I’m Willem, a music teacher, music therapist, corporate entertainer, drum circle leader, and well-being facilitator based in Ely and Cambridge. My passion for music began at a very young age. As a child, I was constantly drumming on pots and pans in the kitchen, so it came as no surprise when I received my first drum kit for Christmas at the age of seven. I soon began lessons with Bert Schilperoort, whose teaching and musicianship have been a lasting source of inspiration throughout my career. Alongside my drum kit studies, I gained extensive experience performing in percussion ensembles led by Mark Aldous through Cambridgeshire Music. I also studied tuned percussion with Mark before continuing my training with Belgian solo percussionist Professor Jessica Ryckewaert.
I graduated from Leeds College of Music with First Class Honours and was awarded the prestigious Rotary Club of Leeds Cooke-Webster Prize after achieving the highest recital mark of my year (95%) in 2019.
Following graduation, I spent two years working in special educational needs (SEN) education before completing a Master's degree in Music Therapy at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, graduating in 2023. I then joined the AUTISM-CHIME project while continuing to teach, perform, and expand my work in therapeutic practice, corporate entertainment, and well-being workshops.
Currently, I am working as both a music therapist and an SEN music teacher within schools, supporting children and young people with a wide range of needs. I have also completed Rhythm2Recovery training and am excited to incorporate this evidence-based approach into both individual and group sessions, using rhythm and music to support emotional well-being, resilience, and social connection.
Whether I'm teaching, performing, facilitating workshops, or delivering therapy, my aim is always the same: to use the power of music to inspire, connect, and enrich people's lives.
I currently teach throughout Cambridge and, following my move to Ely, am delighted to be extending my services to families in the local area. Please explore my dynamic website and contact me if you would like to connect!
I graduated from Leeds College of Music with First Class Honours and was awarded the prestigious Rotary Club of Leeds Cooke-Webster Prize after achieving the highest recital mark of my year (95%) in 2019.
Following graduation, I spent two years working in special educational needs (SEN) education before completing a Master's degree in Music Therapy at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, graduating in 2023. I then joined the AUTISM-CHIME project while continuing to teach, perform, and expand my work in therapeutic practice, corporate entertainment, and well-being workshops.
Currently, I am working as both a music therapist and an SEN music teacher within schools, supporting children and young people with a wide range of needs. I have also completed Rhythm2Recovery training and am excited to incorporate this evidence-based approach into both individual and group sessions, using rhythm and music to support emotional well-being, resilience, and social connection.
Whether I'm teaching, performing, facilitating workshops, or delivering therapy, my aim is always the same: to use the power of music to inspire, connect, and enrich people's lives.
I currently teach throughout Cambridge and, following my move to Ely, am delighted to be extending my services to families in the local area. Please explore my dynamic website and contact me if you would like to connect!
