Taiko Journey

TJ Collective
2025-02-10 19:00 - 19:30 (Europe/London) | The Kenn Centre, The Kenn Centre, Exeter Road, Kennford, Exeter, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7UE, United Kingdom
Taiko Journey Collective practice session, to keep songs ticking over so they don’t become lost in time!
This is paid-for by half-termly subscriptions…

Taiko Technic
2025-02-10 19:30 - 20:30 | The Kenn Centre, The Kenn Centre, Exeter Road, Kennford, Exeter, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7UE, United Kingdom
Taiko Technic is 60-minutes of learning a technical taiko song.
Experience is necessary as it will be faster paced than the community class.

Taiko for Dancers
2025-02-23 10:00 - 17:00 | On the Hill, Oxen Park Farm, Lower Ashton, Exeter, Select a State or Province:, EX6 7QW, United Kingdom
Taiko Journey has for a long time been curious about the intersection of movement, dance, and taiko drumming. We now offer this one off workshop, introducing taiko to movement enthusiasts, creating opportunities for them to forge new connections and engage in playful exploration. We hope to offer movement practitioners a fresh perspective on music and rhythm, expanding their practice and making new connections both personally and artistically.

The session will be hosted and run by HJ Brunskill, Ruth Janssen, and potentially Kay Crook (depending on availability). For those who were involved in Kay’s recent performance of a feminist retelling of Ophelia in Newton Abbot with Chhaya you’ll have seen, heard and felt the beginnings of this exploration between HJ, Ruth & Kay.

Payment is a suggested dontation of £10, or more if you can, plus contributions of a log for the stove are very welcome.

Location is On The Hill:Oxen Park Farm,
Lower Ashton,
Exeter,
Devon,
EX6 7QW
What Three Words: spearhead.washroom.angry

We will only be able to go ahead with this session if we have enough sign ups, so please register your interest here on this form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeXRLH-Ch9LEFMOpnypGPRIhdaMafqzA6ok5cOsLwmqt7OguA/viewform
We will be in touch with you on19th February at the latest to confirm the workshop is going ahead.

Taiko Beats
2025-02-24 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-03-03 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-03-17 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-03-24 18:00 - 19:00, 2025-03-31 18:00 - 19:00 | The Kenn Centre, The Kenn Centre, Exeter Road, Kennford, Exeter, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7UE, United Kingdom
Taiko Beats is a learn taiko class where adult beginners are welcomed and experienced players in the community can practice their skills and learn a new taiko rhythm or song.
A 60-minute session starting with a short warm-up, moving on to some foundational technique practice, and focusses on learning a new taiko rhythm or song. There is always a part to play if you’re new to taiko, supported by our more experienced players that will give you the experience of playing with a taiko group. This class is about having fun, spending meaningful time for yourself, meeting people and learning something new.
This is a pay-as-you-go class, but you can also pay for a half-term at a time – head over to the Taiko Shop for a half term pass.
Sliding scales work best when there are clear guidelines and when users are honest about their usage. Some organisations require proof of wealth or income to use certain tiers of the sliding scale. This sliding scale is intentionally honour – based and not income – based. Please read the guidelines for our various tiers below before purchasing and thanks for your support!

​Supporting:This tier is for you if you have access to financial security on your own or through your family. If you own property, have personal savings, comfortably meet your basic needs through your employment or can comfortably not work, and can partake in activities like multiple wellness classes, purchase many wants throughout the year or travel by plane for leisure trips. This Supporting level supports members who do not have access to financial resources for leisure activities and need to utilize the Supported tier.
​Basic:The price the practitioner would charge all members in the absence of a sliding scale. This rate is for those who do not honestly find themselves reflected in either of the other tier descriptions and who are not in a place to pay the Supporting price.
​Supported:Supported classes are for those for whom it is a struggle to maintain access to basic needs such as housing, food, healthcare, child care, or are financially debilitated by debt, if budgeting for our classes means cutting into funds for housing, food, etc. This level is also for those who have experienced generational and/or systemic disadvantage in accessing resources.

