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 taiko ensemble performance with an ouchi using a variety of strikes, movements and kakegoe with an accompanying jiuchi.

Key Notes

• The main rhythmic part in a taiko performance is the ouchi. This is made up a variety of honji.
• Each honji can include a variety of different strikes, movements and kakegoe (shouts) and lasts for eight beats.
• It can also include ma, which is a rest.
• The ouchi is accompanied by the jiuchi or ji, which plays consistent doko or dongo strikes softly.
• We have performed an eight-honji ouchi, with an accompanying jiuchi, in time as an ensemble.

Vocabulary To Learn

• dongo: two quick taps on the drum head (right then left) in an uneven (shuffle) rhythm
• honji: an 8-beat pattern
• ouchi: the main rhythmic part in a taiko performance
• jiuchi: the accompanying rhythm in a taiko performance; also called ji
• ma: a space in the rhythm, creating a rest

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Mixing up the dongo and doko strikes and comfortably swapping from one to the other.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Context and terminology of taiko Study Guide
• Taiko composition Study Guide
• The key principles of taiko Study Guide