Bert's Masterclasses

a unique and rare opportunity to learn from the best!

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced musician, our masterclasses offer a unique opportunity to enhance your musical abilities. Through a combination of group sessions, individual exercises, and collaborative performances, you'll learn how to think on your feet, communicate effectively with other musicians, and create captivating melodies on the spot. Join us and embark on a journey of musical exploration and self-discovery.

FOUR students!

Four students can attend a masterclass. There is a lot of personal attention and time and space for each individual's questions and learning process.

TWO higly qualified teachers!

Every masterclass has two teachers. Bert invites a highly qualified professional. Depending on the masterclass at hand, that is another pianist, a bassist an hornplayer or a vocalist.

SIX learning moments!

4 individual lessons, 2 group lessons and individual study time.

ONE whole day!

The luxury of so much time and different learning forms creates the opportunity to dive in deep and  stay relaxed.

Decorative picture of a hand with a golden string on a grand piano manual

A good movement is a good sound!

The motorical aspect of playing the piano is largely decisive for the end result. If you move comfortable you sound great. In every masterclass the motorical topic will be discussed.

Improvisation

There is always focus on improvisation and variation. Improvisation in the broadest sense: chords, melody, rhythm, timing, interaction. The word Variation means for Bert seeking and developing subtle differences in your playing.

What it will bring you

  • More freedom at the instrument
  • The pleasure of smooth movement
  • More convenience
  • Additional skills
  • A next step in your piano playing
  • Individual guidance
  • Small group, lots of personal attention
  • Learn together
  • The charm of working together
  • Written feedback
  • A pleasant and inviting atmosphere
  • A well-organized lunch

Data workshops

The masterclasses will start in spring 2025. If you are interested and want to be informed, send Bert an email!
Friday
04
October
20:00
Harlingen
More information
Sunday
29
September
15:00
Noordwijk
More information
Saturday
24
August
15:30
Delft
More information
Thursday
15
August
16:00
Haarlem
De St.-Bavo Kerk
More information
Picture of the studio of Bert van den Brink, mostly trees and other green

Location

Akkersestraat 6a
4061 BH Ophemert

Four rooms with two acoustic pianos each

Day schedule

  • 10:30 -11:00 Reception with coffee and tea
  • 11:00 - 11:45 Group lesson
  • 11:45 - 13:15 two Individual lessons and study time
  • 13:15 - 14:00 Lunch
  • 14:00 - 15:30 two Individual lessons and study time
  • 15:30 - 16:15 Group lesson
  • 16:15 - 16:30 Finishing up

Costs

€363,- (incl. VAT)

The teachers

There is always Bert with a guest teacher. This could be a pianist, but also an instrumentalist or a singer. This guest teacher, just like Bert himself, will also play with you.

Bert van den Brink

Bert graduated with honors as a classical pianist and also reached the top of Dutch jazz musicians as a self-taught musician. For example, he won the VPRO BoyEdgar prize in 2007 and played with great musicians such as Jules de Corte, Toots Thielemans and Deedee Bridgewater. Bert works as a piano teacher at the Utrecht Conservatory and  regularly gives concerts on organ, piano and accordion.

Bert van den Brink behind grand piano, turned sideways, laughing
Cor Bakker, piano

Cor Bakker graduated cum laude from the conservatory in 1984, followed by studies in Los Angeles with the famous composer and pianist Clare Fischer. He subsequently worked as a principal subject teacher at the Utrecht Conservatory for several years and was the permanent pianist of the Metropole Orchestra for no less than 11 years.

Following radio and TV programs (including as accompanist for Paul de Leeuw) and making him a celebrity. He even gets his own TV programs, such as 'Cor & Co' - prime-time with orchestra and national & international stars - and, for example, 'Cor op Reis'; in which he visits and accompanies famous artists all over the world. In addition, he has been a welcome guest on stages at home and abroad for decades. From light classical or evergreens to chansons or 'heavy' jazz. Cabaret, Dutch, Latin; Oh well, he's at home in all styles. Actually, Cor is at home everywhere. As long as there is a piano. In the book 'In all keys' you can read all about how Cor managed to realize his boyhood dreams and the price he paid for it.

website Cor
Less
Jasper Somsen, double bass

Dutch double bassist, composer and producer Jasper Somsen (1973) graduated in both Jazz and Classical double bass. He is an open minded versatile musician. Best known as a Jazz musician his field of interest and expertise also includes cross overs to classical, pop, world and film music and theater productions.

Jasper has collaborated with some of the very best musicians on the international jazz scene including Peter Erskine, Enrico Pieranunzi, Joey Calderazzo, Jeff Ballard, John Beasley, Jean-Michel Pilc, Eric Marienthal, Bob Sheppard, Seamus Blake, Jorge Rossy, Kendrick Scott, Justin Faulkner, André Ceccarelli, Gary Husband, Gabriele Mirabassi and Paolo Fresu.Besides a performer and composer, Jasper Somsen is a Challenge Records artist and a renowned studio producer.

website Jasper
Less
Paul van der Feen, saxophone

Paul van der Feen is regarded as one of Holland`s leading jazz saxophonists and viewed as an original and versatile voice within the Dutch musical landscape.

As a member of the Grammy Award winning Metropole Orkest he played alongside some of music’s most prominent such as Herbie Hancock, John Scofield, Al Jarreau, Gregory Porter, Maria Schneider, Robert Glasper, Chaka Khan and many others, resulting in several acclaimed recordings, most notably a feature role in a Grammy Award winning Vince Mendoza arrangement in 2010.

