Ian Tripp

Embrace Your Passion:
Ian has always been fascinated by the drums, having grown up with his dads stories of playing with Jimi Hendrix and Gene Vincent. He has been teaching for over 20 years and aims to inspire people to fall in love with the instruments and ultimately become the best drummer that they can be. He wants his students to enjoy playing so much that It's the highlight of their week. Ian is a specialist at working with both adults and students who want to prepare for graded exams with Trinity Rock&Pop exams. He has taught over 1000 drum kit and percussion students and has helped many achieve fantastic results like top marks in graded exams and music scholarships.

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, with well known acts such as Florence and the Machine, The Irrepressibles and The Heritage Orchestra. 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.

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. 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 (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.

The first lesson:
Ian has worked with thousands of students of all ages and skill levels, from total beginners to internationally touring musicians, to achieve their drumming goals. 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. Initially Ian needs to ask questions to get to know the student, their goals and their motivations and he can then plan a course that is going to realise all of their drumming ambitions. Often the first lesson includes learning the instrument names, how to hold the sticks, basic fill exercises on the kit and some pop and rock grooves. There is also usually an opportunity for the student to learn a groove from a song that they enjoy at the end of the lesson. Please note that lessons are taught online.

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 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."