Kodo Taiko School Cohort 2

Next Course: Cohort 2 (May 2022–Sep. 2022)

Application Period: Feb. 1 (Tue)–Mar. 27 (Sun), 2022 *Acceptance is closed

About Kodo Taiko School Fees & Applications

Cohort 2 Course Application Form Online Orientation Sessions (Pre- Cohort 2)

Kodo Taiko School Framework [Cohort 2]

Kodo members will teach one 2-hour online group lesson per week over the course of five months. (Total of 15 lessons)

Lesson Content
・Physical conditioning for taiko players (stretches, breathing techniques, muscle training)
・Stage deportment
・Taiko fundamentals for fuse-uchi (upright taiko playing style)
・Learn to play “Tsunagu,” a Kodo Taiko School Teaching Piece

  • 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.
  • Each class will have 6 to 8 students. Lessons will be conducted in Japanese and English.
    *If one language suits all participants, classes may be held in that language only.
  • Instructors or staff will share details about each lesson with participants in advance. At times, they will also share videos for participants to watch as preparation for subsequent lessons.
  • There will be optional tasks for participants who wish to receive advice from the instructor(s) about their playing. Anyone wanting tailored advice will be invited to submit a performance video.
  • Once every year, a Taiko Camp will be held on Sado Island to bring the participants together to play taiko. This event is an optional extra that is only open to course participants. The camp cost is not included in the course fee. The next Taiko Camp is scheduled for Sep. 23 (Fri)ーSep. 26 (Mon), 2022. Please note that alumni can register for any upcoming taiko camp, not just the one immediately after their course.

Participant Requirements:
For ages 15 and over, with at least one year of experience playing taiko.

Equipment Required:
For taiko practice

  • A taiko (small/medium size, such as okedo-daiko, shime-daiko, suitable for fuse-uchi playing), drum practice pad, or cushion for taiko practice (electronic taiko are also ok)
  • Bachi (taiko drumsticks)

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.)

Kodo Taiko School Curriculum Plan [Cohort 2]

The first phase, “Get ready to create sound,” focuses on sharing Kodo’s know-how about the fundamentals, such as every taiko player’s best friends: their drumsticks. We’ll also incorporate content to help taiko player’s develop their physique. During the next phase, we’ll reacquaint ourselves with the fundamentals of playing taiko. Practising the basics involves a lot of repetition, and requires persistent effort. So we’ll tackle this practice as a class, cheering each other on.

From the middle of the course, we’ll start working on playing an original piece, which Kodo composed especially for Kodo Taiko School. As you learn this piece, one by one you’ll learn the important things to focus on every time you play taiko. The final phase is designed for everyone to enjoy performing. Each unique group of classmates will become a team that performs a piece together. We’re sure this serendipitous encounter will take you to new places.

Lesson Schedule 

For the Cohort 2 intake, we are seeking participants for three classes. Please choose the schedule that best suits you.
*All dates and times are JST.

  • Team Keyaki (Saturday 15:00–17:00)
  • Team Hinoki (Saturday 18:00–20:00)
  • Team Atebi (Monday 10:00–12:00)

Kodo Taiko School Cohort 2 Instructors

(From left to right)

Yuichiro Funabashi
Yoshie Abe
Jun Jidai
Mizuki Yoneyama
* Instructors may be subject to change.

Fees (Cohort 2 Price/incl. tax)

All fees include tax.
Kodo Taiko School Cohort 2

General (Domestic)  Kodo no Kai Members (Domestic)   General (Overseas) Kodo no Kai Members (Overseas)
Enrolment Fee 11,000 yen   11,000 yen  10,000 yen  10,000 yen
Course Fee (5 months/19 lessons)  90,200 yen  85,200 yen  82,000 yen  77,000 yen
Total  101,200 yen  96,200 yen  92,000 yen  87,000 yen

 

Kodo Taiko School Taiko Camp (Optional Extra)

General Kodo no Kai Members
Held on Sado Island (Participant fee, lodging and meals) 55,000 yen 50,000 yen

 

Fee Payment

  • Fees are due by Apr. 17 (Sun), 2022.
  • Payments can be made by bank transfer (within Japan only) or Paypal.

About Kodo no Kai
To join Kodo’s Japanese-language supporter service, Kodo no Kai, please contact Kodo via this form or see our website for details (in Japanese only).
Kodo no Kai http://www.kodo.or.jp/friends/index_ja.html

Application Method

Apply for Kodo Taiko School via this form: Kodo Taiko School Cohort 2 Course Application Form

Application Period: Feb. 1 (Tue)–Mar. 27 (Sun), 2022 *Acceptance is closed

Process from Application to Course Start
If there are more applications than spaces, we will use a selection process to choose participants for this cohort. Staff will contact all applicants on Apr. 1 (Fri) to let them know if they are able to attend. 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).


Inquiries: Please contact Kodo Cultural Foundation via the form below.

Kodo Taiko School Inquiry Form

We will be having an online information session on Mar. 5 (Sat). 
Further details: Online Information Session 2022 (Pre-Cohort 2)

 

Online Orientation Sessions (Pre- Cohort 2)
Next Cohort Dates *TBA