The purpose of this group is to develop self-expression and musical creativity through the Japanese drumming instrument called taiko. Although taiko has existed in Japan several centuries, it has been used as a musical instrument for only the last 40 years. However, many taiko groups in the US attempt to reproduce “traditional” Japanese forms and rhythms as abstract forms, resulting in taiko becoming an “invented Japanese tradition.” This group is named “Drum Revolution” in order to reformulate the interpretation of taiko, and to treat taiko as an innovative percussion. It seeks to constitute coherent taiko drumming theory, which leads to effectively improve the player’s power, speed, and other important aspects of drumming skills.

Every Sunday: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
Fridays: 3:30pm – 4:30pm (Kids class)

Location: University Village Gymnasium
1123 Jackson Street
Albany, California 94706

Fees: $60 per month

Instructor: Kensuke Sumii

Kensuke began practicing taiko in 1999 was trained by several teachers including Watanabe Yoichi, the leader of the Tokyo based taiko group Amanojaku, between 2003 and 2006; Jimi Nakagawa, a founding member of Somei Yoshino Taiko Ensemble between 2000 and 2003; and Tanaka Seiichi, the leader of San Francisco Taiko Dojo in 1999.

For more information contact Kensuke Sumii at 510-985-3069, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it