Lessons

Drums

The engine of the band: groove, tempo and coordination, gently then powerfully.

Drums
The essentials

Practical information

Who for
Children, teens and adults
Starting level
Beginner 1: no experience needed.
When
Mondays, 1 hour a week. Group schedule to be confirmed, write to us.
Where
In person, at 480, rue de Vernon, Gatineau (Québec).
Session
Fall 2026 session: Monday, September 21, 2026 to Monday, December 14, 2026, 12 classes.
Language
French or English
Price
$140 per block of 4 classes, small group ($420 for the 12-class session). See details
What to bring
Bring headphones or earbuds.
In practice

What happens during the class

  • We start with sitting properly and holding the sticks, then play first rhythms within the first few sessions.
  • We work a lot with a metronome: holding a tempo for one or two minutes without speeding up is an exercise in itself.
  • We play along to real songs, spotting the intro, verses, choruses and stops.
  • We learn fills — those short transitions between sections — and how to land cleanly back on beat one.
The progression

The path, level by level

6 levels, from the very first contact with the instrument to playing independently in a band. Each level runs 12 one-hour sessions.

01Beginner 1Getting to know the kitGroup planned — schedule to be confirmed

The student discovers the kit, posture, the beat and their first rhythms.

They gradually learn to accompany a simple song at a steady tempo.

02Beginner 2Deepening coordination

The student works on kick variations, sixteenth notes and first rudiments.

They gradually learn to control tempo and to build a part that follows the song’s structure.

03Intermediate 1Rhythmic vocabulary and styles

The student works on funk, shuffle, triplets, gospel rhythms and R&B.

They gradually learn to make their fills musical and to adapt to the song and the band.

04Intermediate 2Independence and modern grooves

The student works on linear grooves, afrobeat, reggae, 6/8 and gospel chops.

They gradually learn to control dynamics and to hold a role within a band.

05Advanced 1Towards real situations

The student works on speed, advanced independence, polyrhythm and neo-soul.

They gradually learn to handle stage, studio and church situations.

06Advanced 2The professional drummer

The student works on technical analysis and the demands of professional playing.

They gradually learn to work as a studio, stage, church or session drummer.

This path outlines the planned learning at each level. The starting level and schedule are settled at enrolment.See the frequently asked questions ↓

The Viva Sound experience

Learn and play together

We play together

From the first sessions we play as a group: listening to others, holding your part, coming in and out at the right time.

Serving the song

Our teaching is rooted in gospel and worship. Students learn to accompany a voice, not just to play notes.

An end-of-level review

The program includes an assessment or a final project, depending on the discipline.

Your teacher

Who you'll learn with

Jonathan Kalenda

Jonathan Kalenda

DrumsProduction

Drums and production: rigour in service of the groove.

Meet the whole team →
Pricing and enrolment

Session pricing

$140 per block of 4 classes $420 for the 12-class session Small-group rate · no taxes

Monday, September 21, 2026 → Monday, December 14, 2026

Fall 2026 session
12 classes, i.e. 3 blocks: $420 in total
Payment
Online through Zeffy: 3 monthly payments of $140, the first one when you enroll.

The session has started: before paying, write to us to check that a group can still take you. Same address for any question about the payments. Write to us →

One-on-one lessons: this rate does not apply. They are available on request, depending on the teacher’s availability.

Frequently asked

The questions people ask us

How do we choose the starting level?

On the enrolment form, you state the student’s level. Someone who has never played starts at the first level. If they already play, write to us before enrolling and we will work out the right group together.

What is my group’s schedule?

Classes are on Mondays. This group’s schedule is not set yet for this session: write to us and we will confirm it before the first class.

What happens after I enroll?

You receive a confirmation email summarising your enrolment. We then get back to you with the practical details — group, day and time — before your first class.

Another question? Write to us →

Other disciplines

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Ready to start drums ?

A question before you enroll? We are here.