About Ian
Ian is a Brazilian percussionist whose musical identity is rooted in rhythm, community, and movement. For him, music is not something you simply hear - it is something you feel. A universal language that connects cultures, generations, and histories, music acts as a bridge between his roots and the wider world. His playing carries the energy of the street, the discipline of collective percussion, and the expressive power of groove. Cultural Roots & Musical Style Ian's musical foundation is deeply shaped by Afro-Brazilian traditions, the high-energy environment of São Paulo's Carnival, and the unique ecosystem of University Percussion Groups (Baterias) - especially Rateria POLI-USP, one of Brazil's most respected competitive university baterias. This background allows Ian to move fluidly across genres while maintaining a strong rhythmic identity. The collective power, precision, and swing of Bateria culture inform everything he plays, bringing a distinctive, street-wise energy to his teaching and performance. Teaching Philosophy & Approach Ian focuses on the balance between technique and swing: - Playing the right notes is only the beginning - Groove is what makes people move - Emotion and intention matter as much as precision His teaching emphasizes expressive rhythm, embodied timing, and understanding how sound communicates feeling, not just information.
What Ian teaches
- Percussion
- Samba
- Groove
Lessons with Ian
- Teaches Brazilian Percussion
- Based in Brazil
- 11 years teaching
- Speaks Portuguese, English