The Eva Kestner International Taiko Drum Academy is Japan's first and the world's first international taiko drumming academy. 

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Why should you play the Taiko Drums?

 

Since studying abroad in New York, I delved deeper into my roots and strived to better express myself.  I decided to utilise my musical skills which I have pursued since childhood, and started Cornell Taiko at Cornell University in New York State, and became the first Musical Director and lead drummer.

After graduating, I pursued a career in taiko drumming.  I won the Excellency Award at the New Artists Competition from the Tokyo University of Arts, and in 2023, my original music was published by renowned education company, Harper Collins.  I was also the cover image.  In 2024, my music was then published by Cambridge International Curriculum, and is now utilized in global music textbooks in over 160 countries and 10,000 schools worldwide.  Cambridge International Curriculum sets a global standard for education and employment and it emphasizes students’ creativity, imagination, team player skills, and cultural sensitivity.  In 2025, I decided to open the Eva Kestner International Taiko Drum Academy in the heart of Tokyo, Japan, my hometown.

 

I have always felt that taiko drumming inspires people of all ages, genders, and nationalities.  It’s profound impact to bring people together and form close ties between people regardless of people’s differences, is the kind of taiko drumming I would like everyone to experience.

 

Why learn from Eva Kestner?

There are several taiko drummers who perform internationally, but only a few are globally recognized.  Eva is highly accomplished, has a global mindset, and is able to communicate across different cultures.  She is perfectly bilingual, and understands both Japanese culture and western cultures.  She also has more than 20 years of teaching experience and have provided life long memories for people of all backgrounds.  She strives to grow her student’s confidence and self expression through her teaching.

 

Why is Taiko Drumming good for your health?

 

Taiko Drumming requires both physical and mental fortitude.  You use your entire body to make one sound, it is a great cardio workout, and it is also a wonderful way to release your stress.  It requires you to be focused and have great memorization skills.  Drum training even develops the frontal lobe of the brain and produces synapses between the left and right brains that only form from a significant amount of rhythm training.

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The International Taiko Drum Academy fosters the following:

1. Foster cultural understanding through music and taiko drumming

2. Enhance language learning through rhythmic patterns and musical expressions

3. Enhance everybody’s physical and mental fortitude.

4. Create a global community of taiko enthusiasts and language learners.

5. Preserve and spread Japanese cultural heritage while embracing international communication.

6. Prevent ageing and altzheimer’s disease through taiko drumming.

7. Team building for corporations, families, and organizations.

8. Promote physical and mental well-being through the practice of taiko drumming.

9. All people of all physical and health levels, including those with disabilities, can live better lives through the practice of taiko drumming.

10. Enrich people's lives through technology and the arts.

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Please enjoy the one and only International Taiko Drum Academy, both Online and Real Life!