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      Taiko composition

      I can compose a short composition using traditional taiko techniques and perform the ideas successfully within an ensemble.

      Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and

      Lesson 4 of 4
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      • Year 7

      Taiko composition

      I can compose a short composition using traditional taiko techniques and perform the ideas successfully within an ensemble.

      Copyrighted materials: to view and download resources from this lesson, you’ll need to be in the UK and

      Lesson details

      Key learning points

      1. We have composed an ouchi and performed this in an ensemble with the jiuchi.
      2. This included a variety of different strikes, kata (including kamae) and kakegoe.
      3. A successful taiko performance considers the key principles of kata, rei, waza and ki.
      4. We have performed a complete taiko performance, demonstrating these principles.

      Keywords

      • Kata - the correct body movement and posture used within a performance

      • Kamae - the stance used during performance

      • Rei - the correct attitude, respect and professionalism shown within a performance

      • Waza - the correct technique, expression and synchronisation used within a performance

      • Ki - the energy flow within the performance and audience when all of the other elements work in harmony

      Common misconception

      All the elements have to be achieved perfectly in order to produce a successful taiko performance.

      There is a lot to consider when putting the performance together. Focus on playing and moving together with repeated ideas to start with. Working as a team and getting the count in and stance right is important to support the rest of the performance.

      To emphaise rei, pupils can stand in a line when they perform to check for unity in performance and movement. This can be done as a whole class or in small groups. The performance can also include tsuku strikes for added interest and complexity.
      Teacher tip

      Equipment

      Voices, tables or chairs (if no percussion instruments are available), drum sticks if using chairs/hands if using tables, drums of any size or shape if possible.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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      Lesson appears in

      UnitMusic / Taiko drumming