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Ian Young embarked on his professional music career in 1980 when enlisting into the Armed Forces as a musician.

After studying percussion and drum kit at Kneller Hall, The Royal Military School of Music, he then returned to the RCT Staff Band where he completed many overseas concert tours which included Hong Kong, Egypt, Germany and Cyprus and in 1989 accompanied H.M. The Queen on her State Tour of Jordan where he performed in the presence of King Hussain of Jordan at the Royal Palace.

Whilst with The RCT Staff Band, Ian was involved in television appearances, one of which was performing a xylophone duet with Sir Patrick Moore! Radio broadcasts for Radio 2 were also a regular activity with the band as were recording sessions for albums produced by the band.

On leaving the army in 1994, Ian continued his busy performing career as well as developing his teaching career. He has been very fortunate and feels very privileged, to have been associated with some of the greatest drummers around. He studied with the late Kenny Clare and then went on to acting as dep for Kenny back in the 80's with ‘The Pizza Express Allstars' in London’s West End. Other musicians Ian has been fortunate to have worked with in the past include, Don Lusher, Tommy Whittle, Stan Rodderick, Ken Mackentosh and the late Roy Castle, all of whom have been an inspiration for his musical career.

As well as leading The Ian James Orchestra, Ian still fulfills a number of freelance engagements including dates with The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and has appeared on television, backing Lulu, Diana Krall, Marti Pellow, Russell Watson and Atomic Kitten. Cruise work has also taken him to the Middle East and South East Asia with P&O Cruises and Swan Hellenic.

Present teaching posts include Head of Percussion and Contemporary Music at St Catherine’s School in Bramley, Guildford, The Royal School, Haslemere and Brockwood Park School, near Winchester as well as running his own private teaching practice. Ian maintains the importance of performing professionally as he feels this is an inspiration to his many pupils.

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