Thijs is developing into a professional guitarist. Fellow students and friends increasingly call upon him to play along. As a result, he has mastered various styles, such as funk, blues, soul, pop, and rock.
In 2023 he founded the band Manfred’s Garden with his friend since highschool Gabier Martina. They write and compose their own songs. They also manage the band. Together with three other musicians they are building quite a fanbase. More and more performances are appearing on their schedule.
Growing up
Thijs grew up with rock music instead of lullabies, so the musical virus spread already at young age. By the time he was about 10 years old, he discovered his brother’s guitar, where he started trying some chords of a Johnny Cash song. Not long after he got his own small beginners guitar. From there on, he never stopped trying and playing.
During his first highschool band concert he experienced the joy of performing. After graduation he took a year off to reflect on his future. He had more time to spend with his guitars and discovered that this is what he wanted for the rest of his life.
In 2024 he auditioned and was admitted to the Popacademy of ArtEZ University of the Arts, majoring in guitar.