Hi there young or old fellow musician !

I am a native of Amsterdam, the Netherlands, son of a professional musician (symphony orchestra as well as baroque, opera/operette, musical, theater, and a lot of jazz, small combo, swing/modern jazz as well as big band jazz).

Growing up around my father playing almost every night, and going with him as I grew older, music to me is not academia or an elite sport, but an adventure and fun, another world where great atmospheres and exhilarating experiences, gatherings of cool people you don't know yet are waiting for you -people who share a love and need of music and self expression.

And music is the bridge that brings these people together, and creates these great exciting experiences and atmospheres of playing music together with others, and for appreciative others.. all this is a world I discovered, and learned to love.

Although I studied something else, and followed a career in that direction, I played trombone and piano from being 11 years old, and had my first jazz band doing gigs at local parties at 13.

Jazz was the music I liked, and wanted to play. Later I added to that a love of soul, funk, fusion, rnb, blues, reggae, salsa, world music, acid jazz etc. all music styles that grew out of, or are otherwise related to, jazz. The piano, and other keyboards attracted my interest, because of the sound of chords - that colour inside the songs that makes them sound more alive, conveying more emotion, meaning, professionalism and hipness. Whereas we have to of course focus on the beat and the melody of any given song, the chords and the solo possibilities over those chords are just as important - but are often overlooked in a time where everybody is making beats and melodic hooks ! It is the chords that create the atmosphere, the harmony. And that is what I love to do !

From those early days, I always was in several bands, playing in bars, clubs, student parties, restaurants, jam sessions, festivals, private parties, receptions etc etc. Sometimes pop music, sometimes funk or disco, or salsa or West African music, and a lot of
jazz. Sometimes original material, mostly covers - but always to get that magical connection within the band, and with the audience happening - that is what live music is for, and is about. And that was my school - I learned from playing with many many talented older musicians, who showed me the way and shared their tips and tricks. The stage was my school !

And at some point in my life I was lucky to be asked to play so often, that I could leave my job and enjoy only playing music.

I enjoy playing for audiences so much, it is addictive. It is the connection, the communication and the self expression all at once, inside a fantastic atmosphere of enjoyment and togetherness that to me is what music is all about.

It would be my pleasure to share with you the tricks and tips, experiences and lessons of the stage, but also the theories and concepts of harmony, to help you enjoy yourself and express yourself, find yourself in music in the same way - but in your own way, with your own ideas at the center. Because music is an honest story, a story about you and your imagined world. Just like so many older musicians helped shape my playing, I'd be happy to help you achieve your musical journey !