Mu Daiko: Drumming Between East And West

Authors

Lei. X. Ouyang

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-25-2024

Published In

MUSICultures

Abstract

This ethnographic study introduces Asian American taiko group Mu Daiko (now Ensō Daiko) through a look at three members and their original compositions. The group is well known for their emphasis on movement and theatricality and developed their own unique style in the American Midwest. This case study explores how Mu Daiko continues the tradition of Asian American taiko drumming while simultaneously innovating and pushing the art form in new directions. Furthermore, I examine how Mu Daiko operates within the larger North American taiko community, their social justice mission, and how the art form engages with, and is informed by, the larger Asian American movement.

Comments

This work is freely available courtesy of The Canadian Society for Traditional Music / La Société canadienne pour les traditions musicales.

This article has accompanying videos on the MUSICultures YouTube channel.

Recommended Citation

Lei. X. Ouyang. (2024). "Mu Daiko: Drumming Between East And West". MUSICultures. Volume 51, 167-192.
https://works.swarthmore.edu/fac-music/83