NATC 2025 Phoenix

Improvisation is pure magic! Creating sounds out of nothing that fit perfectly and complement the sounds of others, all to make something totally unique. It lets us jam with musicians we've never played with before, like having a spontaneous conversation. And it's insanely fun!
In this workshop, we’ll dive into exercises that get your brain firing on all cylinders to create quickly and respond in the moment. You’ll learn how to solo over other people’s sounds, how to be a solid foundation for others to build on, and how to complement the music purely based on your instincts. Get ready to let loose and have a blast!

Prerequisite/What to bring: - Bachi
- Any personal instrument you want to add to the mix.
- Courage to make mistakes.

About the Exadon Workshops: Connect Through Rhythm
These two-hour workshops offer an immersive and inclusive experience that anyone can enjoy. Through a variety of activities, participants will deepen their understanding of one another while exploring the power of taiko drumming.

The goal is to create a harmonious sound by actively listening and working together. By fostering cooperation and awareness, participants will rediscover essential elements of taiko performance—including listening, expression, and posture.

Beyond performance, these workshops offer insight into the broader potential of taiko. Taiko as a community builder. Taiko as a means of connection. Whether on stage or in everyday life, the rhythmic energy of taiko can inspire new ways to engage with others.
Come experience it for yourself!

Who Is It For?
● Taiko players and leaders looking to contribute to their community through drumming.
● Anyone who wants to experience a welcoming and inclusive taiko workshop.
● Those seeking to rediscover the essential elements of taiko performance.

This is a special workshop being offered by visiting artists from Hiroshima, Japan, who have an ongoing relationship with taiko groups in the Phoenix area. This is part of a series of workshops being offered by groups that have deep connections to taiko in Phoenix through relationships with Esther Vandecar, who studied with these groups in Japan and become a pioneer of the taiko community in Phoenix.

Hiroshima Hozonkai will share music from their region and their approach to taiko.

This is a special workshop being offered by visiting artists from Matsuyama, on the island of Shikoku, Japan. This is part of a series of workshops being offered by groups that have deep connections to taiko in Phoenix through relationships with Esther Vandecar, who studied with these groups in Japan and become a pioneer of the taiko community in Phoenix.

Shinsan Daiko will share music from their region and their approach to taiko.