Previously held Classes & Workshops
Email info@taikoartsmidwest.org for more information!
GUEST INSTRUCTOR
EIEN HUNTER-ISHIKAWA
RETURNS FOR 2 DAYS ONLY!
February 13 and 15, 2026
Private lessons, 2 new workshops + a pizza party!
Eien is offering one hour PRIVATE LESSONS on Friday evening and Sunday morning. You can book for a solo lesson or in a group from 2 -4 people. *For Groups: Only one person in the group registers for the whole group. 1) Choose the Day & Time 2) at the top in the blue bar click Purchase a Pass 3) Choose the pass that corresponds to the number of people for your lesson. Eien’s are at the bottom of the list named “Private Lesson: Eien” with the corresponding rates below
$80/hr for 1 person
$120/hr for 2 people
$150/hr for 3 people
$180/hr for 4 people
SOLOING MUSICALLY ON TAIKO
12:30-2:30 pm Soloing musically on taiko workshop
This workshop will focus on ideas for soloing on beta-stand taiko. We will play exercises for improvising on the spot and cover ways to pre-arrange material ahead of time. Other topics include listening, dynamics, tempo control, and expression. This workshop is designed to cover some fundamentals of soloing musically and is open to players of all experience levels.
For all levels (2hours)$50
EDO KOTOBUKI JISHI - OHAYASHI (TAIKO) AND SHISHI MAI (DANCE)
3:00-6:00 pm Kotobukijishi taiko & mai workshop for beginners
Edo Kotobuki Jishi - Ohayashi (taiko) and Shishi Mai (dance)
Commonly translated as "lion dance," the shishi mai of Edo (the old name for Tokyo) consists of one person as the shishi and three accompanying musicians playing taiko, atarigane, and shinobue. Shis
The mai performances are thought to bring good fortune and can often be seen at celebratory occasions. The version taught will be in the style of Wakayama Shachu for beginners.
For beginners (3 hours) $65
Uchiage pizza party
6:30-8:30 pm Uchiage at studio
Uchiage pizza party after the workshop.
Anyone can join for $15.
Your Instructor
Eien Hunter - Ishikawa
Eien Hunter-Ishikawa is a musician, educator, and composer specializing in taiko, shinobue, percussion, and shishimai. Recognized for his musicianship and versatility, he integrates his training in jazz, Western percussion, and traditional Japanese music to create an original, distinctive approach to instruction and performance. After receiving early training from Saburo Mochizuki of the renowned Tokyo ensemble Sukeroku Daiko, Eien earned his Bachelor of Music Education at Central Michigan University where he performed as a member of the Robert Hohner Percussion Ensemble. He received his Master of Music in Percussion Performance at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. During his seven years in Honolulu, he performed extensively as a member of the Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble and taught classes at the Taiko Center of the Pacific. Eien has collaborated with many pioneers of innovative music including the Robert Hohner Percussion Ensemble, Kenny Endo, On Ensemble, John Kaizan Neptune, Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos, Colleen Lanki, Bruce Huebner, Masa Ishikawa, Patrick Graham, and the Vancouver Intercultural Orchestra. Eien is a passionate advocate of Edo Bayashi and Kotobuki Jishi and continues his study under Kyosuke Suzuki of Wakayama Taneo Shachu, a professional ensemble holding the distinction of Nationally Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset. Eien is the founder of Portland Shishimai Kai, a group dedicated to the preservation and expansion of Edo Bayashi and Kotobuki Jishi by offering performances and workshops around North America and beyond. www.eienhunterishikawa.com
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.
Utsu Hachijo and Yataibayashi class
with Megan Chao Smith
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
ODAIKO INTENSIVE WEEKEND 25
with Megan Chao Smith
(DEC 19, 20, 21) $50/workshop or $200/full weekend
Advanced registration is required.
Deadline: November 30, 2025
FRIDAY 7- 9pm Basics Workshop
Learn practical and critical foundations to hold commanding posture, and achieve an awesome hit. Experience the approach that enables you to play with your entire body.
SATURDAY
10am - Noon: Conditioning and Form
Learn tried and true Odaiko exercises, conditioning and bodycare routines to maintain health and power for the long haul.
