Taiko burst onto the world arena in the early 80’s when a group of fit young Japanese musicians called Ondekoza (translated as ‘The Demon Drummers’) ran the Boston marathon barefoot. They all finished in athlete time and then proceeded to play a two-hour concert to a totally gob-smacked American audience. This launched the group into sell out concerts throughout North America & Europe.

Taiko originates in the Shinto temples of Japan. Now days you will also hear taiko with various cymbals and flutes at the Matsuri (Festivals). Only in the last 20 years has Taiko become an accepted form of music in it’s own right with scores being written for such odd combinations as Taiko and Orchestra. Recently the Sydney Symphony collaborated with a Master from Japan to perform music for Taiko & Orchestra at Sydney Opera House.

The basic techniques for Taiko are found in the strokes, stance and hand grip. While the technique is aesthetically pleasing it is to get the desired sound & resonance from the drum. The sound of a bass taiko is deep and voluminous. Some large taiko have a head of up 2 metres in diameter.