Achim Heine has been giving drum lessons continuously since 1996. Achim founded Muziekles aan’t IJ in 2010. He has also been teaching at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam since 2014. After his Master’s graduation in Jazz Drums at the Conservatorium van Amsterdam in 2006, his career as a drummer continued to flourish in the Dutch jazz, theater, and pop scene. Today, Achim plays with bands such as Flamingo Anonymous, Twitching Eye Trio, Golek – Heine – Roelofs, and earswideopen. He can be heard on albums by earswideopen, Maria Markesini, Anne Chris, Golek – Heine – Roelofs, Ruken Baris, and the Convocation Bigband.
As a teacher, Achim is interested in stimulating the student’s musical identity. Therefore, he works based on the music the student listens to and enjoys. In addition, using his self-developed method, he teaches the basic skills of drumming, playing the piano, or playing together in a band.
This involves two aspects: playing what you feel (using your ears) and also reading notes/ using concepts (using your eyes or brain). Both aspects are covered in both drum and piano lessons. Furthermore, for both instruments, attention is paid to basic techniques, proper posture, and the right looseness so that learning becomes fun and productive.
With drumming, the focus is on learning basic rhythms and fills; in the case of piano playing, it is about chord progressions and sight-reading—the latter can be classical, pop, or jazz. Playing along with music is therefore also done frequently. Achim switches instruments so naturally that some students start trying other instruments as the lessons progress. This is something he encourages based on his own experience, given that he plays bass guitar, guitar, keyboard, djembe, percussion, cajon, Khaen, Mbira, and more. All of this is done with an eye on what the student wants and needs at that moment.
Advanced students can receive lessons from him in all musical styles. In particular, he attracts people interested in jazz or those wishing to prepare for conservatory studies.
As a drummer, Achim is a fluid melodic jazz drummer, fresh-beats drummer, and versatile percussionist. He has performed everything from free jazz, funk, and theater to classical projects. He also regularly composes pieces for solo piano. He is especially interested in music created with high concentration and played in a sparkling atmosphere of openness. For performances, see his instagram.
