One challenge to drumming, of any style, is to have a balanced strike. Not so easy when most of us have one dominant side that is clearly stronger than the other. So here are a few tips:
1) Practice SLOWLY. You can really listen and work to match the sound between both hands when you go slowly. Then gradually speed up. Stop again when you hear a gallop instead of an even rhythm. This can be painful but so effective.
2) Do more tasks with your non-dominant hand. Try buttoning your buttons, opening doors, zipping zippers, brushing your hair or teeth, or retrieving objects from your taiko bag with your non-dominant hand. Stick with it even though it feels foreign and you will hear the results.
I was reading an exerpt to my family from the book Children of the Drum, the Life of Japan’s Kodo Drummers by Mark Coutts-Smith. Training with Kodo involved eating with chopsticks with the non-dominant hand. My 10 y/o son remembered that and asked me at dinner last night if I was going to eat with my left hand. Share with people what you are doing and they are great at keeping the intention alive.