2:00pm - 5pm Drills and Stamina
Build capacity for sticking, strength and stamina. Expand your rhythm bank as a performer. Stamina is key.
7:30 - 9pm Odaiko Ji Player
Augment the soloist instead of getting in the way! Practice listening, plus gain challenging sticking and dynamics required for the intricate honor of playing Ji
SUNDAY 10am -12pm The Odaiko Solo
Learn keys to holding powerful space as a soloist, understand the imagery of storytelling in your solos. What are the standard qualities of a great Odaiko solo?
Total capacity for this intensive is 30 people per workshop. Additional large drums will be used to contrast and improve full body drumming technique and understanding.
Instructor Megan Chao Smith lived in Japan from 2003-2010 as a member of the group, SHIDARA. In close quarters, they succeeded with other members in SHIDARA’s 24/7 approach to conditioning and stage presence required for touring throughout Japan and the US. In their workshops are unique chances to learn, apply and practice the unique drills, mindset, techniques and knowledge of professional Japanese taiko training and approaches!
HAPPY PRIDE
SPECIAL WORKSHOPS FOR QUEER COMMUNITY!!
(allies welcome!)
Queer Young Adult Workshop
Ages 20 -30. August 9 @6 -7:30pm
Queer Youth
Ages 14 -19 August 9 @4 -5:30pm. CANCELLED due to low registration
Queer Adult Workshop
July 12, 2025 @4 - 6pm
Workshops led by
special guests Kaoly Asano & GOCOO!
June 1 & 5, 2025
Kaoly Asano with GOCOO
Limit is 20 per class
JUNE 1 (SUNDAY)
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM: TAIKO WORKSHOP WITH GOCOO! BASICS FOR ALL!
A taiko workshop for total newcomers or for those playing for years, this workshop introduces the Kaoly ad GOCOO approach to taiko. This is a fun, short chance for all to learn how to use the center of your body and flow of movement to create sounds and grooves to play together by the original source.
Ages 12 years old and up
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM WA NO ICHI WORKSHOP
The piece is a great way to begin learning Kaoly’s groove style, where energy is driven by the tanden and movements. The course will also have opportunities to use your voice when learning patterns such as the Sun and Moon Phrase. These phrases, though different, are meant to play in harmony with each other; thus, this piece is also a helpful way to train yourself and your team to listen to surrounding parts and develop a stronger ability to play together. “Wa no Ichi” is an open source piece by Kaoly Asano that can be found on kaDON.
Recommended for those with some taiko or percussion experience.
Ages 12 years old and up
June 1 & 5 will be the same class- not a series, take one or both!
About kaDON: The best online space to learn Taiko and Flute. Join a growing community, access our training library and learn from the best instructors in the world and shop. kaDON is powered by Miyamoto Unosuke Shoten, the official instrument maker for the Emperor of Japan for over 90 years)
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4:00 PM - 6:00 PM MIGHTY DRUMMING CLUB ELEVEN
Join Kaoly for a deeper dive into ELEVEN.
Limited to 14 to 19 years old
Recommended to have had some taiko experience.
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JUNE 5 (THURSDAY)
7:00 PM - 8:30 PM TAIKO WORKSHOP WITH GOCOO! BASICS FOR ALL!
A taiko workshop for total newcomers or for those playing for years, this workshop introduces the Kaoly ad GOCOO approach to taiko. This is a fun, short chance for all to learn how to use the center of your body and flow of movement to create sounds and grooves to play together by the original source.
June 1 & 5 will be the same class- not a series, take one or both!
Ages 12 years old and up
ABOUT KAOLY
The first time Kaoly Asano saw taiko drumming, she felt a familiar sensation as if she was finally “home.” As the founder and lead drummer for GOCOO and its taiko school TAWOO Taiko Dojo, Kaoly has pioneered a free spirited approach that blends both tradition and innovation and appeals to a broad range of audiences. Her style of taiko is referred to as “tribal taiko” or “groove taiko” and builds its energy upon connections with those around us and our roots. With GOCOO, Kaoly has toured some of the biggest music festivals all over the world, such as the SZIGET Festival (Europe’s biggest music event), and has also been featured in the soundtracks of major motion pictures such as “The Matrix Reloaded.”
