Kristy Oshiro

Kristy Oshiro has over 25 years of experience in the art of Japanese taiko drumming and performs and teaches all over the world. She started playing taiko at age 9 in Kona, Hawai’i with Kona Daifukuji Taiko and was an instructor and touring ensemble member of Portland Taiko from 2001-2007 while getting her bachelor’s degree in Music Performance in Percussion at Portland State University. She was also an instructor and youth programs director at Sacramento Taiko Dan from 2007-2014.

Having learned taiko from a young age, Kristy values the impact the art form can have on youth and her teaching style reinforces three key principles of respect, spirit, and perseverance. Lessons also include the history of taiko drumming, Japanese language and culture, basic hitting technique, and traditional rhythms mixed with games and songs.