New
New
Lesson 4 of 4
  • Year 7

Taiko composition

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

Lesson 4 of 4
New
New
  • Year 7

Taiko composition

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

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

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 help you plan your year 7 music lesson on: Taiko composition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is ichi ni sore?

the dynamic marking in taiko
Correct answer: a count-in in taiko
the four performers intaiko
the costume in taiko

Q2.
Match the dongo and doko strikes to their correct features.

Correct Answer:dongo,uneven shuffle rhythm

uneven shuffle rhythm

Correct Answer:dongo,played on the head of the drum

played on the head of the drum

Correct Answer:doko,even rhythm

even rhythm

Correct Answer:doko,played on the head of the drum

played on the head of the drum

Q3.
What is the word for a space in the music?

don
Correct answer: ma
hup
sore

Q4.
What is the ouchi?

Correct answer: the main rhythmic part
the accompanying rhythms
the edge of the drum
an 8-beat pattern

Q5.
What is the name of the accompaniment part?

Correct answer: jiuchi
fuchi
bachi
honji

Q6.
What two strikes does the jiuchi usually play?

don
Correct answer: doko
hara
tsuku
Correct answer: dongo

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
The four principles of taiko are kata (movement), waza (technique), rei (attitude) and what?

Correct answer: ki
sho
hara
kamae

Q2.
What is the correct kamae?

Correct answer: Left leg forward with the knee bent and right leg behind, straight.
Right leg forward with the knee bent and left leg behind, straight.
Left leg forward, straight and right leg behind with the knee bent.
Right leg forward, straight and left leg behind with the knee bent.

Q3.
Which kata (movement) involves raising your arms in a Y shape?

su
Correct answer: sa
hup
sore

Q4.
Which is the verbal way of showing a rest?

ki
hup
sore
Correct answer: ma

Q5.
Which of these strikes is the quietest?

don
hara
dongo
Correct answer: tsuku

Q6.
Which statement is correct?

the honji consists of different jiuchi
the jiuchi consists of different honji
Correct answer: the ouchi consists of different honji
the fuchi consists of different honji
the ouchi consists of different jiuchi and honji