In 2019, Kaoly was the lead workshop instructor at the annual kaDON Retreat. The following year in February, she was a part of the star-studded cast of “HERbeat,” the first ever all-women taiko concert and production. Kaoly believes that through taiko, one is able to move freely and fully express themselves and she continues to share this message everywhere she goes.
Read more about Kaoly HERE
SEPTEMBER 22, 2024 - TWO SPECIAL WORKSHOPS
Eien Hunter-Ishikawa and TAM Edo Bayashi Ensemble
1. EDO KOTOBUKI JISHI (CELEBRATORY LION DANCE OF OLD TOKYO) AND RYOMEN ODORI (DOUBLE-MASKED DANCE)
DANCE DEMONSTRATION AND TALK BY EIEN HUNTER-ISHIKAWA AND TAM EDO BAYASHI ENSEMBLE
Please join us in welcoming a shishi gashira (lion head) for the shishi mai (lion dance)!! TAM is purchasing an authentic shishi gashira from the Miyamoto store in Tokyo. It is hand-carved by a Japanese craftsman and is a handmade piece of art. We have also obtained two authentic masks, okame (friendly female mask) and warai (laughing male mask), for Ryomen Odori (double-masked dance). They are also hand-carved pieces of art by a Japanese craftsman, and they are eagerly awaiting their debut.
About TAM Edo Bayashi Ensemble
Demo and talk
September 22
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Location: TAM Studio, 655 Fairview Ave N, St. Paul
Fee: $10 or pay what you can at the door
Workshop Content:
1. Talk: Matsuri (festival) in Japan
2. Demo: Edo Kotobuki Jishi and Ryomen Odori
3. Q & A
4. Audience participation: Let's dance Shishi Mai (lion dance) and Ryomen Odori (double-masked dance)!
2. WORKSHOP BY EIEN HUNTER-ISHIKAWA:
ATARIGANE FOR NON-BEGINNERS
September 22
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Location: TAM Studio, 655 Fairview Ave N, St. Paul
Fee: $50
Workshop Content:
- Review the fundamentals: how to hold the instrument, basic rhythms and kuchishoga.
- Learn rhythms from Japanese traditional festival music.
- Learn a variety of rhythms and beyond.
* Please bring your atarigane if you own one. There are some extra atarigane you can use.
EIEN HUNTER-ISHIKAWA'S BIO
Eien Hunter-Ishikawa is a musician, educator, and composer specializing in taiko, shinobue, percussion, and shishimai. Recognized for his musicianship and versatility, he integrates his training in jazz, Western percussion, and traditional Japanese music to create an original, distinctive approach to instruction and performance. After receiving early training from Saburo Mochizuki of the renowned Tokyo ensemble Sukeroku Daiko, Eien earned his Bachelor of Music Education at Central Michigan University where he performed as a member of the Robert Hohner Percussion Ensemble. He received his Master of Music in Percussion Performance at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. During his seven years in Honolulu, he performed extensively as a member of the Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble and taught classes at the Taiko Center of the Pacific. Eien has collaborated with many pioneers of innovative music including the Robert Hohner Percussion Ensemble, Kenny Endo, On Ensemble, John Kaizan Neptune, Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos, Colleen Lanki, Bruce Huebner, Masa Ishikawa, Patrick Graham, and the Vancouver Intercultural Orchestra. Eien is a passionate advocate of Edo Bayashi and Kotobuki Jishi and continues his study under Kyosuke Suzuki of Wakayama Taneo Shachu, a professional ensemble holding the distinction of Nationally Important Intangible Folk Cultural Asset. Eien is the founder of Portland Shishimai Kai, a group dedicated to the preservation and expansion of Edo Bayashi and Kotobuki Jishi by offering performances and workshops around North America and beyond. www.eienhunterishikawa.com
MAY 11 SAT 10AM-12PM - YUICHI KIMURA
$50 for 2 hour Odaiko basic master class with Yuichi Kimura of Kobe Japan.
Learn basic stance, kata, and philosophy for Odaiko drumming.
All ages and skills welcome.
TAIKOALIVE! (class 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!
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!!)