JUNIOR JAZZ COLLEGE
The Junior Jazz College (JJC) at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam is the pre-conservatory programme I currently attend. Every Saturday, I work on different aspects of jazz, including music theory, ensemble playing, improvisation and individual saxophone lessons.
My individual saxophone lessons are taught by Mo van der Does. The JJC gives me the opportunity to learn from experienced musicians, play with other young jazz musicians and prepare myself for a future in music.
JUNIOR JAZZ ACADEMY
The Junior Jazz Academy at JazzWerkplaats Den Bosch is one of the places where I continue to develop my foundation as a jazz musician. Playing with other young musicians gives me the opportunity to explore improvisation, ensemble playing and different styles of jazz.
It is a place where I can experiment, learn from others and keep challenging myself as a musician.
JAZZACADEMY
At the JazzAcademy of JazzWerkplaats Den Bosch, I get to dive even deeper into jazz and improvisation. Playing in different ensembles and working with other musicians helps me develop my musicality and become more confident as a player.
Every rehearsal and performance brings something new, which is exactly what I enjoy about playing jazz.
JONG JOC
Jong JOC is the big band connected to the Concertgebouw Amsterdam. Playing in this ensemble gives me the chance to work with a large group of young jazz musicians and perform challenging big band repertoire.
I especially enjoy the combination of tight ensemble playing, powerful arrangements and the freedom to improvise.
JJC BIG BAND
As part of the Junior Jazz College, I also play in the JJC Big Band. The big band is a great environment to develop both as an ensemble player and as a soloist.
Playing saxophone within a full big band has taught me a lot about listening, dynamics, phrasing and finding my place within a larger musical sound.
KIEP IT FUNKY
MY OWN PROJECT
Kiep It Funky is my own band and one of the places where I can really put my own musical ideas into practice.
The band brings together jazz, funk, soul and pop, with a strong focus on groove, energy and having fun on stage. I started the project because I wanted to create a band where we could play the music we love, experiment with different sounds and develop our own identity as a group.
The current lineup is:
Matthias Kiep — Alto Saxophone
Jurian Hoving — Guitar
Stanley van der Poel — Electric Bass
Hidde Herrema — Keyboard / Piano
Job Reijnhart — Drums
For me, Kiep It Funky is about more than just playing songs. It’s about creating something together and finding our own way of playing the music.
From tight funk grooves and soulful melodies to jazz-inspired improvisation, we like to keep things energetic, musical and — most importantly — funky.
KIEP IT FUNKY. 🎷