TAIKO PERFORMER, EDUCATOR, RECORDING ARTIST

Isaku Kageyama is a taiko artist, well versed both in live performance and in the studio.

His resume includes performances at venues such as Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, networks such as NBC, VH1 and BET, tours with the Japan Foundation, and residencies with The Pew Center for Arts and Heritage. He’s also an overall nice guy. :D:D:D

On stage and in the classroom, Isaku brings a breadth of experience performing and teaching both traditional and contemporary styles. A versatile collaborator in the studio, Isaku contributes to projects by bringing his extensive knowledge of composing, recording, and mixing to the table. When none of that is needed, his job is to make sure there is cold water in the fridge for everyone.

Isaku currently works as an instructor at Los Angeles Taiko Institute, performs with Asano Taiko US UnitOne, and records for virtual reality creators Rhythm of the Universe, and video game composers Materia Collective.

Formerly a principal drummer of Amanojaku, he holds a Bachelor of Music from the Berklee College of Music and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Longy School of Music of Bard College.

He is also a two-time National Odaiko Champion, becoming the youngest person to win highest honors at the Mt. Fuji Odaiko Contest in 2000, and Hokkaido in 2003.

From 2011-2014, Isaku was the resident instructor at Wellesley University and the University of Connecticut, and has held clinics at Berklee College of Music, Brown University, Rochester Institute of Technology, North American Taiko Conference, East Coast Taiko Conference, and Intercollegiate Taiko Invitationals.