NATC 2025 Phoenix

"Hayashi" is one of the first original Los Angeles Matsuri Taiko pieces. Unlike most other Los Angeles Matsuri Taiko compositions, this was collective effort of Etsuo Hongo Sensei and other group members. Its driving beat, call and response interplay, and "sudden death" ending are hallmarks of many Hongo Sensei's pieces. "Hayashi" is now an open source piece, made available by Tomomi Hongo, Hongo Sensei's daughter.

Prerequisite/What to bring: Participants should have been playing taiko for at least 1 year, preferably intermediate and higher level.

In the workshop "Use the Force," participants will embark on a journey to explore the vital concept of "ki"—the inner energy that enhances performance and stage presence in taiko. Designed for taiko players of all levels, this session focuses on alignment, inner power, and efficient movement to cultivate a strong and dynamic strike. Through engaging exercises and drills, attendees will strengthen their connection with their bodies and instruments, empowering them to unleash their full potential on stage.

Prerequisite/What to bring: This workshop is open to participants of all skill levels. Beginners are welcome to learn foundational concepts of form and alignment, while more experienced taiko players can deepen their understanding of body mechanics and enhance their playing techniques. Whether you're looking to refine your posture or explore new approaches to movement, this workshop offers valuable insights for everyone. Please bring chu daiko bachi.

Are you a human being? Do you communicate with other (probably) human beings through methods verbal or otherwise? If so, you're likely a stellar improviser! Learn to communicate improvisationally with others in a fun and relaxed environment where you can let the drum do the talking! 

Prerequisite/What to bring: None required. Familiarity with taiko basics is helpful.

"Canvas" is a brand-new song, never seen or played before. It was created specifically for NATC 2025 and will never be taught again (at least not by us).

The song tells the story of a painter striving for perfection in pursuit of his masterpiece. But is that enough? Is that attainable? Why does it always seem like something is missing? In a moment of frustration and anger, the painter begins to strike at his painting, destroying everything he has worked so hard for. With all that rage now on the canvas, what does the painter see?

Participants are free to rehearse, teach, and perform this song with their groups.

Please Note: This class counts as 6-hours for participants regarding your class selection. (You will have the normal lunch break; we just can't make the block discontinuous in Sched.)

In the workshop "Use the Force," participants will embark on a journey to explore the vital concept of "ki"—the inner energy that enhances performance and stage presence in taiko. Designed for taiko players of all levels, this session focuses on alignment, inner power, and efficient movement to cultivate a strong and dynamic strike. Through engaging exercises and drills, attendees will strengthen their connection with their bodies and instruments, empowering them to unleash their full potential on stage.

Prerequisite/What to bring: This workshop is open to participants of all skill levels. Beginners are welcome to learn foundational concepts of form and alignment, while more experienced taiko players can deepen their understanding of body mechanics and enhance their playing techniques. Whether you're looking to refine your posture or explore new approaches to movement, this workshop offers valuable insights for everyone. Please bring chu daiko bachi.

‘Shiawase no Kyoku’ composed by Sascha Molina, is an energetic piece which can be translated to ‘The Happy Song!’ This piece was written with chu daiko (beta), shime daiko and shinobue in mind, but, has been performed with various equipment combinations.

All levels of taiko knowledge welcome!


Please Bring:
Bachi for chu daiko and shime.

There is a Shinobue part to this song, if you have a shinobue and want to learn that section, please bring it to the workshop!

Carrie Alita Carter’s Taiko JABS program is specifically designed for taiko players, emphasizing the vital connection between body awareness and dynamic performance. Taiko JABS increases the range of motion of the body’s joints, challenges balance, stabilizes the core, and improves alignment.

The workshop will begin with a brief gentle taiko session to establish a baseline. Participants will then engage in the Taiko JABS program, which includes joint isolation exercises and stretches aimed at building strength, increasing body awareness and enhancing mobility. This is an introduction to a program that, if practiced regularly, will lead to a stronger core, increased flexibility, and better alignment, resulting in improved performance dynamics. After the Taiko JABS session, we’ll return to the drums to experience the difference in fluidity and expressiveness.

Drawing from my personal experience with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), I developed Taiko JABS over 12 years, while navigating the compounding of a lifetime of unexplained injuries. When medical professionals repeatedly indicated there was "nothing wrong" with my body, I took it upon myself to explore ways to reduce pain and prevent injury. This journey of self-discovery informed the evolution of Taiko JABS, as I learned what worked, what didn’t, and how to create modifications that make this program accessible for everyone, regardless of their physical challenges.

By emphasizing core activation, joint articulation, and overall body awareness, participants will leave with practical tools to enhance their physical capabilities in taiko and beyond, resulting in more expressive and resilient performances.

In line with the conference theme, "Taiko in the Desert," this workshop acknowledges the challenges taiko players may face, including physical limitations and the need for adaptive strategies in resource-constrained environments. By fostering strength and flexibility through the JABS program, participants will learn how to thrive in demanding conditions, embodying the resilience and ingenuity that the desert represents.


Prerequisites: Participants should have a basic understanding of taiko drumming techniques. Prior experience in any form of movement or dance is beneficial but not required. A willingness to engage in physical activity and exploration of body awareness is essential.

All participants should come with a pair of bachi.
If possible, please bring: Yoga or exercise mat, thera-band or towel at least 110 cm long

Musical transcription is the art of listening deeply to music and capturing what you hear through music notation. In environments where resources like written scores or formal instruction are limited, transcription becomes an invaluable skill. Much like thriving in the desert, where survival requires adaptability, transcription allows taiko players to develop strong listening skills, rhythmic vocabulary, and musical independence.
This workshop is designed for those looking to improve their overall musicianship. Through ear training and a foundational understanding of rhythmic theory, participants will learn to identify common taiko idioms and apply them to their own playing. By honing your transcription abilities, you'll discover how to thrive creatively using a seemingly limited set of idiomatic vocabulary.

Prerequisite/What to bring:
Pencil and paper
Bachi

‘Shiawase no Kyoku’ composed by Sascha Molina, is an energetic piece which can be translated to ‘The Happy Song!’ This piece was written with chu daiko (beta), shime daiko and shinobue in mind, but, has been performed with various equipment combinations.

All levels of taiko knowledge welcome!


Please Bring:
Bachi for chu daiko and shime.

There is a Shinobue part to this song, if you have a shinobue and want to learn that section, please bring it to the workshop!