Testimonials...

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.”

TRINITY GUILDHALL/ROCK SCHOOL RESULTS.