• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer

Odaiko Sonora HomepageOdaiko Sonora

Bringing Taiko to Southern Arizona since 2002!

  • About
  • News
  • Calendar
  • Principles
  • Learn Taiko & More
    • Beginner
    • Intermediate
    • Master (aspiring!)
    • All Souls Procession 2021 Workshops
      • Dance and Chant Resources
  • Taiko in Workplace & School

Odaiko Sonora Principles

Taiko can be a fun hobby, a time to bang on the drums and make a loud noise. It can also be a profoundly life altering experience, awakening you to new strengths within yourself and new ways to connect with people and discover how each player affects the energy of the group and audience. We offer these basic taiko principles to help you get the most from your drumming experience.

Tucson Meet Yourself-Odaiko Sonora - photo by Kathleen Dreier

SOUND

Cultivate the desire and discipline to continuously improve technique and musical ability.

Taiko is at its most beautiful when players are in unison, playing with musicality and proper technique. Strive for accuracy of rhythm. Know that this accuracy is most satisfying when players are in proper stance, using proper form, and free from ego.

BODY

Strive at all times for correct kata, or form; conditioning and centering so that grace, power, group awareness and expression are maximized.

Stance, sticking technique, breath, feeling your body, the bachi and the taiko work together as an instrument… these are all elements of proper kata. Play with ki, rather than muscle.

MIND

Learn the history and culture of taiko. Respect the dojo as the place of a path. Respect your sensei, senpai, and kohai, and strive to embody the concept of shoshin (beginner’s mind). Set your will to embrace the spirit of the art form and your dojo.

To be a taiko player, you must know the history and culture of the art form and how songs came to you. By knowing the traditions of the art form, you discover its greatest potential impact on your life path. Holding respect and openness will lead you to a deeper connection with the art form and your fellow players, and will make you a better player and performer.

SPIRIT

Bring lots of good ki into the dojo. Make your attitude one of patience, humility, willingness, and generosity.

Taiko involves the celebration and expression of a heartfelt love of the art, the excitement of playing the drum, and sharing that enthusiasm with the audience. Whatever you are feeling most strongly in your spirit will be conveyed when you play, so strive to make it respect and passion.

Taiko drums. Photo by PJ Mcardle.

By following these principles, you will find taiko an ideal way to express new strength and skill, celebrate human connection, continue your personal growth, and have fun!

Footer

Looking for an energetic way to start your event? To get kids moving, or to motivate your team? Odaiko Sonora is uniquely qualified to meet those needs. Taiko is a musical team sport, an expressive martial discipline and irresistible fun. Taiko fully engages mind, body, and spirit and leads to better health, a better attitude and improved team function.
BOOK US TODAY!

Click to donate by PayPal or credit card.
Prefer to mail a check? Have a question?

Your tax-deductible donation will ensure that southern Arizona's kids, communities and artists continue to benefit from the enrichment and support offered by Odaiko Sonora and Rhythm Industry Performance Factory. Thank you so much for your generosity and support of our regional arts, education and culture.

You can also donate as you shop:
AmazonSmile
Go to Amazon using the above link and AmazonSmile will donate a percentage of the purchase price of eligible products to "North American Folk Music And Dance Alliance Inc." Odaiko Sonora is an independent 501(c)3 using the group exemption program of NAFMDA.
  • Privacy Policy

© 2022 Odaiko Sonora
Website design by Wild Blue Pixel