...more about Ian
I began studying classical Cello at age 4. I picked up classical piano, singing, and choral singing, which I studied until the end of school. In this time I achieved grade 8 distinctions in Cello and classical singing, grade 6 on piano, and also a RSCM Bishop’s Award and Head-chorister at St Peter’s church, St Albans (and A level music). My other passion in life is Art and I chose to study Illustration and Graphics for my Bachelors degree, which I achieved First Class with Honours. Alongside my regular study, I was teaching myself Bass Guitar, Guitar, and Mandolas - playing contemporary styles of music. This has taken me all over the UK to play shows and record with different people, and across to Europe and the USA to tour. My body of session work as a cellist, bassist, or other instrumentalist, has amassed over 480,000 streams on Spotify.
My experience working with young musicians began at St Peters choir where in my role as head chorister I mentored the younger choristers through their singing journey and helped them develop their technique and passion for music. At St Albans School I was a Music Scholar and the leader of the orchestra and helped guide the younger cellists through the parts and assisted them, teaching and providing instruction for any difficult passages. In the breaks I would attend Cellofest International Cello School, and Baldersby Suzuki strings every year until I graduated and attended as a steward for two further years. As a steward I assisted the teachers in mentoring the young students in their studies. I especially enjoyed improvisation class, which showed young classically trained cellists some of the tenets of modern music; writing your own parts, rhythm, and teaching how to step away from the strict adherence to sheet music. I have also provided cover as a bass teacher in 2018 for the St Albans Rock School at Wheatfields primary school. I taught at Herts Music Centre for a year from 2023-2024. I had many pupils whilst teaching there. Instruments/topics include Cello, Bass, Piano, Singing, Mandola, Music theory, and Song writing. I also have had a private practice of pupils since 2023. I moved to Nottinghamshire in February 2024 and have since been growing my private practice in the area alongside my performing and recording work. My wife and I have just had our first child.