Taiko Classes

Want to play taiko? Come learn with us! We hold workshops and classes throughout the year at our practice space in the Bert Richman Building at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre (4105 Lambrick Way, Victoria). You can also request a private workshop with Uminari Taiko through our booking request form.

We typically offer:

• 3-hour workshops
• 6-week classes
• 1-hour drop-in sessions

Our classes are intended for participants aged 13 and up. We do not currently offer children’s classes.

COVID-19 Protocols

To ensure the safety and well being of all those involved in our Taiko courses the following COVID-19 protocols will be in place.

• All participants must be double vaccinated to attend any taiko course including the instructors.
• You must sanitize your hands upon entry to the dojo and intermittently throughout the class. Sanitization supply will be provided.
• Mask wearing is optional.
• The dojo is large enough to accommodate physical distancing.
• Participants who have tested positive for COVID-19 must not attend class until they isolated for 5 days and are no longer showing any symptoms.
• Participants must not attend if they are have any symptoms of COVID-19 including fever, chills, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and new muscle aches or headache.
• Participants in close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19 must not attend class for 5 days unless they have tested negative for COVID-19 or they were wearing PPE at the time of contact.

3-Hour Taiko Workshop

No experience necessary! This workshop is a fun and energetic way to start playing taiko drums, introducing you to:

• proper taiko stance
• basic taiko technique and terminology
• a simple taiko piece

This workshop provides the foundation needed for our six-week and drop-in taiko classes.

Location, time, and cost:

Workshops typically run on Sundays from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Bert Richman Building at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre (4105 Lambrick Way).

Cost: $59 ($54 for VNCS members or if paid two weeks in advance)

Upcoming workshop dates:

> Sunday, Feb 5, 2023
> Sunday, Apr 2, 2023
Please indicate the course date when you sign up.

6-Week Taiko Class

Pre-requisite: three-hour workshop or previous taiko experience.

Our six-week taiko class is geared to those who wish to advance their knowledge of taiko. Over the course of six weeks, you’ll learn:

• proper taiko stance and hitting techniques
• different taiko rhythms
• using kiai (vocalizations)
• the importance of movement in taiko
• a full taiko song… with the opportunity to perform as an ensemble for family and friends at the final class!

The level of class may be adjusted depending on the skill level and experience of the participants.

Location, time, and cost:

Six-week classes typically run on Sundays from 2:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Bert Richman Building at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre (4105 Lambrick Way).

Cost: $109 ($99 for VNCS members or if paid two weeks in advance)

Upcoming class dates:

Pre-requisite: To take the 6-Week Class you must have attended our three-hour workshop or have previous taiko experience.

> Sundays Feb 12 to Mar 19, 2023 Time 2:15 to 3:45

> Sundays Apr 16 to May 28, 2023 (no class May 21) Time 2:15 to 3:45

Please indicate the course date when you sign up.

1-Hour Drop-In Taiko Sessions

Drop-in session are an alternate way to continue your taiko experience without committing to a full six-week class. Over the course of an hour, you’ll learn taiko skills through drills and practice pieces. Anybody is welcome; no previous taiko experience is required.

Location, time, and cost:

Drop-in session typically run on Sundays from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the Bert Richman Building at the Gordon Head Recreation Centre (4105 Lambrick Way).

Cost: $10 per session or $60 for all eight sessions (paid in advance)

You can sign up for drop-in sessions in advance using the form below or pay $10 cash at the door.

Upcoming drop-in dates:

There are currently no upcoming drop-in sessions scheduled.

Class Sign-Up Form

Sign up for a class using the form below. Submitting the form does not guarantee your spot.

After receiving your sign-up form, we will contact you to confirm your registration and coordinate payment.

We encourage you to register early as we have limited spots available for each class or workshop. Participation in the workshop does not automatically guarantee space in the six-week class.

Refund Policy

Workshop refund requests are only eligible for credit. Credit expires one year from date of issue.

Full refunds are available for class registrations if requested at least one week before the start of the class. Requests received after that time will be credited to your next class registration.

All refunds and credits are subject to Uminari Taiko approval.

Questions?

Contact us if you have any questions about our classes and workshops.