Testimonials...


James Cassells  - "Asking Alexandria"

I began taking lessons with Ian when I was 13. Looking back at that time I could barely hold the drum sticks let alone string together a groove. If I was completely honest I must have had some innate talent or else Ian would not have taken me on as a pupil and persevered with me. The Drummer I am today is a direct result of his ability as a teacher and his willingness to share his skills. Ian is a hard taskmaster and expects 100% commitment from his students. With me he found a willing pupil and within 2 years I had accomplished more than I could have imagined. Improved technique, Rudiments, Styles, Theory and Sight Reading.  I would recommend Ian's books. They are very effective and produce real results!!
Achievements: Grade 8 - Distinction, United Kingdom, Young Drummer of the Year finalist, Harrogate Music Festival winner, Band member (Drummer) "Asking Alexandria" touring the world and living my dream, Thanks Ian!


Charles Inshaw - Ripon

"I have been drumming now for 10 years and am looking to take it further as my career, I strongly believe Ian played a huge role in creating the drummer I am today, and if I hadn't moved away, would still be guiding me. I started lessons with Ian at the age of 16 years old and his immediate friendliness, professionalism and capabilities instantly made me feel comfortable and confident to play to the best of my abilities. What sets Ian apart is his commitment to you. When you go home he is still thinking of ways to help you improve and carries on with ideas so when you come back to following lesson, you are always hooked, excited and quickly see results. He helped me through my grade 8 and plenty of other opportunities that wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for him. Ian's results to the right speak for themselves, very few tutors have a 100% pass rate, and for this and many facts I would never hesitate in recommending Ian to anyone and everyone. Thanks Ian."
 

Bill Bond. - Harrogate

I must say that I've enjoyed Ian's sincere and easy going attitude combined with a firm no nonsense professionalism. I confess that as a very late developer....a clue being the fact that I watched Keith Moon playing the Who's first hit "I Can't Explain" on TOTP in 1965. I have always had a passion for music in general and drums in particular so with more time on my hands I decided to test the saying "never too old to learn." After 5 or 6 lessons with Ian I now have the confidence and basic technique to build a foundation for steady improvement.  I am really pleased with progress over 6 months from first picking up sticks and looking at drum notation.
What I admire most about Ian is his modesty and his obvious sense of pride in the achievements of his students across the age and skill spectrum from a rank beginner like me to budding superstars!! Many have rightly credited their success to Ian's teaching and I am happy and humbled to contribute. This all inclusive approach is testament to Ian the man, and the teacher. Whatever age or skill level you can be confident that you will get value for money. Ian is no soft touch, he's a top professional with a great pedigree, so praise is only dished out when its well and truly earned. I like that and I like the thought of becoming as good as I can be with Ian's help and encouragement.
Thanks Ian for opening up another chapter.


Will Price - Harrogate

I had drum lessons with Ian for several years after switching teachers following a recommendation from a friend already with him. This was definitely the best decision I have made while playing the drums as I can’t think of better teacher both in his teaching techniques and personality. Ian is committed to getting the best out of your playing while creating a relaxed atmosphere that is easy to fit in to and play. He is always coming up with new techniques and styles which he thinks you will enjoy helping keeping the learning fresh and challenging . Ian is always warm and friendly making you get the most enjoyment out of your playing while you are there making the lessons something to really look forward to. Whether you want to do grades or simply improve your playing I would recommend Ian highly. I would also recommend the "Percussive Edge" books as they have really helped with the learning process helping build up my playing style. The studio set up is also excellent and really helps the teaching process. I cannot recommend Ian enough as he has definitely made me the player that I am today while creating a brilliant teaching experience that I will not forget. Thanks Ian!


Gideon & Wendy Fireman - Harrogate

"Finding Ian was the best thing that could have happened to our son who is well on the way to becoming a fine drummer. Jacob started with Ian as a total beginner and went on to achieve top marks in his drum exams thanks to Ian's excellent teaching. He made lessons interesting and fun and brought out the drumming ability in our son who achieved distinctions in all his exams, including the highest result in the country for Grade 5 and culminating with a distinction at Grade 8 Trinity Guildhall, again gaining one of the highest marks in the country. We would be very happy to recommend Ian as drum teacher."

