1. Concerts: Since 2009, Makoto Taiko has consistently presented high quality annual concerts for audiences as large as 1,300 attendees. Approximately 70 intermediate and advanced players perform in our annual concerts including about 25 children. Makoto Taiko has continually collaborated with high caliber musicians, and we continue to search for opportunities to improve the quality of our concerts by working with musicians who expand our artistry. Past guest artists include accomplished musicians such as the following: Grammy Award-winning koto musician Yukiko Matsuyama; Grammy Award-winning taiko artist Koji Nakamura; Grammy Award nominated taiko musician, composer, and producer, Shoji Kameda; Grammy Award winner Hawaiian music artist, Daniel Ho; an internationally acclaimed shakuhachi artist Marco Lienhard; Grand Taiko Master Seiichi Tanaka of San Francisco Taiko Dojo; Nihon Buyo traditional Japanese dancer, Hidesomi Bando; electric violinist, Jason Yang; and traditional and contemporary shamisen and koto artist and vocalist Sumie Kaneko.
2. Classes: We offer affordable classes, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, on a weekly basis to our members. Membership to Makoto Taiko is open to the public. People find these classes personally meaningful for a variety of reasons. Our weekly classes support an average of 160 members ranging in age from 8 to 85 years and draw from communities throughout Los Angeles county. Our members experience great enjoyment and exposure to a Japanese cultural art that is steadily gaining popularity throughout the world.
3. Community Performances: Makoto Taiko’s Performing Group, composed of our most advanced players, provide high quality performances at local community events. The eleven members of this group also apply their time and talents to assist in teaching classes and lead member committees and other activities.