Taiko composition
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compose a short composition using traditional taiko techniques and perform the ideas successfully within an ensemble.
Key learning points
- We have composed an ouchi and performed this in an ensemble with the jiuchi.
- This included a variety of different strikes, kata (including kamae) and kakegoe.
- A successful taiko performance considers the key principles of kata, rei, waza and ki.
- 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.
Teacher tip
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.
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is ichi ni sore?
Q2.Match the dongo and doko strikes to their correct features.
Q3.What is the word for a space in the music?
Q4.What is the ouchi?
Q5.What is the name of the accompaniment part?
Q6.What two strikes does the jiuchi usually play?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The four principles of taiko are kata (movement), waza (technique), rei (attitude) and what?
Q2.What is the correct kamae?
Q3.Which kata (movement) involves raising your arms in a Y shape?
Q4.Which is the verbal way of showing a rest?
Q5.Which of these strikes is the quietest?
Q6.Which statement is correct?
To help you plan your 7 music lesson on: Taiko composition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 music lesson on: Taiko composition, 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.