In the never-ending quest to find exercise that doesn't really feel like exercise, many adults are turning to alternative means. One that has gained recent popularity is Taiko Drumming. While drums of varying sorts have been used in Japan for 1400 years or more, Taiko Drumming – the art form – has only been around since the 1950s. Taiko drumming is the traditional Japanese drumming that uses specially designed drums and incorporates stylized movement into each performance.

Settlement Music School, the largest and one of the oldest music schools in the nation is currently offering four 5-week sessions this fall for $80 a session at its West Philadelphia Branch, located at 4910 Wynnefield Avenue, just around the corner from Fairmount Park and the Mann Center. For about $16 per class, you can beat out any frustrations, work up a sweat, exercise your entire body—in particular your upper body—while you learn how to play one of the most visually spectacular percussion instruments available. The classes being offered at Settlement Music School include:

• Taiko Drumming Fundamentals I which focuses on Taiko basics
• Taiko Drumming Fundamentals II which further develops subjects presented in Taiko Fundamentals I
• Taiko Drumming Styles explores the different styles of playing the Taiko, such as Naname (slant style), Miyake style, as well as the playing techniques for the Odaiko (Big Drum), Shime, Okedo, and Katsugi Okedo
• Taiko Drumming Repertoire which focuses on specific compositions.

Settlement Music School is the largest community school of the arts in the United States. With six locations in South, West and Northeast Philadelphia, Germantown, Willow Grove and Camden, New Jersey, the School offers 10,000 weekly services and awards $2 million in financial aid each year. Settlement is dedicated to a mission of providing the highest quality instruction and activity in music and related arts of all abilities without regard to age, race or financial circumstances. They are the largest employer of musicians in the area with more than 250 highly trained faculty and staff. To learn more about Settlement Music School's Taiko Drumming Ensembles, call 215.320.2640 or visit http://www.smsmusic.org/programs/adults-classes.php?t=4&p=2