Here at Mark H Taiko, we LOVE to bring amazing taiko artists here to DC to offer East Coast taiko players the opportunity to meet and learn from some of today’s top artists and innovators of kumidaiko. And we are thrilled to announce our 2023 Artist in Residence …
Otoha Asano
2023 Mark H Taiko School Artist in Residence
Born into a family with a 400-year drum manufacturing history, Otoha Asano had very early exposure to taiko. After graduating Senzoku Gakuen College of Music with a degree in percussion, she pursued the path of becoming a professional taiko artist. In 2008, Otoha became a taiko instructor in order to share energy to more people through her passion for wadaiko. Having established her reputation through powerful yet emotional performances, she joined Honoo Daiko in 2014 and continues to inspire the next generation of taiko players.
Join us July 30 – August 6!
Otoha-san will be in the DC area for a FULL WEEK and we have a workshop for YOU! Even if you’ve only taken a single series of our Recreational Taiko Class, you are able to study with one of Japan’s master odaiko players and teachers. And if you’re an East Coast odaiko baka, don’t miss Otoha’s awesome odaiko intensives!
Take multiple workshops and SAVE!
Want to take more than one workshop? Of course we’ve got you covered with a sweet discount!
Sign up for 2 or more workshops and SAVE 10% on your registration!
Here’s the full rundown of workshops for the week …
For ALL our students …
All-levels Odaiko Workshop
- MON, 31 July @ 7:30 – 10:00pm
- -or-
- TUE, 1 August @ 7:30 – 10:00pm
About: This popular style of contemporary taiko is a dynamic combination of artistic expression and a demonstration of physical prowess. This workshop offers an introduction to odaiko from one of its current masters, and is geared towards the curious taiko player with no previous experience in odaiko as well as those who’d like a refresher on their odaiko basics.
Prerequisite: 1 MHT class series or 3 months of taiko experience.
No previous odaiko experience required!
Max number of participants: 24
Location: The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
(Rever Studio – Room 3736)
8270 Alumni Dr, College Park, MD 20742
Directions & Info
Google Map
For those with more taiko experience …
Begin your shime journey
All-Levels Shimedaiko Workshop
About: The smallest drum in taiko is often regarded as the most difficult to master! This workshop is an introduction to shime technique for those who have no experience in the style or those looking to revisit it with a “beginner’s mind.”
Prerequisite: 2 MHT class series or 6 months of taiko experience.
No previous shime experience required!
Build strong technique
Shimedaiko Fundamentals Workshop
About: A deeper exploration of this nuanced and challenging instrument, for those who have some basic background in playing the shimedaiko.
Prerequisite: Previous shimedaiko experience (including those who take the All-Levels Shimedaiko Workshop!)
All-levels
Shimedaiko
Workshop
Dance Exchange (Studio 1)
- No previous shime experience required!
Shimedaiko Fundamentals Workshop
Dance Exchange (Studio 1)
- All-Levels Shimedaiko workshop participants welcome!
Directions & Info
Location: Dance Exchange
(Studio 1)
7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
For those with more odaiko experience …
Get ready for the intensive
Odaiko Fundamentals Workshop
About: This workshop is focused on the fundamentals of odaiko playing. Participants will work on developing and/or revisiting the building blocks of the style for solid odaiko futures!
Planning to register for one of the weekend Intensives but want to brush up on your odaiko skills first? This workshop is definitely for you!
Prerequisite: 1 MHT odaiko class series or previous odaiko experience.
(This workshop is NOT for those who are new to odaiko – if this is you, please register for one of the All-Levels Odaiko Workshops!)
Max number of participants: 20
Deep dive into odaiko
Intermediate Odaiko Intensive
About: This 6-hour INTENSIVE is for those who have already begun their journey on the odaiko path. If you are ready to take your odaiko to the next level and increase your understanding of the style, don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of Japan’s odaiko champions!
Prerequisite: 2 MHT odaiko class series or 6 months odaiko experience (including those who take the Odaiko Fundamentals Workshop)
Not sure if this Intensive is right for you? Just ask Mark H and he’ll be happy to help!
Max number of participants: 20
Odaiko Fundamentals Workshop
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center (Rever Studio – Room 3736)
- NOT for those who are new to odaiko — more taiko than All-Levels Odaiko workshop needed
Intermediate Odaiko Intensive
The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center (Rever Studio – Room 3736)
- (includes a 1-hr break)
- Odaiko Fundamentals workshop participants welcome!
Directions & Info
Location: The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
(Rever Studio – Room 3736)
8270 Alumni Dr, College Park, MD 20742
For those with EVEN MORE odaiko experience …
Advanced Odaiko Intensive
- SUN, 6 August @ 1:00 – 8:00pm
- (includes a 1-hr break)
About: This 6-hour ADVANCED INTENSIVE is for those with a significant background in odaiko. Build your skills as a soloist or a composer, learn an advanced approach to odaiko creativity, and expand your toolbox of techniques for what can be expressed through this powerful style.
Prerequisite: At least 2 years of regular odaiko practice
Not sure if this Intensive is right for you? Just ask Mark H and he’ll be happy to help!
Max number of participants: 12
Location: The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
(Rever Studio – Room 3736)
8270 Alumni Dr, College Park, MD 20742