 

Matt Beer - Harrogate

"I started playing the drums when I was 13. I went without any lessons for nearly two years and struggled to improve and advance. Aged 15, I took up lessons with Ian and began to improve rapidly. Ian provided me with a wealth of learning material and as well as making sure lessons were very productive, also made playing the drums enjoyable. Practice was key to learning, but this was easy as through Ian's teaching I had a drive to play the drums and practice hard. Ian is brilliant at getting students through musical examinations, dissecting each part of the exam, making sure students go into them perfectly prepared and confident. Overall he has all the qualities you would want in a good teacher. He even inspired me to carry on and teach the drums myself, where in the beginning I was completely reliant on his methods and material in order to teach others. He is a very talented drummer, and a committed teacher, and the ability and great enjoyment I now have from playing the drums is completely down to him."


Tom Blakesly - Harrogate

 

"I' have had Drum Kit lessons with Ian for several years now. I believe that the timescale in itself is testimony to Ian's teaching.
Ian has the  ability to inspire students and to consistently teach in a way which has you leaving the Percussive Edge studio eager to try out the new things you've learnt and improve. Ian's patient and yet very effective methods of teaching are the best way of learning, improving and developing as a drummer. I have always had that inner confidence in myself as a drummer because I know I have a great teacher. If you are thinking of taking up lessons then Ian is your man. I cannot recommend him enough. All of the testimonials you see are spot on. One other thing I would like  like to mention is that he is just a great guy and I consider him to be not just my teacher, but now a good friend! Thanks Ian." 


Carl Rafferty - Harrogate

Ian is a fantastic man, he adds so much value to his lessons that he is obviously the most competitively priced.
I have studied with Ian for a number of years and would recommend him every time, he has the ability to access every aspect of your learning with true care and determination.
To me he is my drum partner, whenever I need information or regular lessons, for coaching and guidance, I go to Ian every time – no question.
Ian’s talent as a drummer is evident during his tutoring and he has a great skill for imparting his knowledge onto you as one of his students.


Steve Hutchinson - York

“I started playing drums some 6 months ago as a mature student with a keen musical desire but with no previous drumming experience. Ian was exceptionally welcoming and approachable from the very first lesson and put me at ease on the drum kit right away. Ian’s organized and diverse teaching style has lent itself to establishing my confidence as a new drummer, and provided me with a firm foundation in drum   fundamentals. Ian maintains a positive & inspiring attitude and provides a great combination of musical knowledge, fun, and professionalism within his lessons. Each lesson is tailored to my specific needs as determined by Ian’s assessment of progress, which is proving to be a very effective teaching method in my rapid development. I look forward in anticipation of the next lesson and highly recommend Ian as a drum & music teacher.”

 

 

James Cassells, Percussive Edge student

TRINITY GUILDHALL/ROCK SCHOOL RESULTS.

