Study Guides

Unit Summary

Pupils are introduced to Taiko drumming, performing as an ensemble, composing in groups and learning about the energy that pulse and rhythm can bring to a performance. They learn the key terminology and technique of Taiko and develop an understanding of the culture connected with the music.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to perform a short taiko structure using don and doko and can explain the origins of taiko.

Key Notes

• Taiko means 'drum' or 'the art of drumming'. It is the global name for kumi daiko, which is Japanese ensemble drumming.
• Performers wear traditional outfits and use bachi to play the drums on the hara (head) or the fuchi (edge).
• Taiko is learned aurally and can be understood by using the kuchi shoga phonetic method.
• We have performed honji (eight-beat patterns) with don and doko sounds.

Vocabulary To Learn

• taiko: a Japanese word for 'drum' or the 'art of drumming'
• kumi daiko: a form of ensemble drumming, originating in Japan
• bachi: the sticks used to play the drums
• kuchi shoga: phonetic notation used to describe rhythms, dynamics and pitch
• honji: an eight-beat pattern

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Taiko is the name of the style.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Taiko composition Study Guide
• Taiko performance Study Guide
• The key principles of taiko Study Guide