Here are answers to many of the questions prospective students have asked us.
Which class should I attend?
All new students must attend our "Beginning 1" class (dates and times on our
Classes page) regardless of previous experience. If you have previous taiko experience, let Sensei know where and when you studied; you may be invited to join a higher-level class after a trial period.
Do I have to commit to a series of classes?
There is no fixed commitment to multiple classes; you can take one, a few or as many as you like. The Beginning 1 curriculum follows an informal three-month cycle; you can start in any of the three months.
Do I have to attend every class?
Beginning 1 classes are offered twice a week. Ideally, everyone would attend twice per week, but we understand that personal schedules may prevent this. It's fine to attend one class each week. If you miss a class, talk to another student to find out what was covered. You will enjoy the classes and learn more quickly if you come regularly.
Which Beginning 1 Class should I attend, Thursday evening or Saturday afternoon?
Because we know that not everyone will attend both classes every week, the important information for each week gets covered in both classes. As long as you make one of the two classes, you will get that week's lesson. You are welcome at either class or both classes and you can change from week to week. In addition to the regular Beginning 1 classes, we periodically offer special workshops which are open to members of all levels.
Can young people attend classes?
Generally, our classes are suitable for students 14 years old and up. A new student between 12 and 14 years old may be accepted on a case-by case, trial basis. We do not currently offer children's classes but are working on plans to do so.
Can I just come and observe a class?
You are welcome to come and observe a class, but it's a lot more fun to play!
Do I have to sign up in advance?
You do not need to reserve a place, sign up or pay in advance; just
let us know by e-mail that you're coming before attending your first class.
You must attend the orientation 30 minutes before your first class. We accept new students and hold orientation on the first Thursday and Saturday of each month.
What is the class size?
Class sizes vary from four or six to fifteen or more students, depending on seasonal and personal schedules. Most Beginning 1 classes include eight to twelve students.
How much do classes cost?
Drop-In or single classes are $15; first-time students pay a one-time $5 registration fee. Classes can be paid for by cash or check. We do not accept credit cards or debit cards. We also have multi-class cards and senior discounts (complete prices on our
Classes page).
Is there anything I need to purchase in advance for the class?
No; we provide drums and we have some shared bachi (drumsticks) that you can use when you're starting out. If you wish to continue with classes, you will want to buy your own bachi; we sell them, or you can buy them at specialty stores or online. As you progress to various styles you may wish to purchase lighter bachi for playing on shime-daiko (a smaller drum), or larger bachi for playing on odaiko (the big drum).
Is there parking?
There is plenty of free parking along 47th Street and additional parking on San Pablo Avenue.
What should I wear to class?
You should wear comfortable, casual clothes in which you can move freely. We do warm-up exercises and may lie down on the mats for sit-ups and stretches. During class you should be able to move your arms freely and lunge or squat if needed. You may wish to dress in layers if it's cold weather as you will get warmed up while playing drums. Your feet can be barefoot or in socks during class on mats or carpet; in our current space we also need shoes to walk off the mats, in the courtyard, or to the restroom. Please remove all jewelry, wristwatches, and other accessories before class.
How strenuous are the classes?
Taiko is an energetic performing art which requires basic coordination and rhythm skills, but you don't need to be an athlete to participate. Each class session begins with a 15-30 minute warm-up which includes stretching for flexibility and exercises for strengthening and balance. Don't do any exercises/ stretches which are uncomfortable or may injure you.
Do I have to learn Japanese?
No. We use a few simple phrases and count from one to ten in Japanese, but that's about it. These are taught during class.
What if I get confused or lost in class?
It is okay to sometimes feel confused during class or to be behind the group's pace. And it's okay to make mistakes; we all do! Sensei teaches in the traditional Japanese style, so during class we hold all questions until Sensei asks for them at the end of class. Sensei might tell you how to do something differently or correct you, and then you will be expected to implement the correction. In addition to asking clarification questions at the end of class, students can always ask more experienced students for tutorials outside of class times.
Do I have to perform?
Beginning 1 students are not expected to perform. Beginning 2 students are learning complete songs and are encouraged to perform, but no one is required to perform. For most of our members, performing becomes a highlight of their experience.
How do I learn the songs?
We don't have many written materials; everything is taught "live" and orally. We use kuchi shoga (an informal system of mnemonic syllables) as an aid in learning songs through recitation. Feel free to bring a recording device or a notebook to write notes after class. Senior students will help you with your notes.
How do I advance to the next class level?
Our class levels are called: Beginning 1, Beginning 2 and Intermediate. In order to advance to the next class level, students must demonstrate knowledge of essential taiko vocabulary and have mastered the basic taiko skills practiced at our next level. Promotions to next class level are determined by Sensei Susan Horn.
