Taiko in Michigan

Thank you for your interest in the Great Lakes Taiko Center. We are getting more and more excited as our plans to bring Japanese taiko drumming to Michigan increasingly come into focus with each passing day. In order to plan accordingly, it would be very helpful to know how many, and what type of people are interested in learning taiko drumming. For this purpose, we hope you will take 1 or 2 minutes to answer the 10 questions in this survey.

Brian and Mayumi (that's us) have been interested in taiko for many years now. About 2 years ago, we had an opportunity to move to Japan and study taiko drumming at Japan's most famous taiko maker, Asano Taiko, under the instruction of members of Hono Taiko, one of Japan's top taiko groups.

What is taiko drumming? Japanese taiko drums have been a part of Japanese culture for hundreds of years. Taiko were originally used as communication tools, or as parts of religious/cultural festivals. In recent years, however, taiko drumming has taken on a new identity as a concert instrument and has enjoyed a resurgence in interest and popularity, thanks to world renown groups like Kodo and Yamato.

What is learning taiko like? A taiko lesson combines elements of learning music, aerobic exercise, stretching, muscle training. Some people might compare the atmosphere of a taiko dojo, the teaching and learning styles, as well as etiquette similar to what is experienced in the martial arts.

We are planning on being based in and around Michigan, but please take the survey even if you are not from that area. Honest (Don't worry about hurting our feelings) opinions will be helpful to us, no matter where you're from.

The information we are collecting is purely for our own, personal research purposes, and in no way shape or form will be shared, given to, sold, shown to, etc. any type of third party, whatsoever.

Please keep in mind that none of the questions require an answer, so if you feel that some are too personal, feel free to leave them blank.

If we have sparked your interest and you are curious to learn more about us, our plans and experiences, please stop by our website and our blog after completing the survey. They can be found at:
http://www.michigantaiko.com
http://raiontaiko.blogspot.com

Thank you again for taking time to complete this survey.

Personal Information Remember, this information is being gathered purely for informational and research purposes only. In no way, shape or form will it be shared, sold, shown, etc. to any third parties. Please feel free to refrain from answering any questions you are not comfortable with. Name:
City/Town:
State:
ZIP/Postal Code:
Email Address:
Phone Number:

1. Great Lakes Taiko Center Survey

1. Gender

2. Please tell us your age range.

3. Marital Status?

4. If you have children living at home, what are their ages? (Choose as many answers as are appropriate.)

5. Approximate Household Income?

6. If there were a place to learn Japanese Taiko drumming in Michigan, would you, or your children be interested in learning how to play?

7. How far would you be willing to travel to learn taiko?

8. How often would you want to have taiko lessons?

9. Please give your opinion about these lessons fees:
Adult lesson, once a week for 90 minutes - $60 per month (works out to $15/week)
Children's lesson, once a week for 60 minutes - $40 per month (works out to $10/week)
Lessons would be in groups of 10 or 15 people.

10. Personal Information
Remember, this information is being gathered purely for informational and research purposes only. In no way, shape or form will it be shared, sold, shown, etc. to any third parties. Please feel free to refrain from answering any questions you are not comfortable with.