About
Oakland Taiko offers taiko drumming that combines Japanese drumming, dance, theatrics, and physical training. Participants learn taiko history, practice drum building and drum maintenance, and take part in performances such as cultural celebrations, street festivals, weddings, and taiko concerts. Classes cover different songs each month, and adults, kids, and seniors learn and perform together.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: Beginner classes on Wednesdays, kids’ classes for ages 8 and up on Saturdays, and monthly introductory workshops on Sundays
Members of Oakland Taiko have been part of the East Bay taiko community since 1998 and have been performing at festivals and local events for 25 years. The group, formerly known as Emeryville Taiko, became a non-profit organization in 2003 and is transitioning to a new name after 25 years. Taiko is taught in the tradition of martial arts, with a vast and changing repertoire that includes songs taught by visiting instructors, compositions by senior students, permissioned pieces from other groups, and open-source arrangements. Many of the drums are hand-built by dojo members and volunteers, and a drum building project completed 11 new taiko and many drum stands between 2023 and 2025, allowing the group to host full-size classes and performances with its own equipment. Emeryville Taiko, which holds the Oakland Taiko trademark, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity registered in California. Emeryville Taiko was an Oakland-based taiko class for children led by Yuri Morita under the guidance of Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka, and Susan Horn, originally assistant director, later became the instructor and in 1998 established the group as Emeryville Taiko. Donations to Oakland Taiko support its mission to bring the joy of taiko to more people and events in local communities.
Last updated March 22, 2026.
• Ages: 8–18 years old
• Schedule: Beginner classes on Wednesdays, kids’ classes for ages 8 and up on Saturdays, and monthly introductory workshops on Sundays
Members of Oakland Taiko have been part of the East Bay taiko community since 1998 and have been performing at festivals and local events for 25 years. The group, formerly known as Emeryville Taiko, became a non-profit organization in 2003 and is transitioning to a new name after 25 years. Taiko is taught in the tradition of martial arts, with a vast and changing repertoire that includes songs taught by visiting instructors, compositions by senior students, permissioned pieces from other groups, and open-source arrangements. Many of the drums are hand-built by dojo members and volunteers, and a drum building project completed 11 new taiko and many drum stands between 2023 and 2025, allowing the group to host full-size classes and performances with its own equipment. Emeryville Taiko, which holds the Oakland Taiko trademark, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity registered in California. Emeryville Taiko was an Oakland-based taiko class for children led by Yuri Morita under the guidance of Grand Master Seiichi Tanaka, and Susan Horn, originally assistant director, later became the instructor and in 1998 established the group as Emeryville Taiko. Donations to Oakland Taiko support its mission to bring the joy of taiko to more people and events in local communities.
Last updated March 22, 2026.
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