This sliding scale is inspired by Ruth Janssen of Exe Movement, who in turn was inspired by Annie Zylstra from Heartland Harmony, both also working with the arts in communities. My hope is that it works out and we can all have access to things that make us happy.

Tiny Beats!
2025-03-09 10:00 - 11:00 | The Kenn Centre, The Kenn Centre, Exeter Road, Kennford, Exeter, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7UE, United Kingdom
Rhythm, song & musical discovery for 2-6yrs
We know that small people just love to drum, so we’ve created a session that includes rhythm, song and a creative musical journey. Reaffirming fundamental musical skills, strengthening family connections and fun for everyone
What to expect:
The first half of the session is an adult-led group time with songs, movement, games and tons of fun for your small people. There is then a choice:

Child-led musical exploration and discovery – great for younger children and those who prefer to be close to you – come with an open and curious mind, ready to play!
Taiko drumming – transferring some of the rhythms onto the taiko drums, building foundational taiko skills. Great for older children or those happy to potentially be away from you for 25 minutes.

So, parents of siblings who have different needs can stay with their small one(s) in the exploration session while their older one(s) go into the hall to drum.
Fun for everyone, run by qualified early years music leaders.
We finish with tea and biscuits for all!
Why?
It might appear that it’s all for fun, but beneath every activity is a core musical objective that enhances our children’s innate musicality. This might be keeping a steady pulse, learning to pitch-match, learning about basic notation, and musical qualities such as anticipation, turn-taking, finding our voice, feeling our contribution is valued, and self-expression.
We are passionate about sharing everything we know about the music-making abilities of young children, and this class will help you to notice, appreciate and encourage the music that is already happening in our children’s daily lives.
What is the expectation from the adults?
We know how important it is to socialise, which is why we have tea and biscuits after the session. During the sessions we kindly ask that all adults respect the process and fully participate by joining in with the activities. This doesn’t mean we’re going to make you do anything you’re uncomfortable with (we recognise that everyone’s contributions are different). Connection with your child is so important to their musical development, and to your relationship, and you will learn so much about them!
How much does it cost?
We ask for £10 per child/adult duo and £3 per sibling / additional adult.
We understand that budgets are tightening for us all, and we don’t want finances to be the reason you don’t come. So if you want to come along and can make a smaller contribution or would like to offer another kind of payment – skill swap, produce you might grow or make – please email and let me know. We’re in this together, so let’s make it work! Email: hj@taikojourney.com.
What should we bring?
Please wear comfortable clothing and a smile!
Any questions, please do not hesitate to email, text, call, send a pigeon…
hj@taikojourney.com, 07853 423415

Taiko Beats
2025-03-10 18:00 - 19:00 | The Kenn Centre, The Kenn Centre, Exeter Road, Kennford, Exeter, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7UE, United Kingdom
Taiko Beats is a learn taiko class where beginners are welcomed alongside more experienced players to practice their skills and learn a new taiko rhythm or song.
A 60-minute session starting with a short warm-up, moving on to some foundational technique practice, and focusses on learning a new taiko rhythm or song. There is always a part to play if you’re new to taiko, supported by our more experienced players that will give you the experience of playing with a taiko group. This class is about having fun, spending meaningful time for yourself, meeting people and learning something new.
This is a pay-as-you-go class, but you can also pay for a half-term at a time – head over to the Taiko Shop for a half term pass.
Sliding scales work best when there are clear guidelines and when users are honest about their usage. Some organisations require proof of wealth or income to use certain tiers of the sliding scale. This sliding scale is intentionally honour – based and not income – based. Please read the guidelines for our various tiers below before purchasing and thanks for your support!

