Artist
I like to bring my music to places where it normally can't be heard live. I find it fascinating to turn a 'normal' place into a special concert venue.
During house concerts, for example, I bring contemporary music into the intimate character of a living room. Thus increasing the effect music can have on my audience.
In this manner, I took part in Casco Phil's Lost&Found some time ago. A project in which newly composed pieces of opera were created and performed every day in Rotterdam station. The commuters are the wanted (or unwanted) audience.
(Preview on youtube)
What I think is most important?
Sharing music and creating connections.
With concerts, workshops, individual lessons, just everywhere.
Pedagogue
I teach at the academy of Boom and Beveren, where I mainly want to coach my accordion students to become versatile musicians. The very interesting mix of ages (from 8 to +70) ensures a special and rich experience.
Also I regularly supervise musical workshops at De Veerman, such as 'Children are born as composers'. (www.veerman.be)
Seeing people explore, create and discover music provides an experience, enrichment and relaxation which we can pass on.
Music as permanent ripples in water.
Student
Bram Van Weverberg (°1992) studied accordion at the Conservatory of Antwerp with Ludo Mariën.
He continues to expand his studies with various artists, master classes and workshops in Europe.
Global citizen
Music is universal, unbound by language, nor hindered by any national or other artificial boundaries.
Thus I feel like a fish in water on the Ethno World music stages (www.ethno.world), both as a participant and a mentor.
Sharing music and cultures remains the greatest gift every time.
Ethno World inspires and broadens my playing, my artistic vision and my teaching time and again: with a clear focus on music, sharing, and playing together.
Tinkerer
I learn from Casper Burkhardt (www.pigini.nl) the basics of accordion repairment. It is a master-student process in the truest sense of the word, with which I will eventually be able to carry out repairs on my own instrument and that of my students. In the future I will also be happy to share that knowledge with colleagues.