Ian Hubbell

I’m a Los Angeles–based musician and teacher with a strong background in jazz, contemporary music, songwriting, and multi-instrumental studies. I attended the USC Thornton School of Music as a Jazz Studies drumset major, and also studied piano, guitar, music theory, and composition.

I’ve studied drums with Peter Erskine, Ndugu Chancler, Aaron Serfaty, and John Cutrone, piano with David Arnay and Russ Ferrante, composition with Vince Mendoza, and guitar with Eli Koskoff and Dominic Flynn. I’m an active performer, recording artist, and songwriter, releasing original music under my artist project Swelles, and working across styles including jazz, pop, R&B, rock, and singer-songwriter music.

My teaching style is relaxed, clear, and goal-oriented, with a big focus on songwriting, creativity, and musical expression, alongside strong fundamentals, feel, and musical understanding. Lessons are tailored to each student’s goals—whether that’s writing original songs, improving groove and technique, understanding harmony, or simply enjoying making music more confidently.

I teach drums, piano, guitar, music theory, songwriting, and musicianship, and work with students of all ages.

My teaching style is flexible, encouraging, and centered around the student’s musical taste. I make a point to find overlap between what the student loves and what we’re learning, so lessons always feel relevant and motivating. I’m comfortable simplifying music when needed and breaking ideas down in a way that feels approachable rather than overwhelming. I don’t push fundamentals for their own sake—instead, I introduce only what the student can realistically handle and apply right away. A big part of my approach is creation, with an emphasis on songwriting and composition taught in an adaptable, low-pressure way that meets the student where they are and grows naturally over time.