​Supporting:This tier is for you if you have access to financial security on your own or through your family. If you own property, have personal savings, comfortably meet your basic needs through your employment or can comfortably not work, and can partake in activities like multiple wellness classes, purchase many wants throughout the year or travel by plane for leisure trips. This Supporting level supports members who do not have access to financial resources for leisure activities and need to utilize the Supported tier.
​Basic:The price the practitioner would charge all members in the absence of a sliding scale. This rate is for those who do not honestly find themselves reflected in either of the other tier descriptions and who are not in a place to pay the Supporting price.
​Supported:Supported classes are for those for whom it is a struggle to maintain access to basic needs such as housing, food, healthcare, child care, or are financially debilitated by debt, if budgeting for our classes means cutting into funds for housing, food, etc. This level is also for those who have experienced generational and/or systemic disadvantage in accessing resources.

This sliding scale is inspired by Ruth Janssen of Exe Movement, who in turn was inspired by Annie Zylstra from Heartland Harmony, both also working with the arts in communities. My hope is that it works out and we can all have access to things that make us happy.

Tiny Beats!
2025-04-27 10:00 - 11:00 | The Kenn Centre, The Kenn Centre, Exeter Road, Kennford, Exeter, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7UE, United Kingdom
Rhythm, song & musical discovery for 2-6yrs
We know that small people just love to drum, so we’ve created a session that includes rhythm, song and a creative musical journey. Reaffirming fundamental musical skills, strengthening family connections and fun for everyone
What to expect:
A welcoming music circle with songs, movement, games and tons of fun for your small people, followed by a choice:
The first half of the session is an adult-led group time with songs, movement, games and tons of fun for your small people. There is then a choice:

Child-led musical exploration and discovery – great for younger children and those who prefer to be close to you – come with an open and curious mind, ready to play!
Taiko drumming – transferring some of the rhythms onto the taiko drums, building foundational taiko skills. Great for older children or those happy to potentially be away from you for 25 minutes.

So, parents of siblings who have different needs can stay with their small one(s) in the exploration session while their older one(s) go into the hall to drum.
Fun for everyone, run by qualified early years music leaders.
We finish with tea and biscuits for all!
Why?
It might appear that it’s all for fun, but beneath every activity is a core musical objective that enhances our children’s innate musicality. This might be keeping a steady pulse, learning to pitch-match, learning about basic notation, and musical qualities such as anticipation, turn-taking, finding our voice, feeling our contribution is valued, and self-expression.
We are passionate about sharing everything we know about the music-making abilities of young children, and this class will help you to notice, appreciate and encourage the music that is already happening in our children’s daily lives.
What is the expectation from the adults?
We know how important it is to socialise, which is why we have tea and biscuits after the session. During the sessions we kindly ask that all adults respect the process and fully participate by joining in with the activities. This doesn’t mean we’re going to make you do anything you’re uncomfortable with (we recognise that everyone’s contributions are different). Connection with your child is so important to their musical development, and to your relationship, and you will learn so much about them!
How much does it cost?
We ask for £10 per child/adult duo and £3 per sibling / additional adult.
We understand that budgets are tightening for us all, and we don’t want finances to be the reason you don’t come. So if you want to come along and can make a smaller contribution or would like to offer another kind of payment – skill swap, produce you might grow or make – please email and let me know. We’re in this together, so let’s make it work! Email: hj@taikojourney.com.
What should we bring?
Please wear comfortable clothing and a smile!
Any questions, please do not hesitate to email, text, call, send a pigeon…
hj@taikojourney.com, 07853 423415

2025-07-03 16:00 - 2025-07-06 14:00 | On the Hill, Oxen Park Farm, Lower Ashton, Exeter, Select a State or Province:, EX6 7QW, United Kingdom
​A Taiko Journey / On the Hill collaboration offering three nights and four days of drumming, movement, breathwork and song on land intentionally created to support wholehearted experience.
Elements include:

– daily embodiment practice – powerful breathwork – taiko drumming (group & individual) – song & story – collaborative creation of ceremony – spending time in beautiful, intentional land

Why attend?
To experience a unique combination of three skilled practitioners together creating an impactful and beautiful offering
To meet our edges, be challenged, and emboldened through this powerful combination of voice, drum, movement and breath
To rest and be restored by this land, leaving behind the everyday pressures of life
To be witnessed by a generous collective of women without judgement, in celebration of individuality and courage
To give yourself permission to be cared for
Retreat facilitators
Friends for more than 13 years, Tina and Hannah share common ground as natural leaders, collaborators, teachers and nurturers. Together they utilise their skills, experience and innate ability to create a trusted, safe and supportive environment, allowing for powerful personal transformation in the most gentle and kind way. Flora joined this partnership seamlessly, her voice, presence and skillset further balancing and completing the scope of the offering.

