---

---

---

Bio

About Ian:

Ian studied drums and percussion at the Guildhall School of Music in London. Since graduating in 2004 he has performed and recorded across the world from Australia to Uruguay. Recording sessions have included albums at Abbey Road and Maida Vale, and festival performances include playing the main stages at Glastonbury and Bestival. He was the first ever Percussionist to reach the last 8 of the Guildhall School of Music Gold Medal Competition in 2004.

Ian is currently a professor of Drum Kit/Percussion at Christ Hospital School in Horsham, which has just won the award for 2024/25 Independent School of the Year.

He’s performed, toured and recorded with amazing artists like Florence + The Machine, Katrina and the Waves, The Irrepressibles, and The Heritage Orchestra. Now he’s here to help you learn to play with confidence and have fun !

---

Teaching Info

 Lesson Content:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZAX6ZuatEk

Ian has been teaching Trinity Rock and Pop drum kit exams for the past 20 years, but exams are not for everyone and he creates an individual programme of study for every pupil based on their interests. The key component is to make the lessons as engaging and fun as possible, the practice goals clear and to also keep a close eye on both the short term and long term musical ambitions of the student.

Every course is uniquely tailored to every individual student and can include:
– How to play and create drum grooves and fills in all musical styles
– Timing and rhythmic awareness
– How to play along to your favourite songs
– How to read music and create your own drum parts
– How to play in a band
– How to write songs
– Graded examinations from grade 1 to Diploma level (Trinity Rock and Pop)
– How to Improvise
– Technique/Rudiments
– Audition/Exam Preparation

Initial free consultation:

Please get in touch for a free 30 minute video chat, just to get to know each other and see if we are a good fit. We will spend some of this time discussing the technical aspects of the lesson and the exact equipment that you will need, so that your first lesson will run smoothly.

The first lesson:

First lessons are always such an exciting time and you might feel a touch nervous, but rest assured Ian will put you at ease! His students often say that they feel very relaxed and can be themselves in their lessons.

In the first lesson we will:

– Discuss the student’s goals, motivations and musical experience
– Plan a course of teaching that meets the student’s drumming ambitions

For beginners, we will:
– Cover the basics including instrument names, basic technique and grooves
– We will look at a range of repertoire suited to the student’s level and interest

For more experience drummers, a lesson will involve:
– Discussion of the student’s context and goals which will shape the lessons going forward
– Aspects including repertoire expansion, technique development, problem-solving, audition preparation, study towards qualifications or scholarships, playing in a band, creating your own drum compositions.

---