Taiko Nakaza 太鼓仲土
Saturday

「Friends in rhythm – drumming together, simply for the joy of it」

Taiko Nakaza is a combination of "Nakama" (companions) and the "za" from the Dutch word for Saturday.

It is a group where sound, connection, and enjoyment are at the heart of everything. We come together without performance pressure, without striving for perfection, and without the ambition to perform outside the studio—although that remains a possibility. Our shared intention is simple yet powerful: to be present in the moment, together, through rhythm.

Within Taiko Nakaza, every member is equal. We learn from one another, listen to one another, and create a safe space where you can be yourself—regardless of experience, age, or background. The drum is our instrument, but friendship is our foundation.

Taiko Nakaza is more than a band. It is a circle of sound built on friendship and connection.

Schedule:
Various time slots.
See lesson dates for start and end times.

Instructor:
Marit Oudshoorn

Level:
Intermediate

Rehearsals:
20

Taiko Nakazo 太鼓仲日
Sunday afternoon

「Friends in rhythm – drumming together, simply for the joy of it」

Taiko Nakazo is a combination of "Nakama" (companions) and the "zo" from the Dutch word for Sunday. It is the ideal group for people who want to train on Sundays and dedicate themselves to building a taiko repertoire.

Within the group, we practice without pressure or performance goals, with enjoyment as our main focus. It is a relaxed taiko group that comes together roughly every two weeks to make music and have fun. No performances, no stress—just the power of rhythm and the joy of playing together.

The lessons mainly focus on repertoire, while also dedicating some time to proper technique.

Come experience what taiko can do for you—in great company!

Schedule:
Arrival: 2:15 PM – coffee and instrument setup
Rehearsal starts: 2:45 PM
Rehearsal ends: 5:00 PM

Instructor:
Jim Gubbels

Level:
Intermediate

Rehearsals:
20

Taiko Juku 太鼓塾
Saturday morning

「The place where sound and dedication come together」

Welcome to Taiko Juku – the class for advanced taiko players who want more. Here, we do not only work on technique and ensemble playing, but on the complete musical and physical foundation needed to shine on stage.

Taiko Juku is intensive, focused, and inspiring. You will learn to play with power, precision, and musicality, while developing yourself as a performer. The group serves as a breeding ground for talent that wants to grow towards performing taiko ensembles.

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

Schedule:
Arrival: 8:45 AM – coffee and instrument setup
Rehearsal starts: 9:15 AM
Rehearsal ends: 11:30 AM

Instructor:
Erwin Oudshoorn

Level:
Intermediate / by consultation

Rehearsals:
26

KAON 火音
Saturday afternoon

「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 comrades in 2019. The name combines the Japanese 'ka' (火 – fire) and 'on' (音 – sound), and stands for the fiery power and resonant character of the Japanese drums.

KAON brings traditional and modern taiko styles together in dynamic performances that move the audience. The group consists of players from various backgrounds, but with 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 broad audience.

De group rehearses regularly and works on a 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 wider taiko community in the Netherlands and beyond.

Schedule:
Arrival: 5:00 PM (sometimes earlier depending on the previous group)
Start rehearsal: 5:15 PM
End rehearsal: 7:30 PM

Trainer:
Jim Gubbels

Level:
Intermediate / in consultation

Rehearsals:
20

Taiko Freaks 太鼓狂
Saturday

「Advanced taiko group with ambition」

Taiko Freaks is a class and development group for experienced taiko players who want to grow to a (semi-)professional level. The group is intended for players with a solid foundation in technique and ensemble playing, who want to focus on deepening their performance, repertoire, and stage presence.

The participants vary in age and background, but share a common ambition: to keep challenging themselves and train hard to become the best. Within the group, the emphasis is on precision, power, musicality, and discipline, with room for individuality and artistic development.

Taiko Freaks rehearses frequently and works on a project basis on repertoire for public performances. Active commitment and independent preparation are expected from each member.

Schedule:
Arrival: 11:30 AM – coffee and setting up the instruments
Start rehearsal: 12:00 PM
End rehearsal: 2:15 PM

Trainer:
Erwin Oudshoorn

Level:
Admission by invitation

Rehearsals:
25