About Us

My Name is Murat and I am the owner of Drummer's Hangout. My love affair with drums started when I found out there was an old Kingstone drum set at the back stage of a local theater and me and some friends could sneak in there and play it when we could. I was about 10 or 11. The connection was immediate. I was in love.

High school bands, regular bands, concerts, recording sessions followed. A move from Istanbul to Toronto brought me to this side of the Atlantic and more bands and more concerts and more recordings followed. As all good things usually must come to an end, when playing was over for me , teaching started. I took great pleasure in taking young guys , teaching them the craft and seeing them play in their school bands. I do not know of many other things that make you feel better than that.

I also started working at a music store selling drums and percussion instruments. Retail has its ups and downs but I totally enjoyed that for 13 years. I learned a lot. But an idea was always at the back of my mind , like a constant itch that would never go away with an occasional scratch...the idea of having my own drum shop! I wanted an environment where drummers , or any other musician, would come and hang out , talk about the craft, watch videos, talk about drums, drummers, drumming...with no pressure from anyone to buy anything ( well, I had to admit that would definitely help too), basically almost like an old barber shop environment, except for drummers and other musicians. A place where parents can sit and relax and have a cup of coffee or tea while their little ones are taking lessons from teachers that are qualified and competent.

This was never going to happen where I worked. I had to make it happen myself.
Now, when you make a decision like this, it is just about the most scary thing you can envision. Questions like "why, how, how much, how come, what if, what kind, where, " keep buzzing around your head every second of every day. And of course there is the good old "Nay Sayers" that you try to block out as well...
But my lovely wife , who was %110 behind the project from day one , kept me on track. Also positive words from close friends and family helped me immensely and I worked hard to make it happen and on Father's Day, June 21st, 2015, Drummer's Hangout opened its doors. I had my father on my mind every second that day. I thought he would have been proud...

My philosophy is simple : From the moment you enter the shop , until the time you leave, I want you to have fun and feel comfortable in knowing that you will get expert advice, correct information and stellar service. When you leave this shop, with or without a product, I want the experience to leave a good taste in your mouth. I want you to feel comfortable enough that you can call me and ask me about my opinion on a drum kit that you saw on Kijiji and planning to buy. I want to hook you up with what you NEED. I will try everything in my power to talk you out of buying your 6 year old a $4000 drum kit . If you win that argument, sure, you can have it, but I doubt it.

At the end of the day, talk is cheap...so please drop by, hang out, have a cup of something warm , or a pop from the fridge, see for yourself if this is the type of place you would want to spend your time and money.

It will be my privilege to help you.