Learn online with a friendly & versatile drummer with 20+ years experience who has played Glastonbury, toured globally, and helped 1,000+ students reach their goals, from beginners to advanced players. Relaxed and supportive teaching style.

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. Ian was the first ever Percussionist to reach the last 8 of the Guildhall School of Music Gold Medal Competition in 2004.He 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 !

The Lesson Content:

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 15 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.  We will have everything covered by the time that you begin tuition.

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.

Student testimonials

“My son started lessons with Ian about three and a half years ago and has made amazing progress – he just passed his Grade 7 Trinity College London Rock & Pop Drums with Merit. Ian is a great teacher and engages the boys positively, so they look forward to their lessons. He is inspiring and has led to my younger son playing for his school’s swing band. My older son has also started lessons with Ian more recently and is making good progress.”

“My son started drum lessons with Ian from the age of 6. Ian always made the lessons fun and flexible to suit what Michael wanted to play. Ian has also been very encouraging, he listened to Michael’s wishes and enabled Michael to obtain his goals whether this be his drum exams or to play with the professional band at his father’s birthday party which was a great success!”

“I have been learning the drums with Mr Tripp for over 7 years now and am now sitting my grade 7 exam. During lockdown we had to switch to online lessons which were still fun. We work on Trinity grades and also take some time in the lessons to work on songs of our choice. He has always been very encouraging, makes lessons enjoyable, and supports me whenever I have a public performance. He is an amazing teacher.”

“My son really enjoys every minute of his drum lessons with Ian. Ian is a great teacher, very engaging and patient.”