Context and terminology of taiko
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can perform a short taiko structure using don and doko and can explain the origins of taiko.
Key learning points
- Taiko means ‘drum’ or ‘the art of drumming’. It is the global name for kumi daiko, which is Japanese ensemble drumming.
- Performers wear traditional outfits and use bachi to play the drums on the hara (head) or the fuchi (edge).
- Taiko is learned aurally and can be understood by using the kuchi shoga phonetic method.
- We have performed honji (eight-beat patterns) with don and doko sounds.
Keywords
Taiko - a Japanese word for ‘drum’ or the ‘art of drumming’
Kumi daiko - a form of ensemble drumming, originating in Japan
Bachi - the sticks used to play the drums
Kuchi shoga - phonetic notation used to describe rhythms, dynamics and pitch
Honji - an eight-beat pattern
Common misconception
Taiko is the name of the style.
Taiko is Japanese for 'drum' and the drums make up kumi daiko which is ensemble drumming.
Teacher tip
Have pupils repeat back words together as a group when learning the vocabulary, as they will need to get used to participating vocally together for the kakegoes.
Equipment
Voices or body percussion.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What musical element refers to how loud or soft the music is?
Q2.What musical element refers to how high or low the music is?
Q3.What term describes the quality of the sound?
Q4. refers to fast and slow, or the speed of the music
Q5.What role do drummers usually provide in a piece of music?
Q6.Japan is a country in which continent?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does the word taiko mean?
Q2.Which of these make up the traditional taiko outfit?
Q3.Which of the following is the correct term for the drum sticks?
Q4.What does 'ichi ni so re' do in a performance?
Q5.How many beats are in a honji?
Q6.Unlike western notation, taiko uses kuchi shoga, which is
To help you plan your 7 music lesson on: Context and terminology of taiko, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 music lesson on: Context and terminology of taiko, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 music lessons from the Taiko drumming unit, dive into the full secondary music curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.