Wa no Ichi

With Kaoly Asano

View Course Lessons

“Wa no Ichi” is an open source piece by Kaoly Asano. The piece is a great way to begin learning Kaoly’s groove style, where energy is driven by the tanden and movements. The course will also have opportunities to use your voice when learning patterns such as the Sun and Moon Phrase. These phrases, though different, are meant to play in harmony with each other; thus, this piece is also a helpful way to train yourself and your team to listen to surrounding parts and develop a stronger ability to play together.

Featured Instruments and Accessories:

Other Instruments:
1.6 Mark Miyoshi Okedo (tan)

Course Resources include:

  • Wa no Ichi Study Guide PDF
  • Wa no Ichi Structure Chart PDF
“Update 8/7/2020:
On p. 14, Rhythm Second set should read as:
Rhythm Second Set is [4 Moon Phrases + Magic Word + 4 Sun Phrases]. Previous version said Renda Round instead of Sun Phrase”

Course Resources

Sign In to access course resources. Not a subscriber yet? Subscribe Now

Course Lessons

Lesson 1: Renda Method

Kaoly introduces the concept of Renda (continuous hits that link together). She also shows us how she uses her core...

FREE LESSON

Lesson 2 – “Dakadan Dan” Phrase

Kaoly introduces the “Dakadan Dan” Phrase, one of the basic building blocks of “Wa no Ichi.” Kaoly also further explains...

Lesson 3 – Sun Phrase

Kaoly teaches the Sun Phrase by linking together the Renda and Dakadan Dan phrases.

Lesson 4 – Moon Phrase

Kaoly introduces the Moon Phrase, the partner to the Sun Phrase and explains how we use our bachi angle and...

Lesson 5 – Magic Word and Set Structure

Kaoly introduces the “Magic Word” phrase which connects the Sun and Moon phrases together. She also starts to explain the...

Lesson 6 – Outtro Phrases

Kaoly introduces the outtro phrases which finish the first set and the second set.

Lesson 7 – “First Set” Playthrough

Play Kyoku or Rhythm’s First Set with Kaoly

Lesson 8 – “Second Set” Playthrough

Play Kyoku or Rhythm’s Second Set with Kaoly

Lesson 9 – Interlude Phrase

Kaoly teaches the Interlude Phrases for Kyoku and Rhythm, which comes between the first and second set.

Lesson 10 – Performance and Arrangement

Kaoly performs all parts in this basic simple arrangement for 3 people of “Wa no Ichi.” Two special guests join...

Bonus – Play with Kaoly

This is a compilation of all the play-along segments throughout the Wa no Ichi course.