Biography

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born and raised in Belgium, Sébastien discovered music at an early age and quickly found his way to the guitar. Drawn to the instrument’s expressive range and versatility, he immersed himself in different styles, from blues and rock to jazz and classical traditions. What began as a personal passion gradually grew into a professional calling, leading him to pursue advanced studies in music and performance.

Studies and Influences

In 2023, Sébastien completed his Master’s degree in Jazz Guitar Performance at Codarts University of the Arts in Rotterdam. During his studies, he was mentored by acclaimed guitarists such as Nelson Veras, Reinier Baas, Ronald Schmitz, and Ed Verhoeff, each of whom helped shape his individual approach to sound, technique, and improvisation. He also had the privilege of attending masterclasses with internationally renowned artists, including Gilad Hekselman, Peter Bernstein, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Bill Frisell, Scott Henderson, Cenk Erdoğan, Allen Hinds, Miles Okazaki, Martijn van Iterson, and Ben Wendel. A memorable highlight of his career so far was performing alongside the Brazilian virtuoso Yamandu Costa.

These experiences enriched his musical palette, allowing him to cultivate a personal style that blends harmonic sophistication, melodic clarity, and rhythmic openness.

Performance Career

Sébastien has performed with a variety of ensembles across Europe, appearing at festivals, concert halls, and intimate venues alike. His work thrives at the intersection of genres: he feels equally at home in jazz and funk and cross-cultural projects that weave together different musical traditions.

As a member of Zaatar Quintet, he explores the meeting point of Middle Eastern makam traditions, jazz, and Western classical influences. The ensemble’s unique instrumentation: bass clarinet, B-flat clarinet, violin, and bass violin provides fertile ground for adventurous interplay and creative expression. With colleagues from Cyprus, Turkey, Germany, and Syria, the group embodies a truly international spirit and a shared search for musical dialogue.

In addition to collaborative projects, Sébastien pursues solo performances, where he presents original compositions and personal interpretations of the guitar repertoire. His solo work highlights his ability to merge intimacy with inventiveness, inviting audiences into an honest and immersive sound world.

Teaching and Mentorship

Alongside his performing career, Sébastien is an experienced guitar teacher. He teaches at music schools in the Netherlands, where he works with students of all ages and levels. His teaching philosophy emphasizes creativity, technical foundation, and the joy of making music. Whether guiding beginners through their first chords or helping advanced students refine improvisational skills, he aims to instill confidence and a lasting love for the guitar.

For Sébastien, teaching and performing are deeply connected: the stage and the classroom continually inform one another, making him both a reflective educator and a dynamic performer.

Artistic Vision

At the heart of Sébastien’s artistry lies a curiosity for sound and connection. His music is not bound by rigid genre categories; instead, it seeks to create dialogue between traditions, between musicians, and between performer and listener. With a warm tone, an openness to experimentation, and a dedication to storytelling through music, Sébastien aspires to create experiences that resonate far beyond the final note.