This workshop will focus on ideas for soloing on beta-stand taiko.  We will play exercises for improvising on the spot and cover ways to prearrange material ahead of time.  Other topics include listening, dynamics, tempo control, and expression.  This workshop is designed to cover some fundamentals of soloing musically and is open to players of all experience levels.

Fee: $40
Please email info@taikonyc.com to sign up!

Eien Hunter-Ishikawa is a musician, composer, and educator specializing in taiko, shinobue, and percussion. Recognized for his musicality and versatility, he integrates his Western percussion education and traditional Japanese music training in delivering a unique approach to his performance and teaching. Born in Saitama, Japan, Eien was first taught by Saburo Mochizuki (a founding member of Sukeroku Daiko) and continued his schooling to earn his Master of Music Performance in classical percussion.

Eien has worked with many pioneers of music reaching across genres including Robert Hohner, Kenny Endo, On Ensemble, John Kaizan Neptune, and the Vancouver Intercultural Orchestra. As an in-demand instructor, he travels around the country teaching workshops and private lessons in a diverse range of topics. Eien has also made his extensive educational content available to everyone through the articles, instructional videos, and online lessons offered on his website. Currently, Eien is working to make Edo Bayashi (traditional festival music of Tokyo) accessible everywhere through a partnership with his longtime teacher Kyosuke Suzuki of Wakayama Shachu.

When not on the road, Eien makes beer, bread, natto, kimchi, miso, hot sauce, and other culinary delights at his home in Portland, Oregon. Recipes can be found on his blog, along with musician interviews and various topics of interest. Visit www.eienhunterishikawa.com for more information.