I am Willem, a music therapist, marimba soloist, drum kit performer, teacher, corporate entertainer, drum circle leader and well-being facilitator based in Cambridge. I was always interested in music at a young age. When I was very little I could not stop drumming on pots and pans in the kitchen! I then received a drum kit for Christmas when I was seven years old and started lessons with Bert Schilperoort. I continued with Bert for many years, who was and still is a true inspiration to me. For many years I also gained experience of playing in percussion groups led by Cambridgeshire Music's Mark Aldous.  I also studied Tuned Percussion under expert teacher Mark Aldous.I was then taught by Belgium solo percussionist Professor Jessica Ryckewaert.

​I graduated from Leeds College of Music with a first class honours as well as the The Rotary Club of Leeds Cooke-Webster Prize earned from achieving the highest mark (95%) in my end of year recital in 2019.  After graduating I undertook work over two years in special needs educational before training as a music therapist at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. I finished my masters in 2023 and I am currently working as a music therapist within the AUTISM-CHIME project and in various schools within Cambridge and its surrounding areas whilst continuing to teach, perform, and extend my work into further therapeutic opportunities, corporate entertainment and well-being workshops. I have also recently undertaken Rhythm2Recovery training and will look to incorporate this evidence-based practice within individual and group work. 

Please explore my dynamic website and contact me if you would like to connect!