Welcome to Puget Sound & Percussion. I’m Colin McLaurin, a professional drummer based in Marysville, WA. I have a deep love of music and a passion for teaching students of all ages and abilities. I also perform, record, and compose, and I’m happy to work with you on anything that is a good fit.
About Me
I graduated summa cum laude from the Berklee College of Music in 2012, where I studied with several fantastic drum instructors, including Dave DiCenso, Jerry Leake, Joe Galeota, Sergio Bellotti, and Jon Hazilla. In addition to drum performance, I studied music composition and production and minored in Harmony (music theory). Some electives that I studied included various piano courses, electronic production, and Ghanaian drumming. I continue to study with Claus Hessler and the Open-Minded Drumming community.
My professional performance career has allowed me to travel throughout the United States, especially all over the Pacific Northwest. From funk, rock, pop, and country, to jazz and musical theater, I’ve played all kinds of music on all kinds of stages, and this eclectic experience has shaped my teaching and performance style. I hold a deep appreciation for the broader world of music. I believe that a well-rounded musician is one who not only masters their instrument but also understands the rich tapestry of musical history and theory. I bring this holistic approach to music to my students and collaborators.
Before attending Berklee, my journey in music began at four years old when my parents signed me up for piano lessons. I started playing trombone in middle school because I wanted to play in the jazz bands, which was around the time that I got my first drum set and began teaching myself how to play.
I played trombone in the top jazz band at Mountlake Terrace High School while playing drums along to records after school. Even though I played trombone in the All-State Jazz Ensemble, my passion for playing drums began to take over and I soon found myself performing at the Montreux and North Sea Jazz festivals with the Edmonds Woodway Jazz Ensemble. Through high school and into my early 20s I continued to play in a variety of groups, sometimes playing a punk/ska show at a club on Friday night, then performing with a jazz combo at a swanky fundraising gala on Saturday, and finally playing contemporary worship songs at a church on Sunday. I didn’t start to study the drum set with any formality until I was 23 years old.
I began teaching music at The Seattle Drum School in 2013. My students ranged from 4-70+ years old and their abilities were as varied as their age range. I’ve taught young drummers in ultra-competitive jazz programs at Garfield and Roosevelt high schools, and I’ve taught adults who decided to start learning an instrument in their 50s or 60s. Most of my students play for fun and a love of the instrument, while some desire to play professionally or to attend world-class programs at places like Berklee or the Los Angeles College of Music. I have experience meeting students wherever they are in their drumming journey and taking them to where they want to go.
I have taught students of all skill levels, ages, and abilities including students with learning disorders and those on the autism spectrum. I am passionate about teaching and playing music and I know that I can help you accomplish your goals.
Puget Sound and Percussion was started in 2023 after my partner and I bought a house in Marysville, WA. The fully equipped 300ft² studio is designed to allow students to study a variety of instruments in one-on-one lessons, including but not limited to drum set, piano, hand drums, synthesizers, and electronic percussion. When not being used as a teaching space, the studio at Puget Sound & Percussion is also regularly used for a variety of professional recording services and music composition.
When I’m not behind the drum kit, you can often find me in the kitchen. I love to cook and make cocktails. Just as I create music, I love learning the fundamentals of different cuisines and applying them in my cooking. It’s all about creativity and self-expression, whether through food or beats!
I’m also an avid reader especially when it comes to U.S. and world history, but there aren’t too many genres that I’m disinterested in. As much as I love music, I believe that having a broad array of interests can enrich our perspectives, add depth to our lives, and
inspire us just as much as music does.
My Approach
Let's Drum Together
Join me on this exciting musical journey, and together, we’ll explore the world of drumming, rhythm, and self-expression. Whether you aspire to play in a band, record your own music, or simply enjoy drumming as a hobby, I’m here to help you achieve your goals. Ready to start drumming? Contact me today to schedule your first lesson and discover the rhythmic magic within you.