Member benefits:
Discounted Studio Class Tuition Rates
Discounted & Early Registration for Master Class Workshops
Special Member Events & Activities
Preferred Seating at TAM concerts
Other taiko related discounts
* due to these benefits, Adult memberships are NOT tax deductible
Previously held classes
Email info@taikoartsmidwest.org for more information!
shime daiko workshop
Sunday April 2nd, 2023 at 11:15AM-12:45PM
$40 fee
Shimedaiko Playing
This workshop will focus on playing smaller taiko with smaller bachi. Improving small drum technique will strengthen your technique for percussion and larger drums. Areas to be covered include stick selection, grip, rebound, dynamics, ji uchi (groove playing), and tempo control. Ideas for practicing at home will be provided along with exercises to help play together in a group.
This workshop is designed for people with some previous taiko experience.
shishimai lecture/demo/hands on workshop
Saturday, April 1st, 2023 at 5:00-6:30PM
$30 per FAMILY
Shishimai - Edo Kotobuki Jishi (Wakayama Ryu)
Shishimai is the Japanese lion dance and the Edo Kotobuki Jishi is the traditional celebratory shishimai of Tokyo. This version consists of one person as the shishi and three accompanying musicians playing taiko, atarigane, and shinobue. For hundreds of years, the shishimai has been used to bring good luck and chase away evil spirits. People in Japan are familiar with this custom and offer their heads to be bitten by the shishi in order to have good luck for the rest of the year. This workshop will cover the movements of the shishimai and include a demonstration by Eien and TAM Edo Bayashi group members. Please wear comfortable clothing that allows full-body movements.
Announcing a special self defense class series!
In response to the ongoing violence against Asian Americans,
TaikoArts Midwest offered several self-defense workshops for the community.
Thanks to funding from the BMPP Giving Circle,
we are now able to offer a series of classes.
Self Defense, 6 week course
for AAPI Women & Marginalized Genders
Led by Tim Blaylark of Bear Path Martial Arts
Wednesdays 6:00-7:30PM
10/5, 10/12, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, and 11/9 2022
Limited Availability
Only $50 for the entire series
(Thank you BMPP!!)