Great Lakes Taiko Center - FAQ > General Information (15 entries)

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  • Where did you study  taiko?
    We studied taiko at Asano Taiko, in Hakusan City (next to Kanazawa). Asano Taiko is Japan's top taiko maker with a history of 400 years. Their drums are handcrafted and recognized ...
  • What are your qualifications as instructors?
    We both have extensive backgrounds in music and education and have also spent two years intensively studying taiko at the Asano Taiko Culture Research Center.
  • Will you perform for events?
    Yes, we will gladly peform for your events. Performance inquiries should be sent to: raion.taiko@gmail.com
  • Do you offer classes or workshops?
    Yes, we will begin classes in January 2010. Please see our "Classes" page for more information.
  • Where do you hold your classes?
    Classes are held at our studio space, Suite 309 at the back of the the Novi Commons building, 43000 W. Nine Mile Rd, Novi, MI 48375.
  • How many students in a class?
    Currently classes will not be larger than 12 students.
  • What costs are involved in learning taiko?
    Class fees range from $12 - $15 per hour, depending on the method of payment. Classes are either 60 or 90 minutes. The only other cost is for drum ...
  • How do you require payment of class fees?
    Class fees must be paid monthly. For those who are traveling long distances and have concerns about winter weather or schedule conflicts, we also offer a pay-as-you-go system for a ...
  • What if I cannot make it to a class?
    If there is a chance to make up the class, you may do so, but there are no reimbursements for missed classes. 
  • Do I need my own taiko drum to practice on at home?
    It is helpful, but it is certainly not necessary. Taiko drums are very expensive and difficult to come by in the US. Most students of taiko do not have ...
  • Are parents allowed to observe classes?
    Parents are always welcome to observe classes. 
  • Do students have performance opportunities?
    Yes! Part of the joy of playing taiko is performing for other people. As soon as we begin learning songs, we hope to provide many performance opportunities for our ...
  • From whom did you learn taiko?
    We have participated in numerous workshops led by current and former members of Kodo and Yamato, but our regular instruction has come from the members of Hono Taiko, mainly Ms. Mizue ...
  • Who is Hono Taiko?
    Hono Taiko is an internationally known professional taiko team of three women: Akemi Jige, Chieko Kinoshita and Mizue Yamada . Hono Taiko is sponsored by Asano Taiko.
  • What does your name mean?
    We are currently performing under the name "Raion Taiko" (雷音太鼓) which is a combination of Japanese Kanji, meaning: "The Sound of Thunder" and "Taiko" (of course). Raion is also pronounced in ...