Grade 8      
James Cassells 93/100 93% Distinction
Jacob Fireman 93/100 93% Distinction
Jonty Brown 93/100 93% Distinction
Chris Pritchard
Richard Strover
92/100
92/100
92%
92%
Distinction
Distinction
Phil Charters 90/100 90% Distinction
Alex Bywater
Joe Wilkinson
87/100
85/100
87%
85%
Distinction
Merit
Charles Inshaw 212/250 85% Honours
George Swyer
Richard Yarborough
81/100
200/250
81%
80%
Merit
Honours
Rory Dyke 72/100 72% Pass
Grade 7      
Joe Sweeney 92/100 92% Distinction
Jimmy Leach 208/250 83% Honours
Grade 6      
Jimmy Leach 98/100 98% Distinction
Chris Hutchinson 96/100 96% Distinction
Arran Hunt 94/100 94% Distinction
James Cassells 91/100 91% Distinction
Richard Yarborough 90/100 90% Distinction
Philip Charters
George Farrar
89/100
88/100
89%
88%
Distinction
Distinction
Liam Hill
Jacob Fireman
87/100
87/100
87%
87%
Distinction
Distinction
Rory Dyke 87/100 87% Distinction
William Price 87/100 87% Distinction
Aaran Hunt 87/100 87% Distinction
Thomas Van Hoeven
Jonty Brown
85/100
209/250
85%
85%
Distinction
Honours
Dan New
George Swyer
84/100
84/100
84%
84%
Merit
Merit
Mat Beers 208/250 83% Honours
Alex Bywater 82/100 82% Merit
Tom Bennet 204/250 82% Honours
Dean Graham 204/250 82% Honours
Lewis Sellers 201/250 81% Honours
Adam Rollerson
Tom Smith
75/100
190/250
76%
76%
Merit
Merit
Sarah Fisher 177/250 70% Merit
Grade 5      
Jacob Fireman 99/100 99% Distinction
Arran Hunt 94/100 94% Distinction
Michael McKenzie 93/100 93% Distinction
Joe Wilkinson 90/100 90% Distinction
Dan New 89/100 89% Distinction
Jimmy Leach 220/250 88% Distinction
Ben Reynard 87/100 87% Distinction
Rory Dyke 85/100 85% Honours
Matthew Noble 209/250 85% Honours
Sarah Fisher 215/250 86% Honours
George Swyer 202/250 81% Honours
Joe Sweeney 200/250 80% Honours
Adam Rollerson
Richard Yarborough
78/100
195/250
78%
78%
Merit
Merit
Dean Graham 191/250 76% Merit
Alex Bywater 71/100 71% Pass
William Price 66/100 66% Pass
Grade 4      
George Farrar 99/100 99% Distinction
Tom Obrien 94/100 94% Distinction
Alex Bywater 92/100 92% Distinction
Aron Hunt 91/100 91% Distinction
Mathew Noble 89/100 89% Distinction
Mathew Beers 87/100 87% Distinction
Chris Hutchinson 87/100 87% Distinction
Peter Atkinson 87/100 87% Distinction
Lewis Sellars 215/250 86% Honours
Mathew Noble 213/250 85% Honours
Michael McKenzie 212/250 85% Honours
Alex Corbeck 210/250 85% Honours
Joe Gilbertson 83/100 83% Merit
Rory Dyke 207/250 83% Honours
George Swyer 207/250 83% Honours
William Button
William Roundtree
82/100
82/100
82%
82%
Merit
Merit
William Price 205/250 82% Honours
John Brown 205/250 82% Honours
Richard Hawes 204/250 82% Honours
Tom Smith 204/250 82% Honours
Tom Blakesley 200/250 80% Honours
Peter Holmes 200/250 80% Honours
Adam Nixon 197/250 79% Merit
Rob Gudgeon 195/250 78% Merit
Luke Jamieson
Marco Burnadi
76/100
191/250
76%
76%
Merit
Merit
Andrew Lynch 190/250 77% Merit
Jack Craven
Josh Morley
75/100
189/250
75%
75%
Merit
Merit
John Michael 189/250 75% Merit
Fredrich Lorenzo 185/250 73% Merit
Andrew Traher 165/250 67% Merit
Jamie Franks 160/250 65% Merit
Grade 3      
Jacob Fireman 97/100 97% Distinction
Liam Hill 97/100 97% Distinction
Sam Brown 94/100 94% Distinction
Peter Atkinson 94/100 94% Distinction
Dan New 93/100 93% Distinction
James Hornig 93/100 93% Distinction
Joe Sweeney 92/100 92% Distinction
Lewis Sellars 91/100 91% Distinction
Andrew Traher 90/100 90% Distinction
Robert Hall 89/100 89% Distinction
Anna Bickerdike 87/100 87% Distinction
Alex Harrison 87/100 87% Distinction
Mathew Noble 87/100 87% Distinction
Jamie Rutherford 214/250 86% Honours
Adam Rollerson 85/100 85% Merit
Jack Jamieson 85/100 85% Honours
Laurie Jackson 210/250 84% Honours
Mathew Nesbit 209/250 83% Honours
Christian Thomas 210/250 84% Honours
Fredrick Lorenzo 207/250 83% Honours
Chris Hutchingson 207/250 83% Honours
Mathew Nesbit 209/250 83% Honours
Adam Nixon 207/250 83% Honours
Richard Yarborough 204/250 82% Honours
Chris Atkinson 81/100 81% Merrit
Charlotte Bowman 201/250 81% Honours
Josh Morley 196/250 78% Merit
Tom Roberts 190/250 77% Merrit
John Mason 188/250 74% Merit
Edward Sloan 177/250 70% Merit
       
