Here at Mark H Taiko, we LOVE to bring amazing taiko artists to DC in order to offer East Coast taiko players the opportunity to meet and learn from some of today’s top artists and innovators of kumidaiko. We’re thrilled to announce our 2026 Artist in Residence …
Stuart Paton spent most of his childhood in Japan from age nine months through eighteen years. His earliest exposure to taiko included a subconscious learning foundation from weekends overhearing his neighbor’s own taiko practice, as well as a first-grade fascination with the drums at Obon celebrations in Tokyo (and learning “Matsuri Daiko” during his high school drama production).
His formal study of taiko began in 1984 during a summer apprenticeship with Grandmaster Seiichi Tanaka, founder of San Francisco Taiko Dojo – the first taiko group in North America. In 1986, not long after settling in Vermont, he founded Burlington Taiko and still serves as its Artistic Director 40 years later!
Stuart has established an artistic style that combines movement, rhythm, voice, and the efficient and graceful movement of chi, or energy, from the player to the drum. His affection for the group dynamic of taiko is evident both when he performs at the most advanced level, and when he instructs the most novice players.
Stuart is also an accomplished professional builder of both taiko and djembe with four decades of building experience. Each drum he builds is a product of his passion for preserving the rich sound of these traditional instruments, ensuring a balance between durability and resonant sound.
When he’s not playing or building taiko, Stuart enjoys reading sci-fi, fantasy, and spy fiction; salsa and folkloric dancing; and walking through marketplaces, yard sales, and antique shops. He is also an active student, teacher, and performer of Cuban and Haitian congas and djembe.
Join us August 8 – 16!
Schedule
Aug 8
@ Dance Exchange
Aug 9
@ Dance Exchange
Aug 11
@ College Park
Aug 15
@ College Park
@ Dance Exchange
Aug 16
@ Dance Exchange
Stuart will be offering a full week of workshops, drum building demonstrations, and a special Meet the Artist concert during his time in DC. And you just know we’ve got something for EVERYONE!
Take Multiple Workshops & Save!*
workshop = $75
workshops = $140 [save $10]
workshops = $200 [save $25]
workshops = $60/ea [save 20%!]
As always, we welcome current and returning Mark H Taiko students as well as our friends from the wider taiko community who’d like to join us in DC!
* PRices for SPECIAL Events
Intro to Odaiko Technique & Form:
The Paton Method
SAT, Aug 8
@ 3:00 – 5:30 PM
This workshop is for anyone looking for an introduction to odaiko playing … it’s ALSO an amazing opportunity for experienced players to learn the one and only “Paton Method” of odaiko playing!
Stuart has been performing and teaching odaiko for four decades. Along the way, he’s observed that there are many different goals for playing odaiko, and each has its own corresponding techniques and solutions. In this workshop, he’ll “download” a variety of techniques into the room and open up dialogues between them and your prior taiko experience. We’ll consider …
We’ll also ask some captivating “Paton Method” questions, such as …
Prerequisite: At least 3 MHT class series or 1 year of taiko experience
Max number of participants: 24
Location: Dance Exchange
(Studio 2)
7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Directions from Metro:
Exit the Metro and travel straight up Carroll Avenue. Continue for one block to Maple Avenue. Turn left on Maple Avenue and arrive at 7117 on your right. The main entrance and parking lot is at the back of the building.
Odaiko as a Canvas
SAT, Aug 8
@ 6:30 – 9:00 PM
What don’t you see when you’re at the odaiko? What don’t WE see? What else can be part of the picture?
Together, we’ll explore a wide variety of Odaiko sounds, pitches, and voices. We’ll delve into HOW to achieve those sounds by considering the following …
I’ll spill my beans 🫘 … you bring your beans! 🧠
Prerequisite: At least 2 odaiko class series -or- permission from Mark H
Max number of participants: 24
Location: Dance Exchange
(Studio 2)
7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Directions from Metro:
Exit the Metro and travel straight up Carroll Avenue. Continue for one block to Maple Avenue. Turn left on Maple Avenue and arrive at 7117 on your right. The main entrance and parking lot is at the back of the building.
Intro to Naname Technique & Form
SUN, Aug 9
@ 2:00 – 4:30 PM
If you’re ready to try this popular, festive taiko style for the first time … OR if you’d like to learn Stuart’s unique perspective on playing naname-uchi, this workshop is for you!
In this workshop, Stuart will share his four decades of experience playing and teaching naname-uchi, with specific attention given to the intricacies of technique and form that make this style so special. Topics will include …
Prerequisite: At least 3 MHT class series or 1 year of taiko experience
Max number of participants: 24
Location: Dance Exchange
(Studio 1)
7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Directions from Metro:
Exit the Metro and travel straight up Carroll Avenue. Continue for one block to Maple Avenue. Turn left on Maple Avenue and arrive at 7117 on your right. The main entrance and parking lot is at the back of the building.
“Tsubasa”: Naname-uchi Song
SUN, Aug 9
@ 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Deepen your understanding of naname technique … AND learn a song along the way!
In this workshop, Stuart will teach “Tsubasa” (Wing/s) as a scaffold for in-depth exploration of naname-uchi technique. Here are just some of the questions we’ll focus on as we play …
Prerequisite: At least 2 naname-uchi class series -or- permission from Mark H
Max number of participants: 24
Location: Dance Exchange
(Studio 1)
7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Directions from Metro:
Exit the Metro and travel straight up Carroll Avenue. Continue for one block to Maple Avenue. Turn left on Maple Avenue and arrive at 7117 on your right. The main entrance and parking lot is at the back of the building.
