At Artisan Instruments, we create non-traditional musical tools that empower people of all ages and abilities to explore rhythm, build confidence, and express themselves freely. What started as one man’s obsession with flute-making became a journey of craft, healing, partnership, and purpose — all grounded in nature and driven by curiosity. Our instruments aren’t just built to sound beautiful — they’re built to change lives.
Kristian had been a musician all his life, but years spent traveling for work left little time to play. When he returned to a steady rhythm, it all came rushing back. A job at a local drum shop reconnected him to his passion, and the moment he picked up a native-style flute, everything changed. He fell in love with its sound, its soul — and with it, discovered an unexpected new obsession: instrument making.
With no formal training, Kristian began crafting flutes from PVC pipe, purely out of curiosity. He had never seen himself as a maker — only a player — but something inside shifted. Making became meditation. As his skills grew, so did his vision. He explored woodworking, metal, plastics and sound. And then, something even bigger happened.
While playing in a band, Kristian met Lori. She wasn’t just his soulmate; she became his collaborator, his builder-in-arms, his daily creative spark. Together, they dove into woodworking, drum building, and experimentation. Lori’s encouragement helped Kris take the leap into launching a business. It was her belief in him that brought Artisan Instruments to life.
In the early days, the shop was a converted storage container in Kelowna. It was cramped, unventilated, and occasionally on fire. (Yes, literally. Welding + cloth = lesson learned.) Eventually, the couple moved to the Kootenays, fulfilling a dream of acreage, fresh air, and the quiet space to create. They now run Artisan Instruments from their forest haven, surrounded by the rhythm of nature.
Learning to weld. Cutting propane tanks safely. Figuring out powder coating. Kristian describes years of trial and error as a dance of skill-building: “research, development, skill, skill, buy the tool, fail, try again.” Every mistake taught something. Every breakthrough felt hard-earned. And the ultimate triumph? Creating the Boom Kashakas after years of refinement.
We build instruments for those who don’t fit the mold. Kids who need movement instead of music sheets. Adults reclaiming joy. Curious minds craving a rhythm of their own. Our instruments appeal to people who are brave enough to try something different — and playful enough to keep trying. If you’re drawn to vibration, sound, and self-expression, you’re one of us.
To transform how people learn and experience music — making it playful, empowering, and accessible for curious minds of all ages and uniqueness.
We believe music should be a source of confidence and enjoyment, a grounding outlet in a world of chaos. Our non-traditional instruments offer an alternative path to explore sound and rhythm. We want you to feel empowered to express yourself in your own unique way — and our mission is to provide you with the tools to make that happen.
Whether you’re a musician, a parent, a therapist, or someone who just loves to play — welcome. Your rhythm is waiting for you.
