Taiko in Schools
We believe in equal access to the practice of music, movement, and creative expression. So we make our school taiko sessions affordable, accessible, inclusive and most of all, fun for every child.
What to expect:
For us, taiko drumming in schools is all about being your best, feeling good, working as a team, and having fun. We find ways of engaging with everyone in the class and celebrate all the achievements along the way. Music is a great way of inspiring confidence in personal creativity and self-expression. Physical exercise is so important for well-being and stress-relief. Taiko is physical activity as much as it is music – a perfect combination of both.
We have specifically adapted equipment for wheelchair users, people preferring to be seated and in lying positions, a range of plastic & traditional taiko drums, and different bachi (beaters) to provide for everyone. Taiko drumming for special educational needs is something we are committed to continually improving, making it truly accessible to all in the UK. We are passionate about providing high quality and high value music sessions to all, whatever labels people have been given, and that’s why working with people with ‘additional needs’ is such a big part of what we do .
Where is there room for Taiko Drumming in Schools?
– First Access programme – find more about this here
– within obligatory music curriculum
– after-school club (inter-generational community projects welcome)
– arts, culture & creativity project
– fitness & well-being
– ‘just because’ it’s great!
Why choose Taiko Drumming in Schools?
As with a lot of musical experiences, there is a lot of positive outcome from a taiko session that is hard to pin-point. Teachers love and re-book taiko largely because the pupils are enjoying themselves. In addition to this, their musicality is enhanced. So in conclusion, young people are having fun while ticking the boxes of current music curriculum requirements. Why taiko? Why, because:
– appeals to children not typically engaging with other instruments
– increases self-confidence
– encourages discipline and physicality
– embraces creativity
– engages with Japanese culture
Performing Taiko in Schools
We know that there is nothing like a performance to inspire, motivate and encourage young taiko players. Therefore, we aim to help as many young people as possible to perform. From school assembly, public performance, to wherever they want to go. Especially relevant is a local national youth taiko event that takes place every summer. We’re here to help your young people shine, wherever possible. Let us know if you’d like your pupils to perform and we can make it happen.
Check out what other schools have said about their taiko experiences with us:
“The thing that struck me most was how inclusive your workshop was. All ages and needs were catered for.”
Tamsin Mammatt, Lamerton Primary School, March 2018
“Taiko is epic and brilliant, it’s fun, I love it!” Esme, 8, Exeter
“A high-energy session. They were really focused, communicating as a team and clearly having a lot of fun” Jen, 35, Warwick
“The drums were beautiful, so inspiring! It helped make our Japanese morning really special, exciting and memorable”
Rebecca Sugisaka, Snitterfield Home Education Group / half day taiko session
“…fantastic taiko drumming sessions. It was great to see the children working well as a team, listening and enjoying the sessions so much”
Claire Trebilcock, Boringdon Primary / 6 week project
“It was really brilliant, and seeing the pupils enjoying themselves playing the drums was amazing!”
A parent from Oaklands Park School / intensive 4 day project
“It was fun!”
Dylan, Grimsby / 2-hour taiko session
Contact us to talk about taiko drumming in schools.
For your peace of mind we carry our CRB / DBS forms, public liability insurance certificates with us when we work. Our workshop leaders are trained in and have experience with most SEN & additional needs.
Check out our SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS CASE STUDY to see what other schools have said about their taiko experiences with us.
The First Access Taiko programme is a series of projects for whole-classes to learn a musical instrument. We are happily working alongside Plymouth Music Education Hub to provide this for schools in Plymouth. Our First Access offers taiko drumming over a ten-week period, one hour per week. The drums are kept in the school for the duration of the project to encourage additional use in other lessons, lunch-time clubs etc.
What happens over the ten First Access Taiko sessions?
As with a lot of musical experiences, there is a lot of positive outcome from a taiko session that is hard to pin-point. Teachers love and re-book taiko largely because the pupils are enjoying themselves and their musicality is enhanced, ticking the boxes of current music curriculum requirements.
What we cover in the ten-week programme:
– history and principles of taiko
– solo and group composition
– creating relationship with musical notation
– developing performance skills
– listening skills and aural memory
– understanding dynamics, tempo and structure
– using voice as instrument
– reviewing & evaluating performance
Pupils will have had the opportunity to:
– play and perform in a group ensemble
– compose and improvise with taiko
– use and understand musical notation
– watch and review traditional taiko performance
– understand the history and traditions of taiko music
– progress their musical path in city taiko ensemble
We also provide:
– ideas for taiko games to play
– support for teachers via video links to content
– email / phone contact to support teachers