Meet Teacher and Band Leader – Pieter Beemster

For many of you, Pieter will be a familiar sight!  Pieter has been with Maxx Music for over 5yrs and teaches at both our Castle Hill and Rouse Hill music schools.  He brings a wealth of skills and knowledge to his teaching having been playing music for 50 years with experience of playing in a myriad of bands, from jazz to punk!  Most recently, he has been working with our young musicians to create bands as part of our Band in a Day Program.

Find out more about Pieter’s career and musical passions below.

Why did you decide to teach music?

I decided to teach music because I had closed my business of 15 years and was looking for semi-retirement in a meaningful way.

Music has always been a passion of mine since I first played the piano aged 10. I wanted to continue working and doing something I enjoy as well. I am proud to say that my children are both highly accomplished musicians, and my grandchildren are now taking up the baton as well. After 5 years at Maxx Music I am still enjoying the work and delighted to see the progress of my students as they develop in their musical journey.

You are great at leading our School Holiday Bands, have you ever played in a band yourself?

I played drums in many bands during the 70’s 90’s 2000’s from hard rock to punk and jazz. In the 2000’s I played keys (piano) in a number of cover bands mainly soul and funk. I had a jazz band in Indonesia which played 4 gigs a month as a drummer and, back in Australia, I landed in several bands playing bass guitar. One was an original ‘NewWave’ band and another was a speed punk ‘chaos’ and blues trio. Bonus fact – my son was the drummer in all the bands I where I played bass guitar!

What were some of the first music pieces you fell in love with?

As a child of the 60’s my first musical memory was The Beatles and the first tune I learnt to play on drums was Strawberry Fields Forever. In the early 70’s I discovered Slade, The Sweet, Elton John, Pink Floyd and then I heard Led Zeppelin, Queen, Bowie, Police and my mind was blown!

Who are your musical heroes, and how have they influenced you?

My musical heroes are all drummers! On the jazz side are Gene Krupa, Louis Belson, Joe Morello, Buddy Rich. On the rock side Ringo, John Bonham and most importantly Stuart Copland. The influence of Ringo was that if you do a fill, make it count. There was no extra fat in his playing. John Bonham’s style influenced me especially for kick drum and general bombastic playing. Stuart Copland combined Jazz, Punk, reggae and good old-fashioned pop into a sublime mix pure virtuosity. The influence of the jazz guys is the pure raw speed mixed with dynamics and feel, something to aspire to.

What album do you recommend everyone should listen to?

There are a number of albums I would recommend including:

• Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd
• Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles
• A Night at the Opera – Queen
• Physical Graffiti – Led Zepplin
• Machine Head – Deep Purple
• Regatta de Blanc – The Police

What’s a truly unforgettable concert you’ve attended?

I can’t pick one!  So, my top three memorable concerts have to be:

• The Police in 1979
• ELO in 1977
• Queen in 1984

Have you been inspired to release your inner Rock Star?  Find out more about our School Holiday Band Program and our Weekly Band Program.