Lesson plans focus on reading, technique, style and improvisation. In person and online! Lessons emphasize technique, reading, rhythm, dynamics and style.
North Shore Drums offers personalized lessons on drum set for beginning, intermediate, advanced students and preparation for entrance to university music studies. Kristian Braathen teaches all styles of drum set as well as mallet percussion from his home studio in West Vancouver, his studio in North Vancouver, as well as in-home lessons. Since earning a Bachelor in Music Degree from Capilano Univ
06/02/2026
I just came across this gem! This is another publication by Ted Reed (I inherited this book from my drum teacher, Don Reid after he passed). Don’s markings in this book were from 1967, I think he was about 22 then? , , , ,
05/21/2026
Sound checking the rock and roll kit for ‘Bursting With Broadway’s’ spring concert! , , , ,
05/19/2026
Greetings friends,
It’s hard to believe but summer is just around the corner! I’d like to extend an invitation to anyone who is looking to improve their skill set on drum to consider my ‘Drum Set Intensive’, or summer lessons. My studio is located in North Vancouver and I accept students of all levels, from beginners to advanced. For lessons, I offer one hour lessons and flexibility through the summer months. For the drum set intensive, this is a week long program, typically Monday- Friday for 2 hours each day. I teach technique, drum set styles (Rock, Jazz, Funk etc), reading (everything needed for school band) and improvisation. This year I’m adding a section called ‘Recording Drums 101’, which will introduce the student to the basic steps of setting up, microphone placement, preparing to record and recording of drum set. This is especially something I wish I was exposed to when I first started in music! For more information on lessons or the intensive, feel free to contact me at, [email protected] or through my website, www.northshoredrums.com
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An introduction to the basic ‘Afro Cuban’ rhythm for drum kit (part 1). Be sure to tune in again soon to see parts 2 & 3.
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Sticking exercise to improve your swing/shuffle feel!
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Learning brushes with The Ahmad Jamal Trio! This is a bit of my 11 year old student playing along with the great recording of ‘It Might As Well Be Spring’ by the Ahmad Jamal Trio , , , ,
03/03/2026
It felt great to dust off this excellent publication! Wonderful exercises by the amazing Joe Morello 🥁 , , , ,
A sample of me ‘trading 4’s’ with my trio a little while back. This is when a drummer takes turns playing a 4 bar solo with one or more musicians. I use Canopus NV 60 drums, Istanbul ride cymbals and Sabian ‘Hammertone’ hi/hats. I am endorsed by Canopus Drums (Japan) and love their drums immensely! , , , ,
A short clip of me performing with my trio at an event last December. It’s always a treat playing with these fine musicians! This song was a bit different for us, as we were improvising over a modal jazz song by Miles Davis, entitled ’So What’. We more often play in more of a ‘straight ahead’ piano trio style. , , , ,
A quick video of ne demonstrating to a student on how to put the cymbals on a hi-hat. My student is brand new to drumming, and was having some challenges putting it all together once she got the set home from the music store. I hope you find this helpful, feel free to reach out with any other drum set related questions! , , , ,
| Tuesday | 3pm - 9pm |
| Thursday | 2pm - 9pm |
| Saturday | 9am - 6pm |
| Sunday | 12pm - 6pm |