THE STORY BEHIND THE SAX
Hi, I’m Matthias Kiep, an alto saxophonist from Haaften, the Netherlands. I started playing saxophone at the age of six, and over the years my passion for music has grown into a major part of my life. My main focus is jazz, while I also enjoy exploring funk, soul and other styles.
My musical journey started at Muziekvereniging Nieuw Leven in Haaften, where Marko van Esch taught me the basics of playing and making music. After two years, I joined Drumfanfare Amantius in Den Bosch. There I had my first lessons with Thom Kooijmans, who introduced me to the world of jazz.
For around six years I was active at Amantius, playing in both the youth orchestra and the show and marching band. During this time, I discovered how much I enjoyed performing and playing together with other musicians.
DISCOVERING JAZZ
My interest in jazz really started during my time at Drumfanfare Amantius, where I had lessons from Thom Kooijmans. Through him, I was introduced to jazz and discovered a completely new side of playing the saxophone.
While playing at Amantius, I joined Playground, a project of JazzWerkplaats Den Bosch led by Thom Kooijmans. This was my first opportunity to play jazz in an ensemble and explore improvisation.
After Playground, I joined the Junior Jazz Academy at JazzWerkplaats Den Bosch. I am still part of the Junior Jazz Academy today, where I continue to develop my skills as a jazz musician.
Alongside the Junior Jazz Academy, I also play in the JazzAcademy of JazzWerkplaats Den Bosch. Being part of both programmes gives me the opportunity to play with different musicians, explore different styles and continue developing my improvisation and musicality.
I also took saxophone lessons at Huis73 with Thom Kooijmans, where we explored different jazz styles and worked on my playing and musicality.
WHERE I AM NOW
Today, I follow the pre-conservatory programme at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, where I am part of the Junior Jazz College (JJC).
Every Saturday, I take lessons in music theory, ensemble playing and individual saxophone. My individual saxophone lessons are taught by Mo van der Does, with whom I continue to develop my playing, improvisation and musicality.
Alongside my studies in Amsterdam, I am still actively involved with JazzWerkplaats Den Bosch, where I am part of both the Junior Jazz Academy and the JazzAcademy.
Within the Junior Jazz College, I also play in Jong JOC and the JJC Big Band, giving me the opportunity to perform with different ensembles and explore a wide range of jazz repertoire.
Outside of these programmes, I play with my own band, Kiep It Funky, where we bring together jazz, funk, soul and groove.
PLAYING WITH OTHERS
For me, music is about more than simply playing the right notes. It is about listening, reacting and creating something together with the musicians around you.
Playing in different ensembles has taught me that every group has its own sound, energy and way of working. From the close interaction of a small jazz ensemble to the power of a full big band, I enjoy discovering what happens when musicians really connect.
Whether I’m playing with Junior Jazz Academy, JazzAcademy, Jong JOC, the JJC Big Band or Kiep It Funky, I’m always looking for new ways to learn, play and grow as a musician.
SEE WHO I’M PLAYING WITH →