Rufus Drum Shop has a roster of highly qualified and personable instructors who teach a variety of musical styles and instruments. We offer lessons on acoustic drums. All of our instructors are practicing musicians and offer a range of musical styles such as folk, country, rock, pop, blues, jazz and metal. Whether you are 5 or 85, we have a teacher that will get you drumming!
We charge $35.00 for a 30 minute one on one lesson. Lessons can be booked as a drop in or on a weekly recurring basis. We are very flexible with times and lessons can be arranged for more than once a week. No matter your style, we have a teacher for you. We offer lessons for the Drum Kit and other hand percussion. Lessons are available at both our Commercial Drive location.
Email us, lessons@rufusdrumshop.com or call (604) 222-DRUM (3786) ext. 1 to book your lessons
TUITION FEES: We offer two options for lessons: drop-in or weekly. Lesson rates are $35 per half hour.
WEEKLY LESSONS: Weekly lessons are paid by the calendar month on the first lesson of the month. Payment is required when the lesson time is booked, either in person, or by phone. If you prefer, we can keep a record of a credit card to process monthly payments. Once you have registered for weekly lessons, you will be on the schedule indefinitely or until proper notice to discontinue lessons is given.
DROP-IN LESSONS: The tuition fee for a “drop-in” lesson is $35.00 for a half hour, payment is required when the lesson is booked. Drop-in lessons are booked by availability and cannot be cancelled.
GROUP LESSONS: Rufus Rudiment Club – Playing drums for a while now? Looking to advance your drum rudiments knowledge and skill? Looking to find a way to make better use of your practice time? Well then, this is the class for you. Designed and taught by legendary teacher Tristan Helgason. Wednesdays from 7-8:00 pm • $30 / Hour – Weekly or Drop-Ins available. Rufus regular lesson policy applies. *For drummers with minimum 2 years playing experience *Students must bring your own pad, stand and sticks *Space is limited
IN HOME LESSONS: Enjoy lessons in the comfort of your own home. Lessons are 45 minute long at an $80 rate per lesson. (no drop ins available) and availability may differ depending on your address. Your own kit set up is required for in home lessons.
MISSED LESSONS/CANCELLATIONS: If you are unable to attend a weekly lesson, we require 48 hours notice. With proper notice the option of a make-up lesson will be available. Unfortunately without sufficient notice, the student will be charged for the lesson. Lesson(s) that must be missed due to an instructor’s illness or professional obligations will either be rescheduled or filled in by a qualified substitute instructor. If you decide to discontinue lessons, the regular 48 hours notice is required. Drop-in lessons cannot be cancelled. Please call (604) 222-DRUM (3786) ext. 3 for any scheduling changes and speak with the lesson coordinator.
INSTRUCTOR BIOS
Joy Mullen
Availability: Mon, Tues (daytime only), Wed (daytime only), Thurs, Fri
Jay Benison
At the age of 10 drum’s entered Jay’s life and he found his passion and purpose from that moment on. Jay studied privately with some of the lower mainlands esteemed teachers and started playing Vancouver night clubs at 15 years old. He has been fortunate enough to have been selected as an in-house studio drummer for a Juno winning & Grammy nominated producer. He has secured resident gigs amassing him over 1200+ nights of live performance. Also no stranger to the road, Jay has played all of Canada’s biggest venues, as well as the smallest ones.
Jay enjoys teaching students drumming skills they will use to play along to their favourite songs and/or use in a band setting. With 15 years of teaching experience Jay likes to provide a comfortable environment for students to explore their own creativity and develop their own identity on the drum set in hopes that they can bring confidence and conviction to their playing!
Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Tristan Helgason
Tristan began his teaching career in 2004 in Regina SK, teaching varying ages, and skill levels. In 2014, he moved to Vancouver and started teaching for Rufus Drum Shop when they first opened in 2015. Tristan remains one of the shop’s most popular instructors.
Tristan’s performing career has brought him to every corner of Canada, the U.S, and Europe. He has played with artists like Cindy Wilson of the B-52s, and played alongside bands like Canadian punk rock legends Propaghandi.
Tristan is a great choice for any age group or skill level. His passion for music rubs off on whoever he’s teaching, and he makes learning drums a truly fun, enjoyable experience.
Availability:Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat; Rufus Rudiment Club – Wednesdays at 7
Alexander Marr
Alexander is a lifetime Vancouver resident and has been playing drums for over a decade. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the Berklee College of Music, a school from which he received a scholarship to attend. During his studies, he was accepted into the prestigious Berklee Global Jazz Institute. He has had the privilege of studying with world-class musicians including Danilo Pérez, Joe Lovano, Ian Froman, Dave Liebman, Billy Kilson, John Patitucci, Ralph Peterson Jr, and John Hazilla.
As a teacher, Alexander believes it is paramount to create an adaptable learning environment and has something to offer learners of all ages, experience levels, and learning styles. Every student is unique, and so lessons will be personalized based on each individual student’s goals and interests. No matter what his student’s musical goals may be, he strives to make the learning process fun and pass the joy that he gets from playing music on to them.
Availability: Mon (in home) Tues (in home) Fri, Sat, Sun
Karli Rose Macintosh
Karli Macintosh has been playing drums for over 20 years. After attending Selkirk College’s contemporary music and technology program in 2008/09, she relocated to Vancouver from Nelson BC. Since then she has toured, played multiple festivals, and recorded several records. Her teaching journey started 10 years ago when she, along with her band mates, began teaching rock camps/workshops instructing both kids and adults. She currently plays drums and sings in her band Space Queen, and hosts rock camps at the Carnegie centre on the down town east side.
Availability: Wednesday
Sean Dalton
Sean Dalton is the former drummer of popular Canadian rock band, The Trews. Sean is professionally trained in a variety of drumming styles including classical, rock, funk, jazz, African and more. He is an engaging and fun professional drummer.
During his time with the band, The Trews snagged multiple Junos, ECMAs, MMVAs and other acclaimed awards. Sean has shared the stage with the likes of Guns n Roses, Kiss, Aerosmith, Stone Temple Pilots, Bruce Springsteen, Jeff Healy, Big Sugar, Robert Plant, Kid Rock, The Black Crows, just to name a few.
Sean has studied classical music under Don Wherry, the head of percussion at Memorial University of Newfoundland, African hand drumming under Kwasi Dunyo, and jazz under the great Jim Blackley. He has been teaching private lessons for the last 8 years and has lots of experience with autistic, downs syndrome, ADHD and visually impaired students.
Availability: Mon., Tues., Saturday & Sunday
Gabe Mantle
Gabe Mantle has been drumming for over 45 years. A two-time Juno award nominee and two-time gold record recipient, he has toured the world with numerous bands, sharing the stage with Sum 41, The Offspring, Avril Lavigne, Simple Plan, and performing on the Vans Warped Tour.
He is proudly endorsed by Yamaha Drums, Paiste Cymbals, ProMark Drumsticks, and Evans Drumheads. Best known for his work with Gob, Gabe currently plays with Gob, Another Joe, By a Thread, and Precursor. In addition to performing, he teaches drums at Rufus Drum Shop, bringing decades of industry experience to his students.
Availability: Friday (in-home lessons)