I’m running a beginners’ taiko (Japanese drum) workshop at Stoer hall in Assynt, in the North West Highlands, at 2-4 pm on Sunday 13th September 2026. Details are below.
The workshop is open to all adults (over 16 years old). No previous musical experience is required.
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
Time and date: 2—4 pm, Sunday 13th September
Location: Rhu Stoer village hall, Assynt — on the B869, just north of Stoer — parking is available beside the hall, see map below
Cost: £25 per person — places limited to six people — advance booking essential as the workshop won’t go ahead without enough folk
You can book using the Paypal button below or contact me to arrange payment by another method.
Please note: if you cancel within ten days of the date, I will only be able to provide a refund if I’m able to fill your place (unless there are extenuating circumstances).
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 🙂