My name is Wouter and I have been active in the Celtic music scene for only a few years.
Prior to eighteen I didn't play any musical instruments, but thanks to my friends, I became acquainted with Irish music. Inspired by the superfast banjo tunes from Barney McKenna (The Dubliners) I decided to start with the banjo. Unfortunately, everybody in my neighborhood also had the same intentions and all the banjo's were sold out! As a result I bought a mandolin instead, it was a matter of fate that I began with the mandolin!
After playing several different mandolins, I started to play the bouzouki, guitar and violin as well. By then my music addiction had really begun! Since I was not sure whether to buy a mandolin or a banjo, I had someone in Ireland make a "banjola" for me as a compromise.
My guitar interest was greatly enhanced by seeing Philip Masure (DADGad-tuning specialist) perform. I tried this DADGad tuning on my guitar and liked it so much that the guitar became my primary instrument. Although influenced by a lot of great guitarists, I continue to develop my own style with lots of alternative chords (sometimes even Jazz chords!).
Meanwhile I have become an active session musician and I am also interested in different forms of folk music and other acoustic music. I have recently picked up the fiddle again as a result of all the session playing.
Another non musical hobby of mine is cooking. Besides the enjoyment of preparing the food, I love to sit back and relax with friends after a good meal and drink whisky, cognac or wine.
 

See me also on YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/woutervdschoor

back to Band