Taiko Juku 太鼓塾
Saturday morning

「The place where sound and dedication meet」

Welcome to Taiko Juku – the lesson group for advanced taiko players who want more. Here, the focus is not only on technique and ensemble playing, but on building the full musical and physical foundation needed to truly shine on stage.

Taiko Juku is intensive, goal-oriented, and inspiring. You’ll learn to play with power, precision, and musicality, while developing yourself as a performer. The group serves as a breeding ground for talents aiming to grow into performing taiko ensembles.

Are you ready for the next step? Then Taiko Juku is your challenge.

Structure:
Arrival: 08.45 – coffee/tea & set up
Start: 09.15
End: 11.30

Trainer:
Erwin Oudshoorn

Level:
Advanced

Taiko Nakama 太鼓仲間
Saturday afternoon

「Friends in rhythm – drumming together for fun」

Looking for a place where you can drum together without pressure or performance goals? Join Taiko Nakama: a relaxed taiko group that meets every two weeks to make music simply for the joy of it. No performances, no stress – just the power of rhythm and the pleasure of playing together.

Everyone is welcome, with or without experience. For us, it’s all about connection, energy, and enjoying the moment.

Come and experience what taiko does for you – in good company.

Structure:

*NOTE: Times can vary per repetition*

Arrival: 11.30 – coffee/tea & set up
Start: 12.00
End: 14.15

OR

Arrival: 14.15 – coffee/tea & set up
Start: 14.45
End: 17.30

Trainer:
Marit Oudshoorn

Level:
All levels

Taiko Freaks 太鼓狂
Saturday afternoon

「Advanced taiko group with ambition」

Taiko Freaks is a training and development group for experienced taiko players aiming to progress to a (semi-)professional level. The group is intended for players with a solid foundation in technique and ensemble work, who want to deepen their skills in performance, repertoire, and stage presence.

Participants vary in age and background but share a common ambition: to keep challenging themselves and train hard to become the best they can be. Within the group, the focus is on precision, power, musicality, and discipline—while also encouraging individuality and artistic growth.

Taiko Freaks rehearses regularly and works on repertoire for public performances through project-based sessions. Every member is expected to contribute actively and prepare independently.

Structure:

*NOTE: Times can vary per repetition*

Arrival: 08.45 – coffee/tea & set up
Start: 09.15
End: 11.30

OR

Arrival: 11.30 – coffee/tea & set up
Start: 12.00
End: 14.15

Trainer:
Erwin Oudshoorn

Level:
Invitation only

KAON 火音
Saturday late afternoon/evening

「Fire and sound – a modern taiko group with deep roots」

KAON is an energetic high-level taiko group founded by Jim Gubbels and his taiko companions in 2019. The name combines the Japanese words "ka" (火 – fire) and "on" (音 – sound), representing the fiery power and resonant character of Japanese drums.

KAON blends traditional and modern taiko styles into dynamic performances that resonate with the audience. The group consists of players from diverse backgrounds, united by a shared passion for rhythm, movement, and musical expression.

With performances at festivals such as Elfia and the Japan Festival in Amstelveen, and as part of the international taiko scene, KAON shares the power of taiko with a wide audience.
The group rehearses regularly and works on repertoire that is both technically challenging and expressive. KAON serves as a platform for members to deepen their musical skills and as a bridge to the broader taiko community in the Netherlands and beyond.

Structure:
Arrival: 17.15 (sometimes earlier depending on the previous group)
Start: 17.30
End: 20.30

Trainer:
Jim Gubbels

Level:
Case-by-case