Hans van der Maas
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Music makes us smarter, art processes emotions, and the list of studies or beautiful texts goes on. It may not be nonsense, but art doesn't need to defend itself. Art simply exists. It has existed since humanity began. That's why I believe we should just keep creating beautiful things. And that's what I want to dedicate myself to with what I create, what I do, and what I pass on.
First and foremost, I am a musician. Someone who finds meaning and significance in music. My instrument is a tool, a thing. And fortunately, I have more instruments. I am an accordionist, a conductor, and a musicologist. This combination allows me to engage with music in a way that suits me, and also means I don't have to limit myself to one style of music. Music either comes into being or it doesn't, whatever form it takes.
To achieve this, I studied accordion, ensemble leadership, orchestral conducting, and choral conducting at the Rotterdam Conservatory (now Codarts). And because I remained curious afterwards, I pursued musicology at Utrecht University. Throughout and after my studies, I took additional courses, attended masterclasses, workshops – always staying curious!
I have worked for the Koorenhuis in The Hague in various capacities and roles. Later, for CultuurSchakel, and most recently, until December 31, 2021, I was the director of MOZ-Art Music School in Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel.
At the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, I was a lecturer for several years, teaching all accordion-related subjects (including for the Music Education program), pedagogy, historical development, and several other interesting areas related to developing students in the field of teaching – transmitting knowledge and skills.
