A SCOTTISH drummer who has toured the world with Rod Stewart has opened a studio in Scotland, where he hopes to inspire the next generation of musical talent.
Ryan Hassan, 37, grew up in a council flat in Paisley and first picked up a set of drum sticks when he was 11-years-old.
After being introduced to drum teacher Colin McGibbon, who has worked as the touring drummer for Susan Boyle, Hassan “knew straight away” that he wanted to make it his career.
“I had lessons with Colin until I left school at 17, and I still go back to him for advice and practise all these years later,” he said.
Now, Hassan has set up his own bespoke studio in Johnstone where he set to give lessons to a new generation of drummers.
“Drumming has been my passion for decades now and it’s allowed me to travel the world, make incredible memories, and build a successful career,” he said.
“Not everyone is lucky enough to have access to musical instruments at school, so I wanted to establish my studio to provide more opportunities for the next generation of talent.”
In between playing gigs around the globe, Hassan is set to return to Scotland to offer private tuition and lessons.
He is also offering students the chance to play on the exact kit he uses on arena and stadium tours.
“Whether it's younger kids playing along with their favourite song – a moment I remember well myself – or older musicians breaking through a barrier and taking their playing to another level, I just love seeing my students achieve their goals.
“It’s really special to hear they’ve played their first gig or started recording and releasing music, and I’ve been a part of helping them get there.
“I have also worked with care-experienced students, and young people with additional support needs and disabilities, and seeing them reach milestones in their musical careers is an unbelievable feeling.
“Many have challenges to overcome, but in my studio, they start on an even playing field alongside everyone else.
“It’s special to witness them achieve and go further than they believed they could.”
Hassan said he hopes to show his students that no matter their background, with enough dedication they could one day be following in his footsteps.
“Something I try to impart on my students is that anything is possible,” he said.
“Everything I’ve done happened through sheer will and determination – I didn’t have family money or musical parents with any ‘ins’ with the industry.
“I just wanted to be as good as I could possibly be at playing an instrument I loved, and I had a drive for it to take me where I wanted to go.
“Drumming can be a hobby for fun and an outlet that takes you away from the stress of day-to-day life – or it can be a career that will take you all over the world.
“Every option is available to everyone who walks through my studio door.”
