Ian has played in pipe bands since 1968. His first Grade 1 pipe band was Canterbury Caledonian Society in 1987. At this time, Ian also started to tutor St Andrew’s College pipe band. He has taught tenor and bass drumming in a few spells with his proudest achievement working with the St Andrew’s College mid-section when the band won the world championships in 2013.

In 1988, Ian won the North American solo tenor drumming championship in Maxville, Ontario, Canada.

Ian is a life member of the Canterbury Caledonian Society and continues to mentor their Juvenile and Grade 4 bands.