From small-town Missouri to stages around the world, Musicians Institute alumnus Ian Foreman has built a career rooted in passion, persistence, and a deep love for drumming. A graduate of the Drum program at Musicians Institute, Ian has gone on to perform with artists he grew up listening to, including Long Beach Dub Allstars, Jakob’s Castle, and Sublime. Now a full-time drummer based in Southern California and founder of OC Jammers, Ian continues to expand his impact both on stage and in his community. We caught up with Ian to talk about his journey, his time at MI, and what it takes to build a career in music today.
What inspired you to make the move from Ozark, Missouri to Hollywood to attend Musicians Institute, and what do you remember most about your time in the drum program?
The inspiration behind my move came from curiosity and knowing there is so much more out there. I knew California was the capital of music and a place I needed to be to get to the next level.
I could have played it safe and found gig work in Branson, MO or with local bands, but I wanted something more, something bigger. My mom left me with these words before I moved, and they stuck with me. She said, “If you go and it doesn’t work out, at least you tried. If you don’t, you’ll always live with what if.” That support helped a lot. She is a musician too. Knowing there were people like me wanting the same thing pushed me to leave home and start my musical journey.
What I remember most about the drum program is how it pushed me out of my comfort zone. It got me into a routine of practicing daily and fully immersing myself so I could become a more well-rounded musician.
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How did your experience at MI help prepare you for your career as a professional drummer, especially working with bands you grew up listening to?
My experience [in the drum program] at MI helped me build a strong foundation in technique, timing, and playing across different styles and genres.
Being surrounded by serious musicians pushed me to grow quickly and stay disciplined. It also taught me how to learn songs fast, adapt, and always be prepared for rehearsals and auditions. Overall, it gave me the confidence and skills to perform at a professional level, especially working with bands I grew up listening to.
You’re currently performing with Long Beach Dub Allstars and Jakob’s Castle, and stepping in with Sublime. What has that journey been like? And what’s a moment that really made you stop and think, “this is it!”
It’s been surreal, honestly. Playing with Long Beach Dub Allstars and Jakob’s Castle, and stepping in with Sublime, bands I grew up listening to, feels like everything came full circle. One moment that really hit me was getting a call Friday morning to fly out that same day and play Vans Warped Tour the next day. Standing on stage, looking out at 80,000 people singing every word, and realizing I wasn’t just a fan anymore.
A big shoutout to Michael “Miguel” Happoldt, taking a chance on me and inviting me into the Dubs. He’s really taken me under his wing as a mentor. They all have welcomed me into their family, and now I truly feel like part of the pack. We’re great friends and we genuinely love making music for our fans and communities.
Between touring internationally and recording new music, what have you learned about staying consistent and growing as a drummer in today’s music industry?
I’ve learned that consistency comes down to discipline and staying ready no matter what, whether that’s practicing daily, taking care of your body, or being prepared for any gig. Touring and recording have also shown me the importance of flexibility and being easy to work with. The more styles you can play and the better your attitude, the more opportunities come your way.
It also comes down to networking and just being a good, genuine person. Being prepared and exposing yourself to every kind of music is key. Growth comes from staying open, learning from everyone around you, and always pushing yourself to get better.
You also run OC Jammers, bringing music into the community, so, what inspired you to start that, and why is it important for you to give back through music?
Starting OC Jammers came from my love for music and wanting to share that feeling with everyone, especially those who might not always have access to it. I became a drum instructor in 2016 to help pay the bills, but also so I could keep playing music every day. One of my students who has Down syndrome was having a hard time finding a teacher for lessons, and I didn’t think twice about helping. That moment really opened my eyes; there were more kids similar to him who were interested but didn’t have the accessibility or someone willing to work with them.
That is when the idea of OC Jammers really started. I’ve seen how powerful music can be, it builds confidence, connection, and joy. It was important for me to create something that makes a real impact and gives everyone a place where they feel included and inspired.
Seeing the joy that drumming and music brings to these kids makes it all worth it. You can check us out on social media or at www.ocjammers.com
What advice would you give to current or future MI students who want to turn their passion for music into a career?
My advice would be to stay disciplined, practice every day, and take every opportunity to play with others. Be adaptable, stay professional, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Most importantly, stay passionate. If you love what you do, it shows and opens doors. Being a genuine, easy to work with person goes a long way, and staying prepared is key.
For younger students, don’t give up and don’t stop playing. If you truly love it, you will keep going. I went through hard times after graduating MI, but those moments led to better ones. Stay in the music scene, keep networking and playing gigs, even the small ones and those that don’t pay, you never know, those opportunities can lead to something much bigger.