In 2024 he auditioned and was admitted to the Popacademy of ArtEZ University of the Arts, majoring in guitar.
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.
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 2023 he founded the band Manfred’s Garden with his friend-since-highschool Gabier Martina. They wrote and composed their own songs. They also managed the band. Together with three other musicians they were building quite a fanbase. But like so many up-and-coming bands, the musicians’ priorities shifted. So in 2026 they decided to part ways.
“Had a band and we tried real hard
Jimmy quit and Jody got married
Should’ve known we never get far”