Taiko performance
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can perform a taiko ensemble performance with an ouchi using a variety of strikes, movements and kakegoe with an accompanying jiuchi.
Key learning points
- The main rhythmic part in a taiko performance is the ouchi. This is made up a variety of honji.
- Each honji can include a variety of different strikes, movements and kakegoe (shouts) and lasts for eight beats.
- It can also include ma, which is a rest.
- The ouchi is accompanied by the jiuchi or ji, which plays consistent doko or dongo strikes softly.
- We have performed an eight-honji ouchi, with an accompanying jiuchi, in time as an ensemble.
Keywords
Dongo - two quick taps on the drum head (right then left) in an uneven (shuffle) rhythm
Honji - an 8-beat pattern
Ouchi - the main rhythmic part in a taiko performance
Jiuchi - the accompanying rhythm in a taiko performance; also called ji
Ma - a space in the rhythm, creating a rest
Common misconception
Mixing up the dongo and doko strikes and comfortably swapping from one to the other.
The dongo is a shuffle feel, whilst the doko and kara are even beats. Practise alternating from one to the other so pupils can recognise them easily and can comfortably swap from one to the other in a performance.
Teacher tip
The performance can be adapted by shortening the ouchi or removing parts of the honji and replacing with simple repeated patterns.
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 hara?
Q2.What is fuchi?
Q3.Which of the following strikes are not on the hara?
Q4.An 8-beat pattern is called a
Q5.The stance used while performing is called
Q6.Technique in taiko is called
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the dongo rhythm?
Q2.What is the ouchi?
Q3.What is the name of the accompaniment part?
Q4.What is ma?
Q5.A strike is two medium taps on the hara.
Q6.The honji lasts for beats.
To help you plan your 7 music lesson on: Taiko performance, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 music lesson on: Taiko performance, 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.