Big Ludwig bass drum with blossom tree image as front head. Asba Cork toms and Leedy single tension snare drum in a recording studio in front of wooden panels. Golden hour light.

Discover my masterclasses

The Holistic Drum Recording System

Modern drummers are no longer just performers. We are expected to deliver fully produced, mix-ready drum tracks from our own studios — often without an external engineer, producer or large recording budget.

The Holistic Drum Recording System is my structured approach to integrating:

  • Performance

  • Tuning & tone shaping

  • Room acoustics

  • Microphone technique

  • Phase awareness

  • Editing

  • Mixing decisions

  • Artistic intention

Combining every aspect into one coherent workflow. Instead of treating drumming, engineering and producing as separate disciplines, this system connects them. Because great drum recordings are never the result of putting up good microphones. They are the result of aligned decisions.

My masterclasses are designed for modern studio drummers, producers, and engineers. Each course is built around my Holistic Drum Recording System, helping you combine performance, instrument, tuning, room acoustics, recording and mixing into one coherent workflow. Whether you want hands-on personal guidance, group learning or full drum recording, there’s a masterclass to suit your needs.

If you want to work with me in your own working environment or in another studio, simply get in touch with me via the contact form on this website. I love traveling to new places! All of my masterclasses are held in English, Dutch and/or German.

Why “Holistic”?

Most recording problems are not recording problems.

They are:

  • Tuning problems

  • Arrangement problems

  • Listening problems

  • Phase problems

  • Perspective problems

The Holistic Drum Recording System teaches you how to identify the real cause — and solve it at the source. Not in the mix.

The Outcome

When you understand the full chain — from the first hit with your stick to the fully mixed song coming out of your speakers — you gain:

  • Control over your tone

  • Confidence in your setup

  • Clarity in your workflow

  • Faster sessions

  • Professional, mix-ready results

You stop guessing. You start deciding.

A pair of corn, straw drum brushes laying on a floor tom. In the background the rest of the blue shimmer Premier drum kit with several microphones in a recording studio with wooden panels and a wall made out of red old bricks.

1-Day Masterclass (Private )

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A pair of Beyerdynamic headphones hanging on a mic stand in a recording studio. In the back: Fully mic'ed drums with double bass drum in front of two big windows. The studio has a wooden floor and wooden panels on the walls.

2-Day Masterclass (Group)

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Close up of a 1970's Ludwig drum kit in champagne sparkle with a A&F Raw Brass Snare and Paiste cymbals in a recording studio. The drums are fully mic'ed with Sennheiser MD441 and MD421 microphones. The Studio has wooden panels on the walls.

7-Day Intensive Masterclass

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A green, single headed 1960's Premier Olympic drumkit with Ludwig Supraphonic snare drum in a small drum booth with wooden panels. Warm light. Several microphones around the drums.

Fixing The Drumsound (Engineers & Producers)

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  • "I learned so much from Jan during his masterclass on recording, drumming, and musicianship! I was able to ask all my questions, and we delved into my own recordings together. I recommend anyone who wants to learn more about recording, mixing, and music to see him."

    — Sweder Al (drummer for Fiep, De Kade & 247GO)

  • "I've recorded at Okapi Recordings quite a few times. Besides being a fantastic and well organized recording engineer, Jan is also an incredible drummer who's always searching for the best drum sound and part. That's why it's so great to work with him as a fellow drummer. When it comes to sound and feel, you can always bounce ideas off him. Plus, Jan is always "on" to come up with ideas himself, whether that's a different drum from his incredible snare drum collection or new & creative mic setups."

    — Willem van der Krabben (drummer for S10 | Jett Rebel | Tim Akkerman & The Ivy League)

  • "Jan is an excellent engineer and a remarkably tasteful drummer. During studio session, he helps you elevate your sound while fully respecting the person playing. A fantastic combination in my opinion. Thanks, Jan."

    — Jeroen van Santen (drummer for Davina Michelle | Van Velsen | Matthijn Buwalda)

  • "It’s always a real pleasure to work in the studio with Jan. He’s an expert in the field of sound and has a great ability to collaborate with others. By the end of the day, everyone involved is happy with the results. If you’re interested in the full (recording) process, I highly recommend attending one of Jan’s masterclasses."

    Arie Verhaar (drummer for Phil Bee & Tristan, teacher at Codarts Rotterdam)