Paul practically grew up playing with his brothers (Mark, Matthijs and Clemens) with whom he formed the all-brothers Feenbrothers quartet, which initially featured the eleven year old Paul on clarinet. At age 14 he picked up the alto sax and -still a youngster- graduated from the Amsterdam Conservatory in 2002. After spending some time in New York Paul explored several musical genres in depth like Funk, R&B and especially Classical Music, but was drawn back into Jazz by rediscovering John Coltrane and Wayne Shorter and eventually began to discard all forms of musical parochialism.

Paul was a prize winner at the prestigeous White Foundation World Sax Competition in 2004 after which he played and toured with several renowned ensembles like the Jazz Orchestra of the Concertgebouw and collaborated with drummer and friend Roy Dackus to form the groups Odyssee and Inception which featured trumpet player Alex Sipiagin.

website Paul
Less

Student Testimonials

Read what others have to say about Bert's teaching.

Bert van den Brink: an icon.The exception is not only his incredible musical talents, but especially the combination of these talents with his humane, respectful and often humourous treatment of fellow musicians, students and

everyone around him. In which the love of music always comes first, in playing but also in conversation. At every level, from amateur to world star. A very special human being and musician who is incredibly dear to me, I can only be grateful to have been able to work with him for so many years and to share many loves and sorrows (especially many loves!).

More
Less

Hannie van Veldhoven

Studying next to Bert was a magical experience! He has a rare ability to understand the student's character in deep ways and then shape the lesson accordingly, in order to enhance the student's musicality. Our lessons were

always a revelation, opening different music doors and  helping me expand my vocabulary. Above all, Bert managed to deliver a very importance message to me:The piano lesson is a laboratory. We do all sorts of experiments to push our limits and even fail sometimes. Then when we perform live, we trust our musicality, our imagination and try to enjoy the moment without judging ourselves too much! Dear Bert, our lessons together will always be one of the most valuable experiences in my life.

More
Less

Orestis Petrakis

Studying with Bert was such an adventure through mastering well organised music systems and free improvisation. His impact on my music skills and creativity left me in the state of constant curiosity in music. Berts wonderful character

reflects benevolence, honesty and support. I am grateful for the opportunity to acquaint and study with such a unique artist, teacher and person.

More
Less

Aleksandar Grujic

Bert van den Brink was my principal jazz piano teacher at the Conservatory, and I consider him a musical mentor and inspiration. An hour together at the piano with Bert provides me with weeks of material to explore, replicate,

and experiment with. During such a lesson, he brings a multitude of creative ideas and enrichments, while also being very methodical in delving deeply into a particular concept. Bert approaches music both from an emotional and an academic perspective. His enthusiasm and warm personality are disarming, making you feel comfortable enough to truly express yourself at the piano. I look forward to continuing to involve Bert in my future musical projects.

More
Less

Floris Lamers

When  I met Bert in 1989 and heard him play, I was mesmerized by his precense and his vision. For me, as a young pianist, there was a lot to explore and Bert guided me towards a line of thought that was and still is both musically

and intellectualy highly inspiring. Thank you Bert!

More
Less

Jeroen van Vliet

Bert's love for music is infectious. His talent as a pianist is unmatched, and his performances are energizing. Whether you join him at a concert or for a piano lesson, you're guaranteed to leave with a genuine smile on your face.

Bert's enthusiasm and passion for music inspire everyone around him, making each experience memorable and uplifting.

More
Less

Murat Ali Cengiz

Bert and myself have been working a closely together as jazz educators for more than a decade now. He’s one of the most talented pianists on the planet and littery can do anything on the instrument. His next-level absolute hearing is

legendary in the Netherlands and far beyond. His caring for the students is one you don’t easily find with every teacher - pianist

More
Less

Rembrandt Frerichs

Even if we talk about asymmetrical minds and architectural hands the whole day, everything still feels so rational and the jigsaw falls into place every time with the way he explains. I would not use the word teacher for Bert, I would say he is a lifetime coach and a brilliant mentor.

Deniz Radgar

Met Bert had ik het vaak over de oneindige toepassingen van harmonie. Naast de wiskundige werking fantaseerden we ook over harmonische symboliek en betekenis - wat er allemaal niet mogelijk is op de piano!

Boudewijn Pleij

Masterclass faqs

Find answers to commonly asked questions about our improvisation workshops.

What is the schedule?

There are six masterclasses in a year.

Six lessons, four students, two teachers, really?

Yes! Even better: The two individual lesson will be split up in two sessions of 20 minutes each. After the first individual lesson in the morning you will practice for 20 minutes. You will then get the second individual lesson of another 20 minutes, followed with another 20 minutes of practice. This scheme repeats in the afternoon with the other teacher. So you will have effectively 4 individual lessons and 2 group lessons with only four students and the two teachers.

Why a non-pianist as teacher?

It is very refreshing to hear commentary from a non-pianist and to look at piano playing from that perspective. What do you take into account when you play with another musician?

What expertise is required?

Our masterclasses are suitable for participants of all levels, from beginners to advanced.

Do I need to bring any materials?

We provide all necessary materials for our workshops, including lunch and drinks. Just bring yourself and your enthusiasm!

How do I register?

Just send Bert an email and he will send all details.

Can I cancel my registration?

Because of the very exclusive character of the masterclasses it is important that there are four students. If you have to cancel and another student will sign up, you will be refunded. That also means you can transfer your registration to somebody else. If the masterclass ends up with only three students, unfortunately your payment can not be refunded.