Testimonials

I would 100% recommend Ian to anyone interested in learning drums. He is SO patient and has a great lesson structure, with a focus on what WE want to gain from the lesson.
He has a deep knowledge and passion for the drums that he is keen to pass on and will answer any and all questions, no matter how silly I think they are!
He always strives for me to make the most of both my lesson time and practice time so I do the best that I am capable of. I ALWAYS look forward to my next lesson! Thanks Ian!
GRACE LAVERY

After having stunned my wife by suggesting I "should" learn the drums, I found Ian by a Google search, and haven´t looked back. As a classically trained clarinettist, and a keyboard and bass player of some experience, Ian´s careful, considered and, especially, tailored tuition is giving me an insight into the "guy at the back" my music and musical experience was sorely lacking. I know that even with all the practice I´ll be no Bill Bruford or Neil Peart, but Ian has given me an insight into the rhythmic approach to instrumentation I have been lacking for a very long time. I can only speak as one who´s come to drumming (very) late in life, but Ian´s tutoring is first class, and I look forward to each lesson.
DAVID ABBOTT (55)

Ian was the second drum tutor I had after the one that came to my school. I started going to his studio when I was around the age of twelve and I really progressed in his lessons. I started going because I needed a tutor in the summer holidays to get me through my grade two exam and I enjoyed it so much I kept going. His lessons were enjoyable and engaging and I think that anyone else would find them the same. The things I learnt were guided by him but ultimately I could say what I wanted to learn and I liked that aspect of it.
ADAM THOMAS (15)

My 11 year old grandson has had drum lessons with Ian for almost 3 years and I often sit in on them. Ian is an excellent teacher and is especially good with children. He keeps lessons focused, relevant but fun. My grandson Dylan has learnt to both read and play with music in a short time. Ian has demonstrated how simple beats have been used in well known hits and how they can be adapted to different styles. Paying for lessons as required means there is no large fee to book lots of lessons upfront which allows for practice at home so Dylan is ready to progress at the next lesson. I would highly recommend Ian to anyone who wishes to learn to play the drums at any level and his studio is fitted out with a comprehensive range of equipment to make learning fun but allows very easy checking of the playing results.
CAROLINE DERBYSHIRE

I´ve been having lessons with 'Pooly' for about 4 years now, so far we´ve looked at technique, rudiments, independence exercises and music reading. I wish I hadn´t spent so long learning to play the wrong way but I had no idea my technique was so bad (maybe the arm ache should have been a bigger clue). Moving forward I´ve been using the skills I´ve learned as a grounding to learn new grooves and fills based on various rudiments and sticking/foot patterns. We´ve recently been looking at different genres, most recently metal and funk. Whatever the genre he´s got a practice sheet for it; we usually combine the practice sheets with listening to well known artists to make sure whatever we are learning is put into context. I always leave my lessons wanting to get in front of my kit as soon as I can to get practicing. If you want lessons which are fun, relevant to your experience and you want to know you´re learning it right then I´d definitely recommend Pooly to you.
DARROL HARGREAVES (27)

As far as drumming is concerned, I somewhat morphed into a bullfrog from a tadpole - my perspective on drumming as a whole has changed, resonating with me today as I continue to pursue music professionally. Ian went through many genres and playing techniques with me in quite some depth, and often I find myself reading the notes Ian gave me from the lessons I had, and still learning new ideas, new rhythms and new ways to express creative drumming. Ultimately though, through Ian, I found my own personal confidence in music and in drumming, and the whole experience built a strong foothold for me to explore my own abilities as a musician, and not just as a drummer.
IEUAN ECCLES (19)

I have had drum lessons with Ian for five years now and I am really enjoying them. Ian is a great drum tutor. He is very encouraging and motivating. His drum kits and equipment are excellent and he uses a wide range of teaching methods. Ian keeps me to task but always introduces new challenges and an element of fun to his lessons. I think my drumming has improved immensely since studying with Ian and he has guided me through my grade 1 & 3 examinations.
FRANCIS JAMES (16)