ASSYNT—I’m aiming to do a beginners’ workshop at Stoer hall in October, for those of you who missed out on the summer ones. I’m also planning a short course, so please get in touch if you’re interested: alison@taiko.scot
COIGACH—I’m teaching a beginner’s workshop at the Coigach Community Hall on the 17th October so get in touch if you’re down there and interested in learning taiko. I can do more workshops and courses too, if there’s demand.
And if you’re elsewhere in the North West and would like me to teach in your area, feel free to invite me…
What is taiko?
Taiko — Japanese drums — are large, beautiful, resonant drums which are played standing, with large drumsticks. The movement is choreographed so there’s a strong visual element to playing, making it like a combination of music and dance.
Playing taiko is energetic, exhilarating and great fun. In this workshop we’ll focus on becoming familiar with the basics of playing taiko and playing in a way that feels natural and comfortable.
No musical or dance experience is required. The workshop will involve being on your feet for the best part of two hours so that basic level of mobility is required. If you’re not sure about your physical capacity for this, please contact me to discuss it.
Here’s a wee introductory video about taiko featuring my band in Glasgow (but don’t worry — in this workshop we’ll be keeping it simple and playing upright, not sideways, and only on one drum at a time…)
Workshop details and booking
Time and date: Saturday 17th October 2026, 11 am – 1 pm
Location: Coigach Community hall
Cost: £35 per person — places limited to six people — advance booking essential – email me for booking details.
Contact
Email alison@taiko.scot with any questions or to arrange a phone call. I’m not on social media.
I’ve been performing and teaching taiko for over 26 years and love introducing it to people who haven’t tried it before. You can find out more about my taiko teaching here.
If you’d like to try taiko but can’t make it this time, please email me and let me know you’re interested as this will help me plan future taiko events.
When you come
- Wear/bring comfortable clothing which allows you a full range of movement
- Wear/bring flat-soled, comfortable footwear
- You may want to bring a bottle of water/juice to keep yourself hydrated
- You might also want to bring ear plugs — I’ve done a workshop in Stoer hall before and everyone found the noise levels to be fine, however, Japanese drums are not quiet instruments — I’ll have a supply of foam ear plugs but, if you have your own, bring those just in case
Any questions, get in touch 🙂