Ian studied at the Melba Conservatorium of Music before joining the Victorian State Opera for regular appearances.  In 1978 he studied at the Mozarteum in Salzburg where his teachers included the celebrated conductor Nikolaus Harnoncourt.  He returned to Australia in 1981/1982 for a series of broadcasts with the ABC and performances with the MSO.

In 1983 he won a contract with the Badisches Staatstheatre in Karlesruhe, Germany where he performed in many operas, operettas, musicals, oratorios and concerts.  Since returning home in 1996, Ian has been teaching at the Melba Conservatorium and Camberwell Grammar.  Recent roles include Don Alfonso with FAMPAC and Dulcamara with Melbourne Lyric Opera.