Drummer | Percussionist | Educator of generations
With a career spanning more than 50 years and a variety of disciplines, Gerhard Jeltes is one of the most versatile and influential percussionists in the Netherlands. He started at the age of 9 with the youth drum band ‘Nieuw Leven’ in Eelde, went to the Groningen Music School at the age of 11, and began his studies in classical percussion at the Groningen Conservatory in 1972. In 1975 he continued his studies at the Sweelinck Conservatory in Amsterdam and graduated with honors in 1977. He subsequently built up an impressive track record as a performing musician, accompanist, studio professional and teacher.
A master in the full breadth of the profession.
He performed countless times in theatres, concert halls, studios and on television, accompanying icons such as Toots Thielemans, Phillippe Catherine, Jasper van ’t Hoff, Margriet Eshuys, Herman Brood, Lee Towers, Anita Meyer, Liesbeth List, Marjorie Barnes, Rob de Nijs, Ramses Shaffy, James Morrison, Gloria Gaynor, and many others. As a permanent accompanist with Cor Bakker’s orchestra, he worked with Paul Leeuw and accompanied national and international artists during his TV and theatre shows. He played with Henk Westbroek, Paul van Vliet and Martine Bijl, and in this way he made an important contribution to Dutch theatre and music life. He was part of influential bands such as Batida (with Josee Koning), Circle Percussion, played several times with the Metropole Orchestra, the Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Skymasters, the Netherlands Wind Ensemble (including Kees van Kooten & Wim de Bie), the Tonny Eijk Orchestra and was heard on dozens of radio and television productions. His playing style is characterized by musicality, precision and an unmistakable sense of timing and atmosphere.
Educator of generations
As a teacher, Gerhard taught generations of percussionists at the Amstelveen music school, the conservatories of Utrecht, Zwolle, Hilversum and later Amsterdam, and he inspired young musicians during workshops and clinics at home and abroad. His education was steeped in practical experience and artistic craftsmanship, and his influence lives on in the hands of many Dutch percussionists. He also gave workshops at home and abroad, including during Jazz au Vert in Belgium, at Jeugd & Muziek, and at the Rhythm Factory. At the Conservatory of Amsterdam, in addition to teaching, he has developed the Junior Jazz College into a successful and fully-fledged young talent department, from which numerous renowned musicians have emerged in recent years (Yoran Vroom, Kick Woudstra, Max Sergeant, Wouter Kühne).
A life in the service of rhythm
Gerhard Jeltes’ career is an ode to percussion in all its facets. From the theatre stage to the (television) studio, from jazz club to the conservatory.
With his induction into the Drumstick Hall of Fame, we not only honour his exceptional musical career, but also his lasting contribution to the cultural and educational landscape of the Netherlands.
Some of the drummers who have had lessons from Gerhard: Marcos Baggiani, Marijn vd Berg, Jan Wolfkamp, Bernhard Weichinger, Jurriaan Snoek, Hans Lafaille, Srdjan Ivanovic and Yoran Vroom.
