Japanese Taiko Drumming (Online and Real Life Lessons)

Taiko Drumming is both a traditional instrument and an innovative medium for making contemporary music.
I am Eva, a professional Taiko Drummer, and I have playing the Taiko drums for 30 years.

Lessons will be taught online on weekdays and on-site in central Tokyo on weekends, in groups. Private lessons can be arranged upon request.

Here is my profile:

Born in Tokyo, Japan, Eva was raised by a family of scholars and artists with mixed German and Japanese heritage. From a young age, she learned how to play piano after her father introduced her to classical music, while she simultaneously learned Taiko after her mother introduced her to the Japanese arts. After graduating from the International School of the Sacred Heart in Tokyo, Japan, she attended Cornell University in New York, USA, where she earned a B.A. in Philosophy. While attending Cornell, she joined the Cornell University Percussion Ensemble. The following year, she co-founded the Taiko drumming student organization called Cornell Taiko (YAMATAI) and she was the lead drummer and Musical Director. After graduating from Cornell at the young age of 22, she returned to Japan and started performing professionally. She started her solo career a year later.

Eva is also trained in Japanese folk dance (with a focus on male styles) and has a passion for street dance and locking. She joined an Awa dance team affiliated with the prestigious Koenji Awa Dance Association and made her way to become one of the top female dancers in Japan.

Today, she brings Japanese taiko drumming and song to a brand new context of pop music and also performs with many distinguished artists, musicians, dancers, and Taiko drummers across multiple genres. Eva does not only perform using taiko, she also uses a number of other instruments that have a distinct flavor of the Japanese environment including Koto (Japanese Harp), Voice, and Piano. Eva also works in the field of education and teaches taiko drumming workshops to both children and adults and is also involved in humanitarian efforts such as raising awareness for the disabled.

Her music, dynamic performances, and selfless spirit continue to inspire not only her many fans but all who witness her performances all over the world.

In 2023, her original music was published by Harper Collins Publisher and she was also the cover image of their music textbook. In 2024, her original music was utilized by Cambridge International Curriculum, used in over 160 countries and 10,000 schools, which sets a global standard for education, and is recognized by universities and employers worldwide.

Extra information

Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothing.
Drum sticks will be provided at the on-site lessons. For online lessons, please prepare your own mini sticks and pads.

Location

At teacher's location: Chome- Nakane, Meguro City, Tokyo, Japan

Online via webcam

Use ⊞+wheel to zoom!

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General info

Children's music

Drums

Latin-world music, Pop

Sound (music)

Age:	Children (7-12 years old) Teenagers (13-17 years old) Adults (18-64 years old) Seniors (65+ years old)
Student level:	Beginner Intermediate Advanced
Duration:	90 minutes
The class is taught in:	English, Japanese

About Me

Eva Kestner is a professional Taiko Drummer, Entertainer, Artist, and Educator.

Born in Tokyo, Japan, Eva was raised by a family of scholars and artists with mixed German and Japanese heritage. From a young age she learned how to play piano after her father introduced her to classical music, while she simultaneously learned Taiko after her mother introduced her to the Japanese arts. After graduating from the International School of the Sacred Heart in Tokyo, Japan, she attended Cornell University in New York, USA, where she earned a B.A. in Philosophy. While attending Cornell, she joined the Cornell University Percussion Ensemble. The following year, she co-founded the Taiko drumming student organization called Cornell Taiko (YAMATAI) and she was the lead drummer and Musical Director. After graduating from Cornell at the young age of 22, she returned to Japan and started performing professionally. She started her solo career a year later.

Eva is also trained in Japanese folk dance (with focus on male styles) and has a passion for the street dance, Locking. She joined an Awa dance team affiliated with the prestigious Koenji Awa Dance Association, and made her way to become one of the top female dancers in Japan.

Today, she brings Japanese taiko drumming and song to a brand new context of pop music and also performs with many distinguished artists, musicians, dancers, and Taiko drummers across multiple genres. Eva does not only perform using taiko, she also uses a number of other instruments that have a distinct flavour of the Japanese environment including Koto (Japanese Harp), Voice, and Piano. Eva also works in the fields of education and teaches taiko drumming workshops to both children and adults, and is also involved in humanitarian efforts such as raising awareness for the disabled.

Her music, dynamic performances, and selfless spirit continue to inspire not only her many fans, but all who witness her performances all over the world.

In 2023, her original music was published by Harper Collins Publisher and she was also the cover image of their music textbook. In 2024, her original music was utilised by Cambridge International Curriculum, used in over 160 countries and 10,000 schools, which sets a global standard for education, and is recognised by universities and employers worldwide.

Education

International School of the Sacred Heart 1992-2005
Cornell University, New York, USA BA in Philosophy, Founder of Cornell Taiko (Student Organization) and Musical Director 2005-2009

Experience / Qualifications

Excellency Award at Ichikawa New Artists Competition
Original Music published by Harper Collins Textbook
Original Music published by Cambridge International Curriculum