Our Mission
Taiko Buddies was created to share the Japanese Taiko drumming experience with people of all capabilities to spread joy and enhance physical and mental health through music therapy. Studies have shown that Taiko drumming is particularly well suited to enhance neurologic, cognitive, and socialization benefits through learning drumming sequences in a group setting. In fact, a Japanese study has shown regeneration of brain function and cognitive improvement in dementia patients through sensory stimulation of drumming classes.
We have learned that the powerful sounds and vibrations of the taiko drums played in unison create feelings of energy and excitement for first-time players. As players hit the large drums hard they feel the vibrations in their bodies and feel the power of the deep booming sounds when multiple drums are played together in harmony.
We created patterns and sequences to play with music and visual aids to fit the abilities of the students. We are participating in ongoing taiko classes for children with Down Syndrome (DS) who are particularly well positioned for group dynamics because they are responsive to auditory, physical, and musical stimulation. Learning rhythms combined with physical activity stimulates therapeutic neurologic function and cognitive learning. We have successfully implemented the taiko program at a senior assisted living facility and are currently in the process of expanding the taiko music therapy experience to other groups as well.
We started Taiko Buddies during the pandemic in the summer of 2021 when most in-person summer camps and school activities were shut down for the second year in a row. We desperately missed seeing other youth and feeling the energy of in-person group activities. We thought that if we were feeling isolated, then special needs groups at even higher risk for COVID-19 complications may feel even more lonely because they are often not as independent to go outside on their own to do things.
Thanks to the leadership and training from music therapy instructors, we are learning how to teach non-traditional taiko students such as the elderly living in assisted living facilities at the end stage of life.
Taiko works particularly well for a pandemic activity because we are able to practice outdoors, physically distanced, wearing face coverings utilizing temperature checks, vaccination requirements, and contact tracing. We would like to share a Japanese cultural experience with non-Japanese at summer Japanese Obon Festivals, Cherry Blossom Festivals or other events to demonstrate how welcoming and inclusive Japanese art forms and culture can be to all living beings. Our goal is to continue to enhance the lives of our Taiko Buddies through playing taiko together and participating in community events and inspire others to try something new.