NATC 2025 Phoenix

This workshop is for people who feel they have an interest in a melody instrument and are willing to try it out and discover new possibilities.

The shinobue seem to be easily included with the Taiko, and somehow, the Shakuhachi has always been forgotten. So we need to correct this lapse in the past 30 years, and along with the Shinobue, we would like to finally give those interested a chance to try the Fue and the Shakuhachi.

This will give you an insight into the different bamboo flutes and styles and help you find what works best for you. We will learn to extract sounds from the flutes, simple basic melodies, and ways to practice on our own or find sources to further our studies.

This is a great introduction to Japanese flutes. Discover the possibilities for making your taiko songs sound better and more musical.

Prerequisite/What to bring: If you have flutes, bring them along. We will have some Fues and Shakuhachi for you to try. Just bring a great attitude and an open mind to discover something new.

Join Actually Autistic Artists, Yeeman “ManMan” Mui and Carrie Alita Carter, for an introspective workshop that invites participants to explore the connection between taiko, Neurodiversity, and personal creativity. In a society often focused on consumption, this workshop shifts the focus inward, encouraging participants to reflect on their own unique personal challenges and discover the beauty and resilience that arise.

Our show, Listening into Silence, grew out of our own personal struggles and revelations as we came to understand and claim our true selves. Humans and other life forms have developed coping mechanisms to survive and thrive in desert-like environments. The journey is difficult and, at times, debilitating, and there is beauty in that. It creates the transition from simply existing to prospering.

The session will begin with a powerful excerpt from Listening into Silence that intertwines spoken word and original taiko composition, setting the stage for introspection. Participants will then engage in silent reflection and journaling, using guided prompts to delve into their individual experiences and how these shape their artistic practice.

Through small group discussions and collaborative activities, attendees will have the opportunity to share insights about their own journeys, examining themes such as ableism, disability, and the intersection of neurodiversity and creativity. This workshop welcomes all levels of experience with taiko and encourages a spirit of openness, reflection, and personal growth.


Prerequisites and What to Bring:
This workshop is designed for participants of all backgrounds and experience levels, particularly those interested in exploring the intersection of taiko, neurodiversity, and personal creativity. No prior taiko experience is necessary; however, an open mind and a willingness to engage in self-reflection are essential.

Participants should come prepared with something to take notes with/on (notebook, computer, etc.). Chairs will be provided and if they prefer sitting on the floor, they are welcome to bring whatever would make them more comfortable there (pillow, etc.)

The heart is the essence of who we are, the place where our thoughts, emotions, desires, and intentions reside. When we play the taiko with our heart, we are not merely producing sounds but expressing our deepest truth. The taiko magic is born from this union of rhythm and feeling, transforming each beat into a bridge between our inner energy and the world around us.

In this workshop, we will explore how to transmit this power and authenticity through the taiko. More than just technique, we will learn to play with our soul, creating genuine and moving connections with those who listen. Let your heart guide your hands and discover the magic that echoes from inside to outside.

Open to players of all levels.