Tina Sharman is a director and facilitator at On the Hill. Here she creates spaces for people to experience beauty and the possibility of becoming more connected to themselves, to each other and to life. As an accredited practitioner, Tina will be offering breathwork on this retreat. There are possible contraindications or points of discussion and consideration for this practice, which can be clarified when booking.
Flora Pethybridge is a song and voice practitioner, working as a counsellor and facilitator in a diverse range of healthcare, education and nature-based settings. Using story and sound to explore the ways in which we can tend to the beauty and complexity of being human, her work is about supporting people to find an embodied and authentic relationship to voice and their own unique expression.
Hannah-Jasmine Brunskill is the founder and director of Taiko Journey with 15 years of experience teaching, performing, and creating connection through powerful taiko (Japanese drum) experiences. Hannah is passionate about us responding to what calls our hearts and making strong those threads that bring us back into connection with ourselves.

Hannah, Tina and Flora now weave as three strands of a braid together: bringing different practices and traditions to create a container in which creative and personal expression can be explored, nourished and supported.
“Thank you so much your dedication and care. The three of you worked so well together to ensure that everyone felt included, safe and protected. “

​

About your stay
​The facility at the farm in the idyllic Teign Valley in South Devon has been lovingly cared for and intentionally created for you to feel at home and sink into the beauty of both a natural and beautifully gardened environment. Learn more about the farm.

Meals
All meals are vegetarian or vegan, making use of whatever is available from the garden. We will do our best to accommodate dietary sensitivities and allergies – just let us know when booking.

“The people, and the place, have such a generosity of spirit and feelings of joyfulness. I left with my heart, soul (and belly) full, as if I’d been touched by magic. Thank you for reminding me to feel the grass between my toes.”
​Accommodation
– Shared bell tents with comfortable mattresses – Option of sleeping under the stars in bivvy bags – Compost toilets – Hot showers

What to bring
– Your own bedding – pillow, sheet, sleeping bag or duvet. – Your own personal tent if you prefer to sleep alone – Toiletries – Torch – Warm layers, waterproofs, wellies, sturdy footwear and slippers/warm socks
Timings
We will welcome people from 4pm on Thursday 3rd July, and waving people off home from 2pm Sunday 6th July.
Cost
Places are £450 and can be paid in-full or in instalments. Please see our bursary places if finances are prohibiting you from attending.
(Early Bird price is £390, paid in 3 instalments due by February 16th, April 16th & June 16th. Early Bird price is secured with the first payment of £130 before February 16th. We will email payment reminders and details for the following instalments).
Please contact us if you would like to discuss paying for your place at Drum Up the Sun – hj@taikojourney.com.
Bursary Places

Our aim is to support this work to be accessible to people whatever their circumstances. We are able to offer one full bursary place and 1 half-bursary place to someone who would otherwise not be able to attend. This has been made possible by the Wonderment Well.

The Wonderment Well is a source of love currency donated by a deeply talented artist, and someone I am honoured to call a friend. Her wish is to empower a new community of artistic wayfarers seeking their heart’s desire, but have yet to be seen, heard, and felt. The well is aimed at supporting and accelerating the launch of Drum Up The Sun programs and to make them accessible to those, young or old, who may face financial barriers.

Please be in touch with an email sharing a little of how being part of Drum Up the Sun would be of help to you this year. Emails to hj@taikojourney.com. This place will be confirmed by May Day.

​Accessibility
Please contact us if a short but steep walk would prohibit you from attending.

“An opportunity to reflect, engage with your inner most longings and doubts, a joyous celebration of feminine energy”
