One with the Drum
A Bay Area katsugi intensive with Eri Uchida
Oakland, CA
Join Eri Uchida (former KODO member) for a transformative two days of intensive katsugi workshops hosted by the Bay Area Taiko Collective.
Eri Uchida, a taiko performer and instructor based in Shizuoka, Japan, brings over 15 years of professional experience to her craft. After a decade as a senior member of the world-renowned ensemble KODO, Eri now combines technical mastery with a holistic teaching style as a sought-after solo artist and educator, distilling foundational taiko elements into accessible lessons for students of all ages and skill levels. Her work centers on empowering players to recognize and refine their innate potential, guiding them to elevate both their artistry and connection to the drum.
Designed to meet players at their skill level, these two days of workshops offer a structured path for both those who are new to the katsugi and those with some amount of experience with the instrument.
Day 1: Kastugi Fundamental
Beginner-friendly and welcome to all, the first day will focus on the essentials of katsugi technique.
Participants will learn proper posture, drum position and striking techniques while exploring the movement that defines the katsugi style. Eri’s holistic approach emphasizes body awareness and rhythmic precision, ensuring a strong technical foundation.
Day 2: Finding Your Groove
NOTE: For intermediate/advanced players OR beginners who complete Day 1.
The second day dives into dynamic sequences and more complex rhythms, including phrases from Summer Song. Through collaborative exercises and personalized feedback, Eri will guide participants in refining their form, enhancing their musicality, and becoming one with the katsugi.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sign up for Day 1 or Day 2?
Beginners and those who are new to katsugi should sign up for Day 1 and can sign up for Day 2 if they attend the Day 1 intensive. Those who have experience with katsugi may sign up for Day 2 without attending Day 1. However, even those who have substantial katsugi experience will benefit from Day 1, where Eri will spend more time on her approach to the fundamentals.
Do I need my own Katsugi?
Oakland taiko has a few katsugi and practice katsugi for participants to use that will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. If you have your own instrument, please bring it, as it will help us accommodate more participants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Should I sign up for Day 1 or Day 2?
Beginners and those who are new to katsugi should sign up for Day 1 and can sign up for Day 2 if they attend the Day 1 intensive. Those who have experience with katsugi may sign up for Day 2 without attending Day 1. However, even those who have substantial katsugi experience will benefit from Day 1, where Eri will spend more time on her approach to the fundamentals.
Do I need my own Katsugi?
Oakland taiko has a few katsugi and practice katsugi for participants to use that will be distributed on a first come first serve basis. If you have your own instrument, please bring it, as it will help us accommodate more participants.
Details at a Glance
Dates:
Saturday, July 5th 2025 – Sunday, July 6th, 2025
Times:
Saturday 12:30pm – 7:00pm, Sunday 12:30 – 7:00pm
Instruction:
12 hours of katsugi instruction (6 hours per day)
Registration fee:
$185 for one day / $360 for both days
Location:
Oakland Taiko Dojo, 388 9th St, Oakland, CA 94607. The entrance is on Webster St. facing the intersection of 10th Street in Oakland.
Meals and lodging:
Not included
Refund policy:
A full refund (less processing fees) will be granted up to 2 weeks before the event. After this, you may contact us to transfer your registration to someone else.
Space and number of katsugi okedo are limited. Sign up today!