Grade 2      
George Farrar 98/100 98% Distinction
Tom Obrien 98/100 98% Distinction
William Button  97/100   97%  Distinction
Joe Gilbertson 97/100 97% Distinction
Alex Golding 97/100 97% Distinction
Mathew Beers 96/100 96% Distinction
Alex Corbeck 94/100 94% Distinction
Carl Rafferty 93/100 93% Distinction
Jack Jamieson 93/100 93% Distinction
Laurie Service 93/100 93% Distinction
Sally Beastall 93/100 93% Distinction
Simon Shaw 93/100 93% Distinction
Lewis Sellars 92/100 92% Distinction
Marco Bernardi 92/100 92% Distinction
John Brown 92/100 92% Distinction
John Mason 92/100 92% Distinction
William Smith 91/100 91% Distinction
Alex Harrison 91/100 91% Distinction
Chris Hutchingson 91/100 91% Distinction
George Herd 91/100 91% Distinction
Andrew Trayher 91/100 91% Distinction
Martin Morris 90/100 90% Distinction
Adam Nixon 90/100 90% Distinction
Steve Hutchinson
James Sinclaire
89/100
89/100
89%
89%
Distinction
Distinction
Tom Evans 89/100 89% Distinction
Josh Morley 89/100 89% Distinction
Robert Fairfield 88/100 88% Distinction
Edward Sloan 87/100 87% Distinction
Joe Prudames 87/100 87% Distinction
John Beaumont 87/100 87% Distinction
Fredrick Lorenzo 215/250 86% Honours
Nathan Garlic 215/250 86% Honours
Nat Dresner
Adam Rollerson
85/100
85/100
85%
85%
Merit
Merit
Tom Blakesly 215/250 86% Honours
John Michael 212/250 85% Honours
Kate Broadberry 84/100 84% Merit
Mathew Nesbit 84/100 84% Merit
Alex Bywater 209/250 83% Honours
Rory Dyke 208/250 83% Honours
Chris Stephenson
Jamie Rutherford
82/100
207/250
82%
82%
Merit
Honours
George Swyer 204/250 81% Honours
Mathew Noble 203/250 81% Honours
James Hoernig 200/250 80% Honours
Jack Ellis 197/250 79% Merit
Jack Craven 65/100 65% Pass
       
       
Grade 1      
Carl Rafferty 100/100 100% Distinction
Jack Jamieson 100/100 100% Distinction
Sam Brown 99/100 99% Distinction
Robert Wylie 95/100 95% Distinction
William Roundtree 95/100 95% Distinction
Nat Dresner
Jack Craven
93/100
92/100
93%
92%
Distinction
Distinction
James Hornig
Sam Thomas
90/100
87/100
90%
87%
Distinction
Distinction
Freddie Palfreeman
Nathan Garlic
83/100
210/250
83%
83%
Merit
Honours
      100% Pass Rate

More Percussive Edge News

Ex-student news


Ex-student James Cassells is currently touring America with the band "Asking Alexandra"

http://www.myspace.com/askingalexandria



James Cassells Drum Kit setup


James commenced playing when he was 13 years old. James is now 23.

James was heavily influenced by Joey Jordison from Slipknot early on and now loves too many drummers to even talk about.

James plays Truth Drums, Sabian Cymbals, Axis Pedals, Vic Firth Sticks and Remo Heads & DW Hardware.

(Full Maple US and Hybrid UK/Europe)
13” Brass snare,
12”, 13” Rack Toms
16” Floor
20” kick (Bass Drum)

14” x-celorator hats, 18” AAX xplosion crash, 14” AAX xtreme china, 20” AA metal crash, 6” bell 21” Holy china

Axis 21st century longboard pedals, with E-kit triggers 

5B wood tip

Coated emperor for Snare, Clear Emperors for Toms, 

DW 9000 series Hardwhere


James Cassells 
Asking Alexandria 
 

Asking Alexandria's new album:-

Reckless & Relentless - Asking Alexandria -  Available here on itunes.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/reckless-and-relentless/id425665416


Stand Up And Scream - Now available here
 

Former Percussive Edge student James Cassells is sponsord by - TRUTH DRUMS & Vic Firth Drum Sticks

http://www.truthdrums.com/truth/asking-alexandria-united-kingdom/

http://www.vicfirth.com/artists/profile/profile.php?id=2877



Current Student: Chris Pritchard on course for Music College. Check this Young Man out. He is amazing and has a great future ahead of him!!!

