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SPECIAL WORKSHOPS
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~NEW~ 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!
Tickets $50/class
5 class $200 punchcard
(discount)
Move Your Body Through OMIYAGE
New Class with EMILY HARADA.
Limited to 21-35 year olds
Omiyage" written by Shoji Kameda, is a great way to learn how to move your body through taiko, and has become a popular piece in collegiate taiko throughout the country. This class is meant to explore the depth of movement and sound, geared towards those entering or who have been in the post-collegiate world and those who have been in it a little longer. These will be 2 hour long classes, with the first 30 minutes focused for people who are new to taiko. The following 1.5 hours will be focused on the Omiyage piece.
Watch clip HERE
The class is limited to 21-35 year olds with the intention of creating connections amongst a similar aged cohort. There will be a mix of experiences to taiko, but it's okay, there will be something for everyone to learn. :)
Price: The classes are worth $30 each, HOWEVER if cost is a barrier, we can find a solution. Please don't hesitate to email Emily at eharada@taikoartsmidwest.org and info@taikoartsmidwest.org
CURRENT dates: Sundays 6 - 8pm (7 classes total)
JULY 6, 13, 20
AUGUST 3
SEPTEMBER 14, 21 & 28
NEXT SESSIONS: TBD - check back this winter!
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Meet the Instructor:
Emily Harada
Emily began taiko at 7 years old with Ho Etsu Taiko in Chicago, IL. Following her time with Somei Taiko and as a trainee for Taiko Center of the Pacific, she returned to Ho Etsu as a performing member and helped with artistic development and teaching.
In search of meaning and identity, Emily quit her athletic training job and moved to Tokyo, Japan to study under premiere taiko leader (and "Finding HERbeat" artist) Kaoly Asano of Gocoo and Tawoo Dojo. Along the way, she also started learning Ushibuka Haiya minyo and kokyu. She has recently
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Check back for new dates of classes below
or sign up for our E-News for announcements!
shortened “eleven” workshops
with
Emily Harada
Shortened Eleven Workshops
We’re happy to have Emily Harada lead monthly “Eleven” workshops. Kaoly Asano’s piece “Eleven” was introduced to TAM and friends in August 2024. Emily, Kaoly’s assistant instructors during her 2024 workshop tour, will be re-looking at the patterns, looking further at the nuances, and teaching new parts that weren’t focused on in the workshop. This workshop is open to everyone, but shortened to 90 minutes.
Preview Eleven with Kaoly Asano HERE (8:50)
These are not a series, but it is recommended to attend as many as possible to understand the movement. $30 per class
Next classes: TBD
Taiko the Tawoo Way Workshop
(This workshop is completed). Come learn a style of taiko that is still new to being taught in America. This workshop is based on the fundamentals of Tokyo's Tawoo Dojo and Gocoo created by world wide known Kaoly Asano. These workshops will focus on introducing a one of a kind full body and spiritual style of playing. You will learn part of a Tawoo Dojo piece as a tool to understand movement. Please note, this does involve neck, spine, and leg movement.
What is Tawoo? Kaoly defines Tawoo to be a path or road of taiko. It was her 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
This is not a series, but it is recommended to attend as many as possible to understand the movement. $50 per class
TBD - please check back in the Fall!