Kodo Taiko School | O-daiko Masterclass with Tomohiro Mitome

Course Dates: Jan. 21–Mar. 11, 2023

Application Period: Oct. 1 (Sat)–Nov. 30 (Wed), 2022

Kodo’s Tomohiro Mitome will lead online O-daiko group lessons.
Mitome will share his unique theory, honed performing with Kodo for over 30 years.
Learn to play the big drum for long stretches with nothing but good sound.

About Kodo Taiko School Fees & Applications

O-daiko Masterclass with Tomohiro Mitome

Course Dates

Jan. 21 (Sat)–Mar. 11 (Sat), 2023
8 classes in total (Jan. 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; Mar. 4, 11)
Day/Time: Saturday 15:00–17:00*
*All dates/times are Japan Standard Time

Masterclass Instructor

Tomohiro Mitome (Profile)

Reference Videos

Performance Video: “O-daiko” Tomohiro Mitome

Introductory Video: From Earth Celebration 2020 “Tomohiro Mitome — 30 Years with Kodo Commemorative Event”

Lesson Content

・ Taiko drumming methods for fuse-uchi (upright taiko playing) and o-daiko shomen-uchi (big-drum taiko playing, facing the drum head on)
・Taiko fundamentals practice
・Learning set phrases

  • Lessons will take place on Zoom (video meeting app). Participants will take part remotely and can use a taiko drum, drum practice pad, cushion, or similar item.
  • Students will practice two styles of taiko drumming: fuse-uchi (upright taiko playing) and o-daiko shomen-uchi (big-drum taiko playing, facing the drum head on). The class will have up to 15 students. Lessons will be conducted in Japanese and English. *If one language suits all participants, classes may be held in that language only.
  • An archive recording of each lesson will be shared on YouTube, with access restricted to participants, so you can review the content. (Archives will be available until one month after the course ends.)
  • Participants can submit a task-based performance video to receive feedback and advice from the instructors. This task is optional.

Lesson Format

Lessons will be held on Zoom, conducted in Japanese (with consecutive interpreting into English).

■Equipment Required:

For taiko practice
・A taiko (small/medium size, such as okedo-daiko or electronic taiko), drum practice pad, or cushion for taiko practice that is suitable for fuse-uchi playing and o-daiko/head-on playing.
・Bachi (taiko drumsticks) suitable for fuse-uchi and o-daiko playing.

For attending online lessons
・Computer or mobile device with video capabilities (PC, tablet, smartphone, etc.)
・High-speed internet connection
Zoom app
Slack app
YouTube account

*Note: The following items are not required, but we strongly recommend using them if possible.
・Yoga mat
・Wireless or Bluetooth headphones or earbuds (e.g.: AirPods, etc.)

 


Participant Requirements:

For ages 15 and over, with at least three years of experience playing taiko.

■Notes

・An archive recording of each lesson will be shared on YouTube, with access restricted to participants, so you can review the content. Archives will be available until one month after the course ends.

・For the o-daiko lessons, you can use a taiko on a stand, or a mattress propped up against a wall, or a yoga ball or cushion fastened to a wall, etc. Please create a set-up where you can practice playing o-daiko head on. (During the lessons, all participants will have their microphones off, so your volume and sound quality will not affect the lesson at all.)

・Participants can submit a task-based performance video during the course to receive feedback and advice from the instructor. This video task is optional. If you submit the task, your video will be shared and discussed in class, and you will also receive personal feedback and advice from the instructor.

Fees (O-daiko Masterclass)

Fee Enrolment Fee Course Fee
General (Domestic) (incl. tax) ¥11,000 ¥52,000
Kodo no Kai Members (Domestic) (incl. tax) ¥11,000 ¥47,000
General (Overseas) ¥10,000 ¥47,300
Kodo no Kai Members (Overseas) ¥10,000 ¥42,700

Fee Payment
・Fees are due by Dec. 19 (Mon), 2022.
・Payments can be made by bank transfer (within Japan only) or PayPal.

Application Method

Applications have closed. Thank you to everyone who applied!
Application Period: Oct. 1 (Sat)–Nov. 30 (Wed), 2022
Capacity: 15 people

Process from Application to Course Start:
If there are more applications than spaces, we will use a selection process to choose participants for this course. Staff will contact all applicants on Dec. 7 (Wed) to let them know if they are able to attend. Fees are due by Dec. 19 (Mon). We will send course information to all confirmed participants. Before the course commences, there will be communications between staff and participants and an online lesson technical check (date and time TBA).

Online Information Sessions (Registration is closed)

We will be holding free online information sessions about Tomohiro Mitome’s O-daiko Masterclass via Zoom.

Date & Times: Nov. 12 (Sat) 15:00 – 17:00 JST* (Each session will last approx. 30 mins.)
Registration: Closed
Registration Deadline: Oct. 31 (Mon) JST*
*JST: Japan Standard Time

Inquiries: Please contact us via this form:

Kodo Taiko School Inquiry Form