01

Welcome

• name, something harder than you thought
• course overview
• dates
• goals
• NEW to Karc: sticking, exaggerated movements
• EXPERIENCE: form, speed

For Your Information

• 4 counts = 1 bar
• Each count will be separated by a " / "
  1-e-a-u / 2-e-a-u / 3-e-a-u / 4-e-a-u = 1 bar
• Normal = normal speed (formerly referenced as "fast")
• Half = half speed (formerly referenced as "medium")
• Quarter = quarter speed (formerly referenced as "slow")
• Kuchishoga
"g-" = left
Example:
gon/go: left hit
ga: left rim hit

"d-" = right

Example:
don/do: right hit
da: right rim hit

KarD-2

ga do ga da / ga do ga da / ga do ga da / ga do ga da (x4)

REFERENCE VIDEO: KarD-2 slo-mo

Sticking for the RIGHT SIDE of the Taiko (Counts 1 & 3)

• Starting with both extended arms above the taiko, play the first ga around 2 o'clock of the rim in a tangential motion. Up-down
• Above the dropping left hand, play the do. Make sure to bend the elbow. As a residual, stretch/"push" the arm away from you and toward the 2 o'clock area of the rim. It's getting ready for it's next hit.
• The next ga is played by basically retracing its own path. Down-up
• Since the right arm is already above the rim, all you have to do to play the last da is drop your bachi and bounce back up. End in a stance similar to the beginning; extended arms above the taiko.

Sticking for the LEFT SIDE of the Taiko (Counts 2 & 4)

• Starting with both extended arms above the taiko, play the first ga around 10 o'clock of the rim in a tangential motion. Up-down
• Following the left hand on a parallel path, play the do. Play through toward the ground.
• The next ga is played by basically retracing its own path. Down-up
• Again, following the left hand on a parallel path, play the da. Down-up. End in a stance similar to the beginning; extended arms above the taiko.

Stance and Movements

• You'll be in a stance where you're facing the taiko more directly (ie: standing at a 45° angle toward the taiko). Because your right leg will be in the foreground of the audience, your stance will be looking narrower. To achieve a more flattering stance, keep your right leg straight. Try staying on your right toe to keep the extension.
• Meanwhile, bend your left leg to adjust body position and be able to play.
• When playing on the left side of the taiko, twist your torso for reach and exaggeration.
• Practice in front of a mirror and self-critique.

KarD

**ga do da ga / ga do ga da / ga do ga da / ga do ga da (x4)

**As a whole, this section has slight differences in couple of bars. But for now, practice this simplified version

REFERENCE VIDEO: KarD slo-mo

Sticking for Count 1

• Starting with both extended arms above the taiko, play the first ga around 10 o'clock of the rim in a tangential motion. Up-down
• Following the left hand on a parallel path, play the right do. Play through toward the ground.
• The next RIGHT da is played in a down-up motion, around the 10 o'clock area of the rim.
• Lastly, play the left ga by following the similar path of the right hand. End in a stance similar to the beginning; extended arms above the taiko.

Sticking for Count 2-4

• Same sticking as KarD-2: Counts 2-4

Stance and Movements

• Like in KarD-2 keep the right leg straight and twist your torso when hitting the left side of the taiko (for reach and exaggeration).
• During Count 1, continue moving the left hand back as the right hand hits da. Maintain the individualism of each arm.

Clean and Close