Taiko groups in Scotland
There are many taiko groups in Scotland – these are the ones I know about. If you’re not featured here, please contact me: alison at taiko.scot.
Mugenkyo – Scotland’s first taiko group, founded by Neil Mackie & Miyuki Williams and based in South Lanarkshire, ‘Mugenkyo Taiko Drummers are the UK’s longest established taiko ensemble, and Europe’s only professional touring company of this thrilling & energetic performing art.’
Tsuchigumo Daiko – based in Glasgow, ‘Tsuchigumo Daiko is a Japanese style drumming group dedicated to studying, teaching, and performing the art of Taiko Drumming. Our aim is to raise awareness of the art within our local community and beyond, promoting its many benefits to general health and wellbeing, whilst highlighting the richness of Japanese culture through our classes, workshops, and performances.’
Shoshin Taiko Dojo – based in Aberfoyle in the Trossachs, ‘Shoshin Taiko Dojo is an organisation offering community taiko classes through Scotland, focusing on rural and disadvantaged communities. We aim to use this Japanese form of drumming as a tool for mental and physical wellbeing, inclusion and empowering of our players and their communities.’
Druma Daiko – a community drumming group based on the Isle of Arran.
2taiko – a taiko duo of Alison Roe and Yumi Célia, started in Montréal, Canada and now based in north-west Scotland and the French Alps – ‘it takes two to taiko….’
Taiko-based bands in Scotland
Painted X-Ray (formerly known as Ilk) – a Glasgow-based band with taiko (Georgie White & Alison Roe), guitar (Jer Reid), bass (Ali Begbie), violin (Rafe Fitzpatrick) – ‘a band with taiko at its heart’.
Issho Taiko Drummers – Glasgow experimental taiko band with Shane Connolly, Lucy Searle and guest musicians – ‘Issho Taiko Drummers explore new sounds using Japanese taiko drums and collaborations with other musicians to create a new direction within this musical form.’
Velma – a flute project by Georgie White which sometimes features taiko.
Scottish Taiko Festival
The Scottish Taiko Festival takes place in and around Aberfoyle in the Trossachs, a beautiful part of Scotland not far north of Glasgow. There’s a four day festival with workshops and performances from teachers from around the world, plus an intensive four day ‘gasshuku’ course beforehand.
Taiko in Wales
Another Celtic country with a growing taiko scene.
Aber Taiko – ‘a community-drumming group based in Swansea (South Wales)’
Taiko Mynydd Du (Black Mountain Taiko) – ‘the first community Taiko drumming group in Wales’ based near Crickhowell and the Black Mountains
Taranau – ‘a women’s taiko group based in South Wales’ with members from Aber Taiko and Taiko Mynydd Du
