Interested in learning with Ian?
Contact us to schedule your first lesson!
Contact us to schedule your first lesson!
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Ian is originally from Rochester, New York, and began playing drums in 3rd grade. He joined his elementary school band as a snare drum player and fell into drums very naturally, as his Dad was a touring drummer in NYC. Ian played in regular band and jazz ensemble from 3rd to 8th grade, and in high school, he joined the percussion ensemble, where he expanded his percussion abilities to include xylophone, mallets, timpani, and more. High school was filled with incredible experiences, as Ian's percussion ensemble competed in various competitions across the East Coast. He also competed in NYSSMA (New York State School Music Association), earning a perfect score on snare drum and a seat on the all-state band. |
Throughout college, Ian continued drumming by playing on several church worship teams, and learned how to play acoustic drums like the Cajon and Djembe. There are so many types of drums and percussion instruments and Ian enjoys being able to play such a wide variety!
In the fall of 2016 Ian moved to Charleston to start a band with his hometown friend. They not only performed around Charleston but also embarked on two different international tours. Ian is a pop singer/songwriter and has released 3 songs so far on streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple, and Tidal under the name 'Ian James.'
Additionally, since moving to Charleston, Ian has taught private lessons from young children to adults and during 2018-2019, Ian created the percussion curriculum for, and taught the middle and high-school percussion bands, at Charleston Charter School for Math and Science.
Besides music, Ian describes himself as "a huge sports fan, specifically a Buffalo Bills fan." He grew up playing basketball and watching every sport, and even interned with the Boston Celtics while in college! Playing and watching sports, going to the gym, hanging with friends, and trying new restaurants and food are some of his favorite things to do.
Ian is excited to be a part of the SC Music Lessons family, sharing "... my heart and my passion in life is to serve others in any capacity I am equipped, and music lessons are an amazing way for me to do this!"
In the fall of 2016 Ian moved to Charleston to start a band with his hometown friend. They not only performed around Charleston but also embarked on two different international tours. Ian is a pop singer/songwriter and has released 3 songs so far on streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple, and Tidal under the name 'Ian James.'
Additionally, since moving to Charleston, Ian has taught private lessons from young children to adults and during 2018-2019, Ian created the percussion curriculum for, and taught the middle and high-school percussion bands, at Charleston Charter School for Math and Science.
Besides music, Ian describes himself as "a huge sports fan, specifically a Buffalo Bills fan." He grew up playing basketball and watching every sport, and even interned with the Boston Celtics while in college! Playing and watching sports, going to the gym, hanging with friends, and trying new restaurants and food are some of his favorite things to do.
Ian is excited to be a part of the SC Music Lessons family, sharing "... my heart and my passion in life is to serve others in any capacity I am equipped, and music lessons are an amazing way for me to do this!"
Ian's Original Song, "Will for Me"
Ian's Teaching Style:
"My teaching style is aimed at creating a fun, encouraging, and comfortable environment for each student to grow in his or her abilities. Drums are not necessarily an easy instrument, so I want students to feel at ease as they learn.
I start from the foundation of drums, right at the first time picking up a drum stick, and gradually work each student towards full understanding of the instrument and how to play. My main playing styles and background are in rock, funk, and pop drumming, as those are my favorite personal music styles as well.
My overall goal with any student is to identify how they learn best, and adapt their lessons to achieve the highest level of understanding and success possible while maintaining a constantly fun and stress-free experience,
I hope to work with you going forward!"
"My teaching style is aimed at creating a fun, encouraging, and comfortable environment for each student to grow in his or her abilities. Drums are not necessarily an easy instrument, so I want students to feel at ease as they learn.
I start from the foundation of drums, right at the first time picking up a drum stick, and gradually work each student towards full understanding of the instrument and how to play. My main playing styles and background are in rock, funk, and pop drumming, as those are my favorite personal music styles as well.
My overall goal with any student is to identify how they learn best, and adapt their lessons to achieve the highest level of understanding and success possible while maintaining a constantly fun and stress-free experience,
I hope to work with you going forward!"