“Isamigoma”: Beta-uchi Song
SAT, Aug 15
@ 3:00 – 5:30 PM
Learn a favorite kumidaiko piece played by groups around the world!
Composed by Oguchi Sensei of Osuwa Taiko, this piece evokes galloping stallions. It features two interlocking parts, catchy musical phrases, and movement techniques with intriguing names like “baseball stitches” and “backwards locomotive.” Trust us, you want to find out what those names mean, so join us for this fun workshop to find out more.
This is a great piece for players with a wide range of experience … please join us!
Prerequisite: At least 1 MHT class series or 3 months of taiko experience
Max number of participants: 24
Location: Dance Exchange
(Studio 2)
7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Directions from Metro:
Exit the Metro and travel straight up Carroll Avenue. Continue for one block to Maple Avenue. Turn left on Maple Avenue and arrive at 7117 on your right. The main entrance and parking lot is at the back of the building.
“Dragonheart Ondo”: Beta-uchi Song
SUN, Aug 16
@ 2:00 – 4:30 PM
Perfect for newer taiko players and anyone who wants to learn an upbeat, accessible piece!
In this workshop, you’ll learn a fun kumidaiko piece that Stuart originally composed to honor a group of breast cancer survivors involved in Dragon Boat training for both health and community building. The song includes call and response sections as well as choreography inspired by the motions of paddling a Dragon Boat.
Those who take this workshop are welcome to add this piece to their group’s repertoire.
Prerequisite: At least 1 MHT class series or 3 months of taiko experience
Max number of participants: 24
Location: Dance Exchange
(Studio 1)
7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Directions from Metro:
Exit the Metro and travel straight up Carroll Avenue. Continue for one block to Maple Avenue. Turn left on Maple Avenue and arrive at 7117 on your right. The main entrance and parking lot is at the back of the building.
Drum Building Demonstration 1
TUE, Aug 11
@ 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Join us for a brand-new experience on the Mark H Taiko events calendar!
Ever wondered how taiko are made, why they produce such deep, resonant sounds, and how they stand up to years of use? This is the perfect opportunity to learn!
You will NOT be responsible for building any taiko yourself (trust us, you don’t want that kind of pressure)! Instead, you get to observe two experienced drum builders in action. In this hands-on demo, Stuart and Mark H will be building, re-heading, and repairing taiko in a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of Q&A and conversation.
Drinks and light refreshments will be served, and there will be an opportunity after each session to get a meal with Stuart, Mark H, and your fellow participants to keep the conversation going.
Prerequisite: All are welcome
Max number of participants: 15
Location: Mark H Taiko HQ
College Park, MD 20740
It’s a bus ride plus a 2-block walk from the closest Metro station, so carpooling with some of your taiko friends is encouraged!
Drum Building Demonstration 2
SAT, Aug 15
@ 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Join us for a brand-new experience on the Mark H Taiko events calendar!
Ever wondered how taiko are made, why they produce such deep, resonant sounds, and how they stand up to years of use? This is the perfect opportunity to learn!
You will NOT be responsible for building any taiko yourself (trust us, you don’t want that kind of pressure)! Instead, you get to observe two experienced drum builders in action. In this hands-on demo, Stuart and Mark H will be building, re-heading, and repairing taiko in a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of Q&A and conversation.
Drinks and light refreshments will be served, and there will be an opportunity after each session to get a meal with Stuart, Mark H, and your fellow participants to keep the conversation going.
Prerequisite: All are welcome
Max number of participants: 15
Location: Mark H Taiko HQ
College Park, MD 20740
It’s a bus ride plus a 2-block walk from the closest Metro station, so carpooling with some of your taiko friends is encouraged!
Meet the Artist Concert
Suggested Donation
at the door
(cash and Venmo accepted)
SUN, Aug 16
@ 5:30 – 7:00 PM
Please consider making a donation to support Stuart’s visit to The Mark H Rooney Taiko School. Thank you!
It’s been three years since we hosted a Meet the Artist concert, and we can’t think of a better way to bring it back than by hosting the one and only Stuart Paton!
In our unique Meet the Artist concerts, taiko artists play some of their favorite pieces, share works-in-progress, discuss their influences, answer audience questions, and much more.
Anything can happen at Meet the Artist – we’ve had Mongolian throat singing (courtesy of Shoji Kameda), ukelele (courtesy of Kenny Endo’s special guest, Abe Lagrimas, Jr), spontaneous storytelling (courtesy of Mark H and Kris Bergstrom), and audience members helping to create a special, improvisational piece (courtesy of Tiffany Tamaribuchi). What will happen at Stuart’s Meet the Artist? The only way to know is to join us!
Whether you’re an experienced taiko player or someone looking forward to seeing taiko for the very first time, this will be an evening of taiko that you’ll never forget.
Prerequisite: All are welcome … No advanced registration required!
Max number of participants: 60
Location: Dance Exchange
(Studio 1)
7117 Maple Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912
Directions from Metro:
Exit the Metro and travel straight up Carroll Avenue. Continue for one block to Maple Avenue. Turn left on Maple Avenue and arrive at 7117 on your right. The main entrance and parking lot is at the back of the building.
