Rik has been active as a teacher since 2001 and has been affiliated with various music schools (Rotterdam and Nijmegen region), orchestras and since 2013 as a Professor of Jazz & Pop at the ArtEZ conservatory in Arnhem. In addition, he has been giving workshops that focus on improvisation since 2005. The lessons are characterized by flexibility and versatility; the musical wish of the student is always the starting point and Rik’s broad education, knowledge and good ears provide for that.
In Jazz, Latin and improvised music Rik has developed a unique method in which the often elusive improvisation becomes understandable and performable. Improvisation is close to Rik’s heart and has his main focus, as a performer, composer and educator.
In addition to his appointment at ArtEZ, Rik currently gives private lessons, workshops and courses, about which more information can be found below.
2024 Lecture Accordion Pedagogy in Improvised Music, Royal Danish Academy of Music (Copenhagen)
2014-2021 Accordion teacher; Lindenberg House for the Arts, Nijmegen
2013-heden ArtEZ university of the Arts; principle teacher, methodology teacher, Teaching Practice Development, band coaching and research coaching (BA & MA)
2006-heden Accordion teacher; private practice in the Nijmegen area
2003-2007 Conductor; music association Excelsior ’64 (Ammerstol) and Harry van Wezel (Vlaardingen).
2001-heden Workshops; improvisatie, begeleiding, methodologie voor impro.
2001-2006 Accordion teacher; music schools in Krimpen a/d IJssel, Capelle a/d IJssel and Bergschenhoek.
ArtEZ university of the arts
Rik has been a principal subject teacher for Accordion Jazz & Pop at the ArtEZ Conservatory in Arnhem since 2013. He also coaches ensembles, is closely involved as a research coach in Artistic Research at the Bachelor and Master of Music and is a qualified examiner (SKE & BKE, CITO).
ArtEZ is one of the few academies in the world where you can study Jazz Accordion. The fact that the study program has a lot of space for the individual is a fantastic opportunity for an instrument with a relatively small tradition in improvised music.
In recent years, Dutch, German, Spanish, Lithuanian, Estonian and Croatian students have been here for a BA or MA study, or as an exchange student. For more information about the program, you can always contact us.
Summer Course
Since 2024, Rik, together with the Sweden-based harmonica player and composer Armand van Wijck, has been organizing the Summer Course Improvisation for Accordion and Harmonica. This two-day course offers an inspiring opportunity to learn to improvise, with an emphasis on musicality and ensemble playing. The course is for participants aged 18 and over and is suitable for all playing levels, provided you have basic knowledge.
We work in two groups in which beginners receive the support they need to learn to improvise. And we challenge (very) advanced students even further with improvisation and technique.
More information will be available soon
Workshops
Since 2001, Rik has been organizing workshops that cover various aspects of improvisation. These one-day workshops offer an inspiring opportunity to learn how to improvise, with an emphasis on musicality and ensemble playing. The course is open to participants of all ages and is suitable for all levels of performance, provided you have basic technical and musical knowledge.
We work in a group of maximum 8 people in which beginners receive the support they need to learn to improvise. And (very) advanced students are challenged with more complex forms of improvisation and technique.
Both workshops will work on the same tune, but from a different perspective. On March 29, the emphasis will be on melodies (phrasing and improvising), while on May 17, the emphasis will be on accompaniment (chords and rhythm). Both days can be attended separately or both.
Private lessons
Since 2001, Rik has been giving private lessons to accordionists of all ages. The musical wishes of the student always come first; many musical styles are possible, whereby improvisation can be a part of the lessons. Other instrumentalists are also welcome for lessons that focus on improvisation.
The lessons are in principle individual, but in duo is also possible. The frequency and duration of the lessons is flexible; it can be on a regular basis or one-off.
The lessons take place in my studio in Middelaar (nijmegen area). Lessons at an alternative location are possible in consultation in certain circumstances.
Online lessons
Online lessons are possible as a regular lesson that is done via video calling (Teams, Facetime, Google Meet, Signal). Teaching material can be shared digitally on the spot (also notes, fingerings, recordings, etc.).
The cost for a regular or online lesson is €60 (excl. 21% VAT) per hour. Lessons for students up to 21 years are exempt from VAT.
Intra-lessons
Intra-lessons is a concept to receive occasional personal guidance in the field of technique and sound formation, improvisation and music theory. The term intra means from within. The lessons touch the core of making music in general and aim to provide handles for a new direction or goal, feedback on your own composition or arrangement, answer a specific question or simply receive unbiased feedback on your playing.
How does it work? You will receive information from me on how to make a good recording with your own resources and then send me a recording (video or audio) of maximum 10 minutes. Within a week you will receive personal feedback by audio/video (in high recording quality), in which I provide feedback on various subjects and tips on how you can study (further). You can then work on this yourself (or under the supervision of a teacher) at your own pace. Sending sheet music is not necessary, but possible.
