Affiliated with the national Young Audiences Arts for Learning network
Announcement: As we navigate a leadership transition and focus on financial planning, our summer programming will center on Arts, Care, and Connection. This intentional pause in other activities will help strengthen our foundation as we prepare to relaunch our core Right Brain Initiative this fall—supporting students, schools, and teaching artists with renewed energy and focus. Arts for Learning Northwest remains deeply committed to making arts and creativity accessible to all.
Kazuyo Ito, an energetic Taiko drumming teacher who has performed internationally, teaches students the rhythms and stances of Taiko and its ethos of communal strength. Students learn respect for the tools of Taiko and for their peers, drumming in a circle so they can see and support each other. Students also learn to create their own rhythms and express their feelings through their drums.
Every residency session begins and ends with stretching, and students get an athletic workout in between. Kazuyo teaches aspects of Japanese culture and language related to Taiko instruments and performance and can integrate basic music education into her instruction.
All prep and planning beyond the initial planning meeting is included in the session fee.
This program offered by: enTaiko
Program Model: In Class
Art Form: Music
Curriculum Connections: Social Studies
Grades: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, K
Program Requirements: None.
Instruction Language(s): English, Japanese
Min. Residency Sessions/Classroom: 3
PLEASE NOTE: Arts for Learning NW has paused its support of all residencies, workshops and performances outside of Right Brain Initiative contracts. We encourage you to work directly with the teaching artists. If you're interested in being connected directly with this artist, please email [email protected] with your request and we'll forward your message.
About the Artist
en Taiko is a Japanese drumming group. The workshop and residency programs are designed to introduce basics of Taiko playing, including stance, simple rhythms, and playing with partners. It will also introduce aspects of Japanese culture. Students will enjoy experiencing the taiko drumming.
"I watched students go from being very out of their element to coming together and performing an actual piece. Many students excelled." --5th grade teacher, PPS
Program costs are based on a variety of different factors including number of sessions, planning hours needed and material costs. Please contact Arts for Learning NW for help determining the actual cost of your programs. Email us at [email protected] or call 503-225-5900, ext 705