Autumn 2026 4-Week Taiko Workshop

KATARI TAIKO

2026 FALL COURSE

A four-week introductory course covering fundamental taiko

playing techniques and stances, the vocal learning of rhythms

and hands on drumming experience

Thursday evenings:

September 10; 17 and October 1; 8

6:30 pm – 9:30 pm (3 hours)

Fee: $300

Maximum 6 participants

Location: Vancouver Japanese Hall, 487 Alexander Street

Contact: kataritaiko@dkam.ca / 604-728-8240 / www.kataritaiko.bc.ca

Goals: To learn fundamental taiko drumming techniques on an upright stand. No previous experience is necessary.

Must be 14 years of age or older.

What you will do:

  • Learn body positioning and how to strike taiko drums on an upright stand;
  • Learn fundamental techniques, form, and how to vocalize and play rhythms;
  • Create a group song together;
  • Use kiai (shouts) to support the drumming;
  • Practice basic care and maintenance of drums and other equipment;

Format: Each class includes: stretching, strengthening, and vocal exercises; 120-130 minutes of drumming; and a

guided cool down. All students will help set up and pack up drums.

Instruction: The course will be taught by members of Katari Taiko.

https://kataritaiko.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/KT2026Sept-Oct_Taiko_Class_Registration_Form.pdf

Winter-Spring 2025 8-Week Taiko Workshop

Thursday evenings, February 8 – March 28 (6:30-9:30PM)

Fee $400

Maximum 6 participants
Location: Vancouver Japanese Language School – Japanese Hall, 487 Alexander Street

Come play big drums and have fun learning taiko!

Join us for eight-weeks of hands-on taiko workshops, including an introduction to the history and context of taiko in the Japanese-Canadian community and North America.

Participants will learn fundamental taiko drumming techniques and rhythms and will explore the context of taiko as a performing art within the Japanese Canadian community and North America. No previous experience is necessary. Must be 16 years of age or older.

TO REGISTER
Download the registration form at:

https://kataritaiko.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/KT2025Feb-Mar_Taiko-Class_Registration_Form.pdf

Follow the instructions to return the form with payment.

Fall 2022 8-week taiko workshop

Thursday evenings, Oct.6 – Nov.24

Come play big drums!

Join us for eight-weeks of hands-on taiko workshops, including an introduction to the history and context of taiko in the Japanese-Canadian community and North America.

Participants will learn fundamental taiko drumming techniques and rhythms and will explore the context of taiko as a performing art within the Japanese Canadian community and North America. No previous experience is necessary. Must be 16 years of age or older.

TO REGISTER
Download the registration form at

https://kataritaiko.bc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/KT2022Oct-Nov_Taiko-Class_Registration_Form.pdf

Follow the instructions to return the form with payment. 

 

Katari Taiko 40th Anniversary Gathering

2019 is Katari Taiko’s 40th anniversary, and therefore also the 40th anniversary of taiko drumming in Canada. To celebrate, we are having a gathering to celebrate this milestone on Saturday November 23 at the Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall. It will be a casual and fun evening to celebrate this milestone with KT members both current and former, along with the general Vancouver taiko community. There’s an Eventbrite link in the e-mail invitation you’ve received if you wish to buy tickets in advance, but please feel free to just show up and pay-what-you-can at the door. There will be food, drink, nostalgia, and drumming of course. There will be short performances by Katari Taiko, Sawagi Taiko, Sansho Taiko, and Onibana Taiko. Matsuri jam session too….

We’ve also opened up comments on our history page here on our site, and welcome comments and stories from anyone associated with KT over the years. Let’s hear all of your perspectives!