Meet Isaku Kageyama

Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaku Kageyama.

Isaku, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in San Francisco, CA and grew up in Tokyo, Japan. When I was six years old, my parents started taking me to taiko lessons from Kenny Endo because they wanted me to learn and interact with Japanese culture and society.

This led me to study with Yoichi Watanabe, and I eventually became a touring member of Amanojaku, a taiko ensemble based in Tokyo. The journey of taiko and music has allowed me to travel around the world and meet amazing people.

I’ve been able to perform at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and graduate from Berklee College of Music. Last year, my ensemble performed in Ecuador and Panama, and I feel extremely fortunate to be working with Asano Taiko US in Torrance, CA.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s a challenge to take something like music, that you love and are passionate about, and make it your job. Playing music because it’s something that speaks to you, and playing music because it’s your job, are two very different things.

It’s a totally different relationship, and it’s something I had to learn and get used to. I’m truly grateful to the people that taught me, supported me along the way, and allowed me to have a career in music today.

We’d love to hear more about what you do and what makes you unique?
I am a taiko performer, instructor, and music producer with a unique understanding of both traditional Japanese music and contemporary American music. In a typical week, I’ll perform at a university, teach one of my compositions at a school, and record taiko for a video game soundtrack.

My training in Japan and the US allows me to bring together all these music styles and aesthetics, communicate with, and best serve the needs of my students and clients.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think a person is successful if they’re doing work they want to be doing. When you wake up, do you want to go to work? Or, is there something else you would rather be doing? I feel extremely fortunate to be working with people I respect and doing work that I am truly passionate about.

Pricing:

• Taiko Performance – $400-$1500/15 minutes
• Private Lessons – $60/hr
• Recording Session – $80/hr

Contact Info:

• Address: 1103 W Gardena Blvd. #301 Gardena, CA 90247
• Website: http://isakukageyama.com/
• Phone: 347-674-7258
• Email: isaku@isakukageyama.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isakukageyama/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isakukageyama
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/isakukageyama

Image Credit:
Ryan Bruss

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