Instructors
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization, Makoto Taiko strives to connect and empower people of all backgrounds by advancing the practice of taiko with intention and sincerity. Makoto Taiko is dedicated to providing a high level of taiko instruction through weekly classes, workshops, and programs for kids, adults, and seniors for over 20 years. Makoto Taiko also offers youth leadership classes to empower the next generation through personal growth and development, interpersonal communication, goal setting strategies, time management styles, performance psychology, and relationship building.
Hunter Loyd, Artistic Director & Lead Instructor
Hunter began playing taiko in 2000 with Makoto Taiko. While studying Languages and Cultures with an Emphasis on Japanese at Cal State University of Northridge he introduced and taught popularized taiko styles to the collegiate group Jishin Taiko from 2007-2009. From 2010-2012 he lived in Japan and taught English while playing taiko with Hikari Daiko in Yamaguchi, Japan. He is currently teaching new kids classes and youth classes at Makoto Taiko.
Shoji is a Grammy-nominated musician, composer, and producer. He started playing taiko at the age of 8 and has played continuously since. As a founding member of On Ensemble and the group’s primary creative force, he produced On Ensemble’s critically acclaimed albums Dust and Sand, Ume in the Middle, and Bizarre Heroes. Shoji is sought after by groups throughout the taiko world for workshops, masterclasses, and compositions. His compositions for taiko are performed around the world.
Patrick started playing taiko in 2011 with CSUN Jishin taiko Ensemble until 2015. Simultaneously he was scouted to be part of a professional taiko theatre troupe called BATARE between the years 2014-2018. In 2016 he joined Makoto Taiko and became a junior instructor AI performer until his departure to the Army in 2018. Since his return to Makoto Taiko in 2020, he has been fully committed to the group. He also currently works as a Physical Education teacher for an elementary school in Inglewood and loves his teaching jobs there and for Makoto Taiko. It is his dream to one day perform taiko internationally and tour with a professional group.
John Mitsugi Riley, Instructor
John started playing taiko in 2018 as a way to more deeply connect with his cultural heritage. Approaching his fifth year with Makoto, John feels like he is only just beginning to understand taiko. Beyond taiko, John enjoys hiking, film photography, and listening to jazz and funk music.
Alan Riley, Instructor
Alan joined Makoto Taiko in 2017 after Rebecca Lin, whose daughter he was coaching, casually mentioned an upcoming taiko concert. Having been interested in taiko since childhood in the Japanese American community, Alan was easily convinced by Rebecca’s enthusiasm to join Makoto Taiko. What he loves about taiko is collaborating with others who share a common goal of approaching all activities with intention and sincerity. Alan hopes that everyone who experiences Makoto Taiko, whether as a performer or spectator, will feel the group’s holistic unity. Outside of taiko, Alan is an avid sports fan, watching basketball, baseball, and football obsessively. Professionally, he is a Program Coordinator at Kizuna, a non-profit in Little Tokyo, and also works as a freelance leadership coach.
Karen began her taiko journey in 2012 when she took her first taiko class with Makoto Taiko in Pasadena, CA. In addition to learning and performing taiko, her leadership with Makoto Taiko included acquiring nonprofit status, serving as a charter board member and Treasurer for 4 years, President for 2 years, and Executive Director since 2020. She is currently one of 12 members in the Makoto Performing Group. Karen retired from Southern California Edison where she held senior leadership positions in the areas of engineering, financial analysis, and contracts. Karen has a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Masters in Applied Statistics.
Rebecca is enthusiastic about intercultural exchange. The encounter with Makoto Taiko occurred in 2016 when she saw them performing at Little Tokyo Japanese Village. Rebecca loves taiko for its combination of rhythm and energy. At Makoto Taiko, members encourage each other to be their best through sincere heart and practice. Rebecca is a Chinese language teacher and a Zumba fitness instructor, with a passion for singing and dancing.
Isaac Caldas, Teaching Assistant
Isaac began his taiko journey in 2015 with Hunter’s youth class. He spent three years with UCLA’s Kyodo Taiko starting in 2017 and has since returned to perform with Makoto Taiko. Isaac loves the physical, musical, and community aspects of taiko and hopes that CPG can continue to mentor and learn from fellow members. He works in the anime industry at an audio post-production house named Bang Zoom! Studios. When he’s not drumming, you can find him catching up on shows, cooking tasty vegan foods, and occasionally hiking around the foothills.
Ian-Erik Flores, Teaching Assistant
Ian started playing taiko in college with Jishin Taiko, where he performed for five years before joining Makoto Taiko in 2020. Makoto Taiko has been very welcoming and kind, treating him like family. Outside of taiko, Ian streams video games and enjoys archery.