About
Jan van Voorst
Jan van Voorst has been a musician and drummer in the New England
area for the last 30 years, leading his own groups and as a sideman playing, jazz, funk, and rock. He has previously worked and recorded with numerous musicians including Rob Eberhardt Young (national recording artist on Imaginary Road and Polygram records), Steve Shapiro (Steely Dan), Curtis Clark, Oliver Lake, and Alex Foster (Miles Davis, Saturday Night Live) to name a few. van Voorst has also recorded his own work which can be found on the Ludington/van Voorst record “Listening Post”.
Drumming Philosophy
Musical drumming requires a high level of skill, creativity and sensitivity. A musical drummer does not just keep time but listens to create a musical dialogue with the other musicians and the song. One of the key aspects of musical jazz drumming is to play with a sense of fluidity and longer phrasing. This means that the drummer does not play rigid patterns or start and stop fills, but rather shapes the sound and the groove with subtle variations and accents. The goal is to make everyone else sound better and lift the music to a higher level.
Teaching
Do you want to learn how to play the drums or improve your skills? Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, I can help you achieve your musical goals. I offer drum lessons that are tailored to your needs and interests. We will work on discipline, control, independence, rudiments, time, groove, reading, technique, and improvisation. You will learn how to play different styles of music, such as rock, pop, jazz, funk, blues, and more. You will also develop your musical ear and creativity. My lessons are fun and engaging, and I will provide you with feedback and encouragement along the way. If you are ready to start your drumming journey or take it to the next level, contact me today and let’s make some noise!
Reviews
As an adult beginner, I was worried that I would be frustrating to teach. Jan is the most patient music teacher I’ve ever had. He is able to give insightful feedback, customize assignments, and provide pertinent instruction on the fly. Additionally, he is able to pull from a deep knowledge of music and apply it to keep the lessons interesting. Jan is authentic, thoughtful, and reliable. At every lesson I feel encouraged, successful, and happy to be there. - Anika on 6/4/2023
Jan is a true gem. He is a devoted teacher, consummate musician, and passionate person. Jan has a unique style: innovative and open, but deeply rooted in the tradition of jazz and it’s regional expression in New England. His pedagogy is rigorous, while his personality is playful. You can hear this in his music: very controlled, but wide ranging. He’s a great rock and pop teacher as well. - Jackson on 6/20/2023