Taiko Drumming Courses in Japan

Early Booking Discount
25.00 per Course discount
Reservations by November 30

Easter 2010
Falls during the Taiko Courses
Extended Japan visit or Early
flight booking advised

Japanese 'Taiko'
Drumming Courses
Fukui, Japan

April 2010

2010 Courses going ahead -
minimum booking established

Japanese 'Taiko' Drumming Courses
with
Taiko Master - Masaaki Kurumaya and Liz Walters

Introductory Course April 04 - 08, 2011		Intermediate Course April 11 - 15, 2011
5 days

Under the guidance of Kurumaya-Sensei and in a wooded valley outside Fukui, a custom built Taiko Centre (Dojo) was founded in September 2001. Fully equipped with a complete range of Taiko drums, and capable of taking classes up to 20 people, it is a superb facility.

In this secluded, dedicated and supportive atmosphere, the Fukui Dojo is designed to deepen the technical and spiritual awareness of Taiko Drumming.

The Courses progress from basic training in posture, technique, rhythm and Hokkuriko playing style, through awareness of the various Taiko drum techniques used in Japan, towards the learning and performance of increasingly complex Taiko compositions.

During the courses, emphasis will be placed on the spiritual and cultural origins of Taiko, and on mental and physical focus and discipline. The drumming technique is based on the traditional and unique Hokkuriko' style of Taiko, fused with other Taiko styles and world music influences.

INTRODUCTORY COURSE
Monday April 05 - Friday April 9 2010
5 days - ¥45,000 Yen & £125*

Designed as an introduction to local drumming techniques, especially for beginners to Taiko drumming, but also advisable for any newcomers to the Fukui Dojo.

Beginners - need to display a basic aptitude for Taiko drumming, and be reasonably fit. Drummers and musicians, dancers and active sports players, should have the necessary co-ordination, level of fitness and sense of rhythm and timing.

Experienced Taiko Players - generally require 2-3 days technical transfer for learning new rhythms and modifying playing positions, and are encouraged to start with the Introductory Course.

Professional and semi-professional Taiko players, familiar with different Taiko styles, may apply for direct entry into the intermediate course.

INTERMEDIATE COURSE Monday April 12 - Friday April 16 2010 5 days - ¥45,000 Yen & £125*
For all those who have completed previous courses at Fukui, and as a continuation course for those completing the introductory course, March 31 - April 04, 2008. Professional and semi-professional Taiko players, familiar with different Taiko styles, may apply for direct entry into the intermediate course.

Please note - Kurumaya-Sensei retains all rights to his compositions learned at the Fukui Dojo.
* Exchange rates in April 2009 will apply
Masaaki Kurumaya		Masaaki Kurumaya 'KI' - the Japanese concept of 'Ki' (Life Force) is central to Kurumaya-sensei's Taiko style and forms the basis of his passionate, dynamic and intuitive technique. Playing and performing Taiko since 1969, Kurumaya-Sensei has performed throughout Japan with Hibiki Daiko, and was the guiding force of the British based Taiko group, Mugenkyo, performing at 300 concerts throughout Europe in 1998/99 with them, culminating in a Japan Festival Award in London in 1999. He is an experienced tutor of Taiko with schoolchildren, students and adults and with foreign residents in Japan.	Liz Walters

	Liz Walters Playing and performing Taiko for over ten years, Liz studied under Taiko master Kurumaya-Sensei, both in Fukui and as a member of Mugenkyo for three years, developing a distinctive and arresting playing style - a blend of power,timing and sensitivity. Liz has toured extensively both inside and outside Europe with percussionists Joji Hirota, & Peter Lockett, Chinese flautist Guo Yue and with her own group, Tamashii Daiko. She teaches Taiko variously throughout the UK in a personable, friendly, sincere and inspiring manner. She also facilitates public and school workshops throughout the UK.

Course Information

The natural position of the Dojo, about a half an hour outside Fukui, means that transfer to and from the Dojo will be by local train at ¥640 return per day. The only mid-morning train leaves Fukui at 9.00am - the next one at 13.00 is too late - so course members are lodged within easy reach of the station, to gather for breakfast by 7.45am, set off for the station at 8.30am and take the 9.00am train. Upon arrival at 9.30am, it is then a beautiful 12 minute walk through the woods by a river (see photo right). The fresh air and the gentle exercise are an ideal preparation for the physical exertions of the day ahead.

Five hours drumming per day is about optimum - the day's session lasting from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm, breaking for lunch at a nearby restaurant.

The social aspect of the Dojo enables course participants and local Taiko players to meet informally at session breaks.

Travel Information

Flights - unless travelling to other parts of Japan before or after the course, all International flights should arrive at the nearest major airport at Osaka Kansai. As all World Spirit itineraries are available internationally, we do not quote international flights. We can advise on best flights and routings, and can generate flight proposals which clients are responsible for confirming by credit card. Flights to Japan have never been cheaper at about £500-550 from UK airports, and $700-800 from West Coast USA.

Transfer - From the train station next to the International Arrivals Terminal at Osaka Airport, it is one and a half hours to Kyoto station.
Changing to an adjacent platform, trains depart regularly for Fukui - one and a half hours north east of Kyoto (Yen1600 - Osaka/Fukui return).

Accommodation - which is good value in Japan, will be based at international standard hotels (room and ensuite bathroom) at about £30 - £40 per night. Japanese style rooms without private bathrooms - £20-£30 for those on a tight budget.

Japan Rail Pass - those wishing to travel elsewhere in Japan should consider obtaining a Japan Rail Pass purchasable only from official Japan Tourist Offices, only outside Japan.

	Gardens of Kyoto Tours and Products
	Garden Tours of Kyoto Expert guided 10 day Tours in April and November
	Japanese Garden Film Stylish DVD/Video filmed in Kyoto
	Photo Cards A range of high quality photo cards


'On The Way' (2007) CD 71mins £10.00		'Live at the Paleohora Club' CD 78mins £5.00