So you are playing an instrument. And now what? Most, if not all musicians will tell you that playing together with others is what really turns learning – or having – the skill of playing an instrument into a truly fun and satisfying experience. Really, this is a no-brainer. As human beings we have been created for relationship, community, “doing life” together with others, and this isn’t any other way with making music. I have been in bands and vocal ensembles for pretty much all of my musical life, from only a few years after I picked up my first guitar at the age of 10 in my country of origin The Netherlands (click here for some fun images and sounds from the past), and it has always been among my favorite activities.

I have been coaching many ensembles (pop, rock, soul, funk, jazz) in schools, privately, as well as leading church music teams. If you have some friends you think of beginning a band with, but you have no idea how to get going, or if you just want to play in a band but haven’t found people to do that with yet, I would love to help you! Here as well, I favor the tailor-made approach. We will talk about repertoire, you can do covers, or your own material, or a mix of both. I can provide band charts/scores, help you develop song ideas, arrangements – all from a perspective of developing complete musicianship in you and empowering you so you will, sooner or later, be able to do it all on your own.

A few of the bands/artists I have done covers of with the ensembles I have been coaching/teaching:  ACDC, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, The Beatles, Bloc Party, Bon Jovi, Boston, Carole King, Coldplay, Deep Purple, The Doobie Brothers, Edgar Winter Group, The Eagles, Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, Fontella Bass, Foo Fighters, The Four Tops, Gary Moore, George, George Benson, Gladys Knight, Good Charlotte, Green Day, Guns & Roses, Harry Conninck jr., Herbie Hancock, Ike & Tina Turner, Jet, Jimi Hendrix, Joe Satriani,  Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson,  The Monkees, Oasis, One Direction, Otis Redding, Paramore, Paul Kelly, Queen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rickie Lee Jones, Robben Ford, Sam and Dave, Santana, Silverchair, Simple Plan, Soundgarden, Steely Dan, Stevie Wonder, Steppenwolf, Steve Winwood, The Supremes, Thirsty Merc, U2, Vanessa Amorosi, Van Halen, Van Morrison, The Vines, The Who … and others