Nancy Ozaki

 

Primary Discipline: Music

Areas of Specialty: Taiko (Japanese drumming), Bamboo flute

 

Based in: Seattle
Phone: 206-762-0717
Email: oneworldtaiko@earthlink.net
Website: www.oneworldtaiko.com

 

Biography: Nancy Ozaki received her B.S. in Elementary Education from the University of Colorado in Boulder. After graduation, she taught on the Navajo reservation for two years and discovered the beauty of the Navajo culture and Native American drums. When she returned to Denver, she discovered drums from her own culture, the Japanese taiko. Ozaki continued to teach but also began performing with taiko groups, finally founding One World Taiko, with her husband, Gary. They have performed taiko throughout the U.S. and worked for four years as resident taiko drummers in the Japan Pavilion at Walt Disney World's Epcot Center in Orlando, FL. Ozaki continues to perform and teach taiko with One World Taiko.

 

When asked about her approach as a Teaching Artist, Ms. Ozaki wrote this: “As a teaching artist, I want to teach students not only how to play the taiko drums but also about the country and culture of Japan. Exposure to traditions and customs of another country broadens students’ knowledge and perspectives. It teaches them to honor difference and prepares them to live in a global society. Taiko is a physical activity. Students train their bodies at the same time that they learn a rhythmical, musical art form. Taiko also offers the challenge of working together as one. My goal is for every student to succeed. I endeavor to be patient and encouraging, to appreciate diversity and to make my classes fun and enjoyable.”

 

Suitable for Grades: K-12
Preferred Grades: 3-12

Curriculum Integration Possibilities: Literacy, Reading, Writing, History, Social Studies, Other Arts Disciplines

 

Additional Interests/Experience:

• Working with students who are English Language Learners

 

Next Teaching Artist >