NATC 2025 Phoenix

“TaikoBaka” is Tiffany Tamaribuchi’s signature program, which features a traditional Japanese style intensive, held over a 3-day weekend. Experience a “mini” version of this program at NATC. Topics will include: basic kata and sticking, how to play a skillful odaiko ji; how to broaden your perspectives and concepts around what it means to train and perform; and how to make quantum leaps in your abilities as a soloist and performer. From a functional grounded stance through sticking, basic and expressive kata, we'll cover simple techniques designed to improve control, tone, power speed, and spirit.
This intensive is designed to ground participants in fundamental techniques that will help participants at any level of technical ability.

Prerequisite/What to bring: No pre-requisite knowledge required. Personal odaiko bachi highly recommended.

Please Note: This class counts as 8-hours for participants regarding your class selection. (You will have the normal lunch break; we just can't make the block discontinuous in Sched.)

This exciting workshop will focus on the foundational techniques required to play, practice, and perform on Odaiko. With a Scientific Kinesthetic approach, Patrick will introduce ideas, practice drills, and movements that are extremely helpful in learning this fun but challenging style! Participants will enjoy a deep dive workshop on learning biomechanical and physiological concepts relative to Odaiko and taiko well-being in general. Ranging from topics such as Focusing on Postural alignment, Effortless Power production, Conservation of Energy, to in-depth strike mechanics. Many of the introduced concepts are approachable and joint friendly that any individual will be able to accommodate and adapt them into their own unique body type and style of playing. Come and learn one of the most empowering style of taiko!

Prerequisite/What to bring: Odaiko Bachi

Basics for performing on the 'big drum' will include stance, grip, hitting techniques, training tips, maximizing sounds, and relaxing. Traditional Kabuki patterns on the odaiko will also be introduced. A practice odaiko piece, Odaiko Kakeai Kihon Kyoku (an open source piece), will be taught focusing on fundamentals, simple improvisation, base beat patterns, and becoming more comfortable and dynamic at performing the odaiko.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Bring a pair of Odaiko bachi which can be made of hinoki (or similar soft wood) pine (or similar medium hardness) or oak (kashi) or similar hard wood. The bachi can be sized for what you normally play in your group. The corners of the bachi should be slightly rounded off to protect the skins (often new bachi have a sharp corner which can tear the skins).

The purpose of this course is to introduce participants to concepts of thinking-outside-the-box such as movements and ideas that go beyond standard Odaiko playing. Using examples from his Taikai original composition “Letter To My Childhood,” Patrick will help participants explore diversity in stance, innovation of body movements, and creative emotion and story-telling through the unique world of Odaiko. Encompassing good sound and power production, participants will understand the planes of motion relative to the human body. With Intentionality, participants will examine how best to create solos that present their own unique message. With Sincerity, participants will be going over introspective topics that can help bring beauty and purpose to each movement, act, and gesticulation. Let’s work, create, and inspire together!

Prerequisite/What to bring: Foundational Understanding of Odaiko, Basic Familiarity with Human Anatomical terms, Odaiko bachi.

This workshop offers participants a comprehensive introduction to the foundational techniques of the Odaiko including grip, stance, and mechanics.

In addition to technique, attendees will develop a deeper understanding of Odaiko performance through practice methods for continued development beyond NATC, and repertoire that can be performed with their own ensembles.

Whether you are approaching the Odaiko for the first time or are a seasoned player seeking to refine your fundamentals, I hope this workshop has something to offer you.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Odaiko bachi

Odaiko is one of the most demanding instruments in the Taiko world. There are Odaiko contests in Japan, Brazil and now USA. This workshop will be about developing Odaiko players to a next level, with an approach closer to a sports one.
Firstly the players will learn a technique for competitive Odaiko and then we can improve each player´s personal solo with feedback about the composition, technique, movement, sound and intention.

This workshop is meant only for the ones that have an Odaiko burning inside them and are ready to sweat to earn it.

Prerequisite/What to bring: - Odaiko bachi
- Braveness
- Odaiko heart

Prepare for an invigorating and high-energy Odaiko workout session, designed to harness the power and intensity of the Odaiko for an uchikomi workout. This session is about embracing the physicality of Odaiko performance, allowing participants to experience the full range of energy and movement inherent in this style.

This workshop is open to participants of all levels. I’d like to welcome participants seeking both the exhilaration of playing Odaiko and the benefits of a taiko workout.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Odaiko bachi

Basics for performing on the 'big drum' will include stance, grip, hitting techniques, training tips, maximizing sounds, and relaxing. Traditional Kabuki patterns on the odaiko will also be introduced. A practice odaiko piece, Odaiko Kakeai Kihon Kyoku (an open source piece), will be taught focusing on fundamentals, simple improvisation, base beat patterns, and becoming more comfortable and dynamic at performing the odaiko.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Bring a pair of Odaiko bachi which can be made of hinoki (or similar soft wood) pine (or similar medium hardness) or oak (kashi) or similar hard wood. The bachi can be sized for what you normally play in your group. The corners of the bachi should be slightly rounded off to protect the skins (often new bachi have a sharp corner which can tear the skins).

This workshop offers participants a comprehensive introduction to the foundational techniques of the Odaiko including grip, stance, and mechanics.

In addition to technique, attendees will develop a deeper understanding of Odaiko performance through practice methods for continued development beyond NATC, and repertoire that can be performed with their own ensembles.

Whether you are approaching the Odaiko for the first time or are a seasoned player seeking to refine your fundamentals, I hope this workshop has something to offer you.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Odaiko bachi

Basics for performing on the 'big drum' will include stance, grip, hitting techniques, training tips, maximizing sounds, and relaxing. Traditional Kabuki patterns on the odaiko will also be introduced. A practice odaiko piece, Odaiko Kakeai Kihon Kyoku (an open source piece), will be taught focusing on fundamentals, simple improvisation, base beat patterns, and becoming more comfortable and dynamic at performing the odaiko.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Bring a pair of Odaiko bachi which can be made of hinoki (or similar soft wood) pine (or similar medium hardness) or oak (kashi) or similar hard wood. The bachi can be sized for what you normally play in your group. The corners of the bachi should be slightly rounded off to protect the skins (often new bachi have a sharp corner which can tear the skins).