Chris has just achieved a Distinction with 92% in his Rock School Drum Kit Examination. Well done Chris from Percussive Edge Drum Tuition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DE3UsXZbxuI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEW6Iy10J2k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUydScX5-Y8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5rVmgYRQ88

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aE884WdUPjg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8mNQ7z9OHY





PUBLISHED COMPOSITIONS & ARRANGEMENTS BY IAN MACPHERSON.


Please click the link below and once at the Safe Music Ltd home page type: "Ian Macpherson" into the (Keywords Box) search scores box on the right hand side of the home page and a full list of Compositions & Arrangements will be featured.

http://www.safemusic.co.uk/index.asp


------------------------------------------------

Music Shops


Rockem Music


Rockem Music is one of the UK's leading specialist drum shops.

Drum Tuition also available.

Store Address.

Rockem Music Ltd
The Old Chapel
Canklow Road
Rotherham
South Yorkshire
S60 2JB

Tel. 01709 382220/ 01709 838999

Website: www.rockemmusic.com/



 

More Testimonials...


Sebastian New
(Principal Bassoonist - Orchestra of Opera North) 

"My son Dan was a complete beginner when he first commenced lessons with Ian. I have been very impressed as to the excellent structured tuition methods that Ian designed and adheres to. In addition to the actual teaching, Ian also continually passes on an excellent work ethic and enthusiasm which I am sure has contributed to Dan passing his grading examinations with Trinity Guildhall (3 & 5) with Distinctions in a relatively short time, and the wish to pursue his drum studies all the way. I would most definitely recommend "Percussive Edge" to anyone, Ian's results speak for themselves."


Joe Greenwood - Harrogate

Although I had had drum lessons for a number of years before commencing lessons with Ian, it was not until I made this switch that I began to notice a much larger improvement in my playing. Ian’s varying teaching styles cater for people of all ages, abilities and whether or not you want to pursue grades or just start a new hobby. Ian ensures that he will get the best out of you whilst keeping each lesson unique and exciting and introducing you to a broad range of musical styles. The studio set up provided is excellent and, along with Ian’s friendly, welcoming nature this creates a fantastic teaching environment perfect for anyone. I would not hesitate to recommend Ian to anyone and cannot thank him enough for his time and the memories. Thanks Ian!


Alex Bywater - Harrogate

"Ian has taught me drums from being a beginner through to grade 8 Trinity Guildhall and I have enjoyed every lesson with him. Ian has taught me in a very structured way from day one and has given me confidence with my playing as well as teaching me all the techniques required for each grade in a fun and enjoyable way. I would strongly recommend all his books 'Percussive Edge' to anyone wishing to be advance from a basic level to grade 8, as well as recommending his high class teaching which clearly produces excellent results. His results are there to see."


Ben Reynard - Harrogate
(Summer City)

"I commenced lessons with Ian after trying out other teachers first... And I haven't looked back. I have progressed massivley and my love for the drums is continuously growing. Ian provides me with the materials to take my drumming to a whole new level (whether it be jazz, metal, rock etc...) and his teaching skills are the best I have come accross. I have just taken part in the districts largest "Battle of The Bands"competition at The Amp Awards 2011 in Harrogate and our Band "Summer City" won 1st prize. My current playing is a tribute to the work Ian puts in with me and has helped me to win best instrumentalist of the competition. Thanks a lot Ian!!"

 

Tony Gernon – Thirsk

As a youngster I played drums at school and recently wondered, with some apprehension, about starting playing again after a gap of many years. I approached Ian and his subsequent lessons and encouragement have been inspirational. His professional expertise, musical knowledge and ability are second to none. Ian has a warm, engaging and effective teaching style and coupled with the first rate facilities in his studio, I find the lessons to be both highly rewarding and very enjoyable. My next lesson is always something I look forward to and I would highly recommend Ian to anyone thinking of taking drumming lessons – do it now before the opportunity passes you.


 

Contact Percussive Edge


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