| Japanese Taiko Drummer & Musician
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BIOGRAPHY
DISCOVERY
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At the age of twelve, Jason was introduced to the Nicherin sect of Buddhism. While Jason also shared a fondness for eastern culture, it was through this practice that he found a specific passion for Japanese culture, history, and art. At the age of fifteen, Jason was introduced to Japanese taiko drumming while attending a festival at the Florida Nature and Culture Center. It was this performance that changed Jason’s life forever as he found his one true passion.
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Through the performance art of wadaiko, a perfect match was made as Jason’s passion for music and percussion was married in perfect harmony with his fondness for Japanese culture and history.
Immediately following his very first exposure to Japanese taiko drumming, Jason began to research and study on his own about the instrument and how it came to be the performance art that it is today.
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EXPLORATION
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Much of Jason’s training was based on the techniques and repertoire from Oedo Sukeroku Daiko. The reason for this was because sensei ISHIKURA Takemasa is the younger brother of one of the groups founding members ISHIKURA Yoshihisa. For nearly a decade, Jason would train with the Orlando Taiko Dojo in Orlando, FL and perform all over the southeast U.S. as a member of the dojo and Matsuriza; the performing troupe founded by sensei ISHIKURA Takemasa.
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In 2012, Jason desired to relocate to the northeast United States and in 2013 decided that one day he would call New Hampshire his forever home. After researching taiko groups/schools in the state, it was discovered that in fact none existed in The Granite State. In 2014, Jason decided that perhaps his purpose in life is to help bring the drums of Japan to New Hampshire. Jason then reached out to Shoji Kameda who provided guidance on what steps should be taken if this path was to be taken. Shoji’s message was preceded with an important step – travel to and study wadaiko in Japan.
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In 2015, Jason embarked on the next step in his journey and with permission from ISHIKURA-sensei, Jason traveled to Japan and studied wadaiko with world-renown artist Art Lee. While in Japan, Jason took the opportunity to also be exposed to other classical instruments that are commonly included in the taiko drumming ensemble. During this journey, Jason fortified his desire to bring the drums of Japan to New Hampshire. The journey across the ocean brought him closer than ever before to understanding the significant impact the Japanese drum has had on Japanese culture, society, and history.
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Upon his return to the United States, Jason formally asked permission to one day leave Orlando Taiko Dojo and move on to open a school for Japanese drumming in New Hampshire. ISHIKURA-sensei granted permission to Jason to pursue this path and so, the next leg of Jason’s journey began.
As Jason continued to make preparations to move to his new home state, he continued to study under various instructors whom have had enormous experience and exposure in taiko drumming and ensemble music specific to Japan. It is through these generous and sought after practitioners that Jason continues his exploration, studying, and training in the art of wadaiko.
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PURPOSE
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In 2016, Jason settled in New Hampshire and immediately began preparations to open Hokuto Taiko Dojo; Northeast Drumming School. Meanwhile, Jason forged new connections with other New England based taiko groups such as Odaiko New England, Mountain River Taiko, and Burlington Taiko. In an effort to continue his education, Jason made it a priority to establish these relationships with other groups and instructors.
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Hokuto Taiko Dojo began offering classes to the public in the winter of 2018. Since then, the school has also been able to obtain a nonprofit 501 (c) 3 status to ensure that its mission remains focused on community outreach and cultural exchange through the Japanese drum. Jason has also gone on to forming a performance troupe in an effort to share performances with local communities in New Hampshire.
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As a soloist, Jason continues to actively perform in New Hampshire and has been featured at events such as the Concord Multicultural Festival, the Nashua Multicultural Festival, and the Keene International Festival. He has also collaborated with local schools and education programs to provide educational outreach to children of all ages. Jason’s desire to teach has been propelled through the experiences he has had since beginning his journey with taiko. While he enjoys playing for an audience, he understands the importance of education and is working to fulfill his responsibility to educate and inspire a new generation of taiko practitioners and enthusiasts.
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American-born taiko drummer, Jason Seymore has been studying the art of “wadaiko” or Japanese drumming since 2005 when he began his training under the tutelage of sensei ISHIKURA Takemasa. Jason’s fondness for music began much earlier in life, however. At the age of two, Jason would listen to his father play the acoustic guitar and shortly thereafter began to show an aptitude for rhythm and percussion. During the fifth grade, Jason was introduced to the trumpet and began studying western music. He would then go on to playing trumpet and euphonium throughout middle and high school. At the age of fourteen, Jason began to study the guitar and singing. Like his father, he also had a passion for classic rock and began to dream of one day taking the stage as a rock musician.