Art Lee, founder and Artistic Director of Wadaiko Tokara, brought his virtuosity and creative repertoire to diverse global audiences.  Art began his study of taiko in 1993 as a student of Master Tiffany Tamaribuchi.  In 1994, he was scouted by world famous taiko group, Za Ondekoza to join their year-long Japan Tour.  Art continued his study with Grandmaster Daihachi Oguchi, who is renowned
as the father of modern taiko drumming.
In 2001 Art received international acclaim by becoming the first non-Japanese granted by the Japanese government to teach taiko.  He is also the one and only non-Japanese to be crowned Solo Grand Champion of the world's most prestigious taiko competition in Tokyo.