TUTORIALS
Improve your play and learn online!
Check the YOUTUBE CHANNEL and learn about different rhythms and instruments. The tutorials are easy to follow. No matter if you just start with percussion or if you are advanced. Discover the secret of the clave, play rare rhythms and enjoy the way Michael explains the world of latin percussion.
On PATREON you can find new videos about rhythms, notations as PDF, percussion play along videos or the possibility to get a online lesson with Michael. Find your own tier and support Michaels work.
YOUTUBE
Follow Michael on his youtube cannel. You will find more than 350 videos for free!
PATREON
Support Michael at patreon.
WORKSHOPS AND LESSONS
Michael has always enjoyed teaching workshops. He is flexible and creative in finding locations, instruments, rhythms and styles.
Within his workshops he uses rhythms from Brazil and Cuba and there is usually a hint of African also.
Michael ensures that each participant works at his / her level receives a suitable role within the workshop. He regularly organizes workshops for various foundations such as „Outdoor Art“, „Nyama“ and „Swing“.
WORKSHOPS FOR BUSINESS
Percussion is not only a fun and relaxing activity, it is also very instructive. Using themes of communication percussion workshops can work as a mirror. Using this mirror as a reference Michael helps the organizations by developing new skills and insights. The emphasis is on nonverbal communication instead of verbal communication. Below are few of the themes covered:
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Intercultural work
• Leadership
Michael uses his enthusiasm and patience to produce a positive result. Past organizations where Michael has given workshops include: Philips, KPMG, World Wildlife Fund, AMC, Mental Health and ABN AMRO.
BAND COACHING
As a band coach Michael’s expertise is often requested.
Through his years of experience and study trips to Cuba, Brazil, Senegal and The Gambia, he uses his knowledge to assist bands in their repertoire. If there are problems in the rhythm, arrangement or even the set-up he can identify and remedy them.
In addition, if you’d like a new arrangement to suit your group then Michael is the person to see. Groups such as: Bahia Connection, Outra Vez,
Femmes Vattaal en Percossa are just a few who have used his services.
MUSIC AND COMPOSITIONS
For more than 20 years I’ve played all kinds of compositions with different ensembles. From Salsa to African and from pop to classical. From my sense of music I’ve created my own unique style which I then play to the outside world. I recently released a CD with my own compositions. Click on „CD“ in the menu above for more information.
Mixing influences from musical cultures
You may recognize many types of music within my style. I use the rhythms and instruments from the musical cultures of various lands, some of which I have visited. The fusion of these influences is typical of my style, however I also enjoy composing traditional music.
Samba, son and mbalax with violin, oboe and surdo, mixed or just natural.
With rhythm and excitement
My music is very rhythmic. I try to instill a certain excitement or tension. This tension can be in either a melody or a harmony. It may be that the melody is exciting compared to the harmony; a lot is possible.
Rhythm and excitement can be heard in for instance new rhythms, songs, advertising and film soundtacks.
Some examples
Short tunes, Cuban Carnival… the assignments I receive are varied.
I have written compositions for percussion Salsa bands, Brazilian bands and World music. Examples are Sambalanço, Tak ’n Djola and Oladom.
For the Foundation for Outdoor Art and other organizations, I wrote compositions that can only be played on consumer goods!
Shall we meet?
You can listen to some of my compositions on this site. If you wish me to compose something for you then plase contact me via the contact page. We can sit down together to discuss the length, style and theme of the composition. I can also give you a cost estimate for the project.
PROJECTS
NEW CD: „Roots & Wings,“ a musical odyssey that draws its inspiration from the rich tapestry of cultures that have shaped Michaels life and heritage. Hailing from the beautiful island of Aruba, with roots tracing back to Surinam and the Netherlands, his music is a celebration of diversity, fusion, and the power of interconnectedness.
Through nine original compositions, Michael invites you to explore the intersection of cultures, rhythms, and emotions. Each track tells a unique story, capturing the essence of his multicultural background and his personal journey. The infectious beats will make you want to move your body, while the soulful melodies will touch your heart.
BIOGRAPHY
FAMILY TIES
I was born in Aruba in 1965. After a few years my family moved to the Netherlands. Our family consisted of my father, a Surinamese guitarist, my Dutch mother, my brother, sister and me. We have always been involved with music a great deal. For the Surinamese part of my family making music was very common. Even today we play together at parties and special occasions or just for fun.
… TO THE ACADEMY
Music was for me a normal part of everyday life, although the idea of being a professional musician had not yet taken hold. I had already several instruments such as the piano, violin, guitar, bass and drums under my belt. It was in this house full of instruments that my father inspired me to learn percussion. Later on I also studied percussion at the music academy.
SOUTH AMERICA
South American rhythms have always had a special place in my heart. Harmonic instruments like piano and bass are to be played rhythmically. This is still my passion: tense harmonies swingingly laid out. My interest is broader than just percussion and I play a range of different instruments which you can hear in my compositions.
… BUT ALSO CUBA AND AFRICA
During trips to Cuba, Brazil and Africa I studied the percussive techniques of different cultures. This has been instrumental in developing my own style, a style which fuses these 3 cultures. Tradition is something I find very important. It is important to know the origin of things. Only then you can play with full knowledge and scope. That is a major challenge and one I take on gladly.