I’m Karina “Krim” Palmer — a drummer of 25 years and a dedicated educator for over 15. I’m the owner of Shug Studios, where I teach and mentor aspiring drummers of all ages.

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My journey started in Year 7 at secondary school after years of persuading my parents to let me take drum lessons. Once I began, I was completely hooked. I achieved Grade 8 in Drum Kit within four years and immersed myself in as many musical opportunities as possible.

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During my school years, I performed with Sleaford Concert Band, Lincolnshire Youth Symphonic Windband, and Grantham Music Centre Jazz Band. At the same time, I was also playing in punk rock bands with friends — writing original material and attempting ambitious Blink-182 covers — which gave me an early appreciation for both disciplined ensemble playing and the energy of live performance.

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After sixth form, I studied BTEC Music Production at Confetti College in Nottingham before progressing to drum performance studies at BIMM Brighton, where I further developed both my technical ability and professional musicianship under the mentorship of such inspiring drummers such as Steve White (Style Council), Pat Garvey (Ozric Tentacles), Vinnie Lammie (Spice Girls, Mel C) & Andy Maclure (Sleeper). 

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After completing my studies, I moved back to Lincolnshire and began teaching with the Lincolnshire Music Service. Alongside developing my work as an educator, I continued performing professionally — touring and recording with both original and covers bands across the UK, Europe and Ireland.

Balancing teaching with an active performing career allowed me to bring real-world industry experience directly into my lessons, giving students insight not only into technique and musicianship, but also into what it truly takes to work as a professional musician.

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I had always aspired to be self-employed, so when the opportunity arose in 2019, my husband and I took over Shug Studios together. Since then, it’s grown into a space that’s focused, supportive and full of energy — somewhere students can work hard, make noise and genuinely enjoy the process.

Career Highlights

• Student James Roland reaching the Top 10 Final of the Zildjian Young Drummer of the Year 2026

• Leading Boston Youth Jazz Orchestra and Hawthorn Tree Primary Samba Band at the Music for Youth Festival at the Royal Albert Hall

• Performing at Nottingham Motorpoint Arena with Ultra 90s, alongside Baby D and Kelly Llorenna

• Performing with And So I Watch You From Afar at ArcTanGent Festival (2014 & 2025)

• Touring across Europe and Ireland from 2013-present day.

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Whether you’re aiming for music college, competitions, touring, or just want to be the drummer everyone wants in their band, I’m here to help you build the skills and confidence to get there.

And if you’re just starting out? Every great drummer starts with a first lesson.

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Let’s get behind the kit and make some noise. 🥁

 

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