Odaiko Sonora is Tucson's taiko, or Japanese ensemble drumming group. Serving southern AZ since May 2002, Odaiko Sonora is dedicated to increasing familiarity with and understanding of taiko in our community. We do this for over 100,000 people each year through classes and master workshops, performances, school residencies, team building workshops and by producing concerts that include internationally acclaimed taiko artists.
Never miss an event!
Learn Taiko Classes and Practice Sessions
Taiko can be a path to personal growth and a whole lot of FUN! Odaiko Sonora offers a full range of learning opportunities from single session Intro to Taiko classes, the All Ages Recreational Taiko (AART) series, an ongoing Community Group, advanced practices geared towards performing and Master Classes with visiting taiko artists. »moreApplied Taiko Team Building, Mindfulness & Arts Integrated Workshops
Designed by specialists in team building, cultural learning, and mindfulness, our seminars and workshops meet your experiential training needs. Hands-on fun will enhance your business operations and programs. As one participant commented, "How to become a team in just an hour a half!" »moreThe Beat Goes On Taiko in the Classroom
K-12 programs include one-day, multi-day, multi-week or academic year-long residencies that engage kids with hands-on taiko training, martial discipline and teamwork. Programs meet AZ standards for art, music and physical education, and introduce students to Japanese language and culture. »moreUpcoming Events
“You have inspired, entertained and educated my students and me!”
“Superb team working example.”
“Great learning experience.”
“My students and I learned all about the history of Taiko and the different drums. We were in awe of the performers’ stamina and talent!”
“Very exciting session. Lots of fun and learning. ‘How to become a team in just an hour and a half!'”
“Thanks for the outstanding work you did with our grade 4 students! The teaching skill displayed by both residents was absolutely phenomenal!”
“Awesome! Wonderful! Fun!”
“We had a GREAT time at the show. It was everything we hoped it would be. We are still talking about it and telling everyone we know.”
“Outstanding performance. I heard nothing but good things from our patrons.”
“Amazing demonstration! Inspiring energy and strength expressed so beautifully with such powerful rhythm.”
“You impact countless lives with the beauty and power of your art form. The Arizona Commission on the Arts is proud to be a partner in that journey!”
“I learned a lot that I can apply to my job.”
“Playing with you all was the most fun I have ever had… thank you for being one of the inspirational high points of my life.”
“It’s great listening to the runner comments at the finish line… I always hear them talking about the drummers carrying them up the hill!”
“I appreciated that all of the drummers were women; I think that sent a positive message to all of my students. I also liked the audience participation and narration before each song.”
“You were fantastic and inspiring. I’m amazed by how much you were able to accomplish in two days. The students were really impressed.”
“The discipline, musicianship and stage presence your students exhibited made a stunning opener to the OMA Showcase.”
“Excellent session. Very relevant, interesting, and inspiring. One of the best sessions ever! A+++!”
“Fantastic facilitation. Bring them back.”
“The students loved this performance! They all wanted to play taiko. This performance fit in extremely well with